Guidelines for Achieving Companies House Identity Verification Compliance
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), it is crucial to perform identity verification checks in compliance with the recent legal requirements to prevent fraud and enhance data reliability when verifying someone's identity for Companies House. Here's a step-by-step guide on the key steps and required documentation.
Identity Verification Process
- Direct Verification:
- Utilise the GOV.UK One Login platform (online/app) to directly verify the individual's identity.
- Indirect Verification:
- Submit a verification statement to Companies House confirming that the individual's identity has been verified, particularly for those unable to verify directly via Companies House.
- Verification for Various Roles:
- ACSPs can handle verification for directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and others filing on behalf of companies.
Documents Required
- Collect and check official personal identification documents such as birth or adoption certificates, marriage or civil partnership certificates, and proof of address documents.
- Ensure the collection of the individual's full legal name, date of birth, and additional information as required for identity confirmation.
Outcome
- Once verified, the individual receives a unique Companies House personal code that must be included in filings related to their company roles.
- ACSPs submit a verification statement with the personal code to Companies House for each role held by the individual.
- Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the rejection of filings, potential fines, and other penalties, including director disqualification.
Compliance Notes
- ID verification is compulsory for directors, PSCs, company secretaries, LLP members, and anyone filing on behalf of companies.
- ACSPs must ensure the identity information is kept up to date and provide additional evidence within 42 days if requested.
Additional Considerations
- If you cannot verify a person's identity, keep records of the evidence you used and checks you completed for 7 years. It is the person's responsibility to prove that they are who they say they are and to verify their identity for Companies House.
- To lower the risk of accepting a synthetic identity, ask to see additional documentation if the identity documents provided do not confirm the person's address history for the last 12 months or if they have changed their name.
- Documents that have expired cannot be used as evidence, except in specified exceptions.
- To make sure the identity belongs to a real person, ask to see evidence of activity you would expect, such as bank or credit card statements, utility or council tax bills, sent to the person's home address, if their passport has been used recently or over time.
For more information, read the guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House.
- In the process of verifying someone's identity for Companies House, it is important to ensure that the collective documentation includes evidence of both finance-related documents and business-related identity confirmations, such as bank statements and proof of address documents.
- As an ACSP, while verifying the identity of a potential director or PSC, it is crucial to evaluate their financial standing and business background to mitigate the risk of fraud and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
