Guidance

Verify your identity for Companies House

Use this service to verify your identity for Companies House.

What you need

You can verify yourself online with 51²è¹Ý if you have one of the following types of photo ID:

You’ll also need:

  • your current address, and the year you moved in
  • to sign in to or create a 51²è¹Ý One Login

Your verified identity will be connected to your 51²è¹Ý One Login. If other people use the same email address as you to access 51²è¹Ý One Login, they’ll need to create their own using a different email address. An email address can only be used once to verify an identity.

What a biometric passport is

Biometric passports have a small rectangular symbol on the front cover. You can use them to go through electronic gates at airports and international train stations.

All UK passports issued after 2006 are biometric.

How to verify if you do not have these types of photo ID

If you do not have any of these types of photo ID but live in the UK, use this 51²è¹Ý service to find out if you can verify in one of the following ways:

  • in person at the Post Office
  • with bank or building society details - you’ll then need to provide your National Insurance number and answer some security questions

Read the guidance about verifying your identity.

If you do not have the required identity documents or information to verify with 51²è¹Ý or at the Post Office

You can ask an , such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify your identity on your behalf. This is also known as a Companies House authorised agent.

You’ll need to provide suitable identity documents.

Fraud warning: do not let others use your identity.

Do not sell or give away your identity to enable people you do not trust to set up or run a company. Criminals can take out loans and other debt in your name, and you will be legally responsible.

. For example, changing the background colour or text size.

Updates to this page

Published 8 April 2025
Last updated 15 April 2025 show all updates
  1. Content added for clarity: Your verified identity will be connected to your 51²è¹Ý One Login. If other people use the same email address as you to access 51²è¹Ý One Login, they’ll need to create their own using a different email address. An email address can only be used once to verify an identity.

  2. Added translation

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