This article outlines information about ACSPs and provides guidance on completing ID verification through an ACSP.
What is an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)?
An ACSP is a business or person that is officially approved to act on behalf of companies when dealing with Companies House (the registrar). To apply, you must have a senior role in the business, such as a director.
Who can apply to become an ACSP?
ACSPs are usually professionals like accountants, solicitors, or company formation agents who assist customers with setting up a business, filing documents, and verifying the identity of company directors or owners.
Why did this requirement come into place?
Under new legislative requirements introduced as part of the UK government’s corporate transparency reforms, identity verification (IDV) will become a mandatory step for individuals involved in the formation, administration, and filing of company records with Companies House. The aim is to prevent fraudulent activity and ensure that only verified individuals can act on behalf of UK-registered companies.
From 18th November 2025, it will be a mandatory requirement for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identities. Starting from this date, directors and PSCs will be able to view identity verification deadlines for all their roles directly on the Companies House register.
- To incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing one, new directors must first complete identity verification.
- Existing directors will be required to confirm their identity verification when submitting their next annual confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition period.
- Existing People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity within 12 months of the mandatory identity verification rollout.
For further information, please see the guidance on the GOV page here. |
Who must verify their identity?
Identity verification is required for the following individuals:
• Directors
• Equivalent persons, such as LLP members, general partners, or managing officers
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
• Anyone filing on behalf of a company, including company secretaries
In most cases, verification only needs to be completed once. After successful verification, a Companies House personal code is issued. This unique identifier links the individual’s verified identity to their roles and is required from autumn 2025 to:
• File a confirmation statement
• Accept a new director or PSC appointment
• Link existing roles to a verified identity
The code may also be shared with others who file on behalf of the individual or the company.
As a registered ACSP, Dye & Durham Formations and Entity Management Limited is authorised to perform this verification on your behalf. If you prefer not to register as an ACSP yourself or assume the associated responsibilities, you can opt for our service to handle the process for your clients.
Dye & Durham Formations and Entity Management Limited utilises the Credas platform (a Dye & Durham solution) to conduct secure and compliant IDV checks. Credas is a government-recognised digital identity verification provider.
To begin the process, the individual receives an email invitation containing:
• The name of the requesting party
• A unique registration code
• A link to download the free Credas app
Once registered, the system guides the user through a step-by-step process. A full guide can be accessed here.
What does the IDV process include?
The verification involves four primary checks:
1. Liveness Check
A real-time test to confirm the person verifying is physically present. This step involves taking a short video or completing a task, such as blinking or moving the head. It ensures the individual is not using still or generated images.
2. Identity Document Verification
A high-resolution image of a valid identity document is required. Although multiple forms of ID are accepted, a biometric passport is recommended due to its enhanced security features. Other documents may include a national identity card, BRP, or driving licence, depending on eligibility and country of residence.
3. Address and Mortality Check
Proof of address is required to confirm residence and to validate the continued existence of the individual. The document must be dated within the last 3 months. Acceptable proof of address documents include:
• A utility bill (gas, electricity, or water)
• A bank or building society statement
• An official letter from HMRC
• The most recent council tax bill
4. Sanctions and PEPs Check
Credas screens against international databases to confirm that the individual is not listed on sanctions registers and is not a Politically Exposed Person (PEP). This is a standard due diligence process in line with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
Non-Resident Verification
The process for non-residents is identical, with one key distinction: the proof of address will be reviewed manually. This is due to limitations in automatic address validation for non-UK jurisdictions. A clear, dated document showing the current residential address is required.
For more information, please contact us at cosec@dyedurham.com. If you're an accountant or a law firm, you can also complete the onboarding form on our website to get started. |