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Identity verification at Companies House

Verifying your identity for Companies House and guidance for Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), also known as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification

Companies House is introducing a new identity verification process to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes.  

Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

Registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a new requirement that will help us to know who’s filing information on the public register. ACSPs are also known as Companies House authorised agents.

An authorised agent can be a business (for example, a limited company or partnership), or a person who files on behalf of others (sole trader).

Updates to this page

Published 9 April 2025