Digital ID, AML & KYC: Key Information

Service availability notice: We currently accept new applications from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Applications from other regions are supported only where submitted via an approved professional agent.

When you establish a UK company, LLP, charity, or CIC with us, specific identification checks must be completed before we can submit your application to Companies House. These checks confirm the identities of those involved in the new company and help prevent the misuse of personal information.

For administrative company restorations, you will still need to complete our standard AML and KYC checks; however, digital identity verification and Personal Verification Codes (PVCs) are not necessary for restoration work.

From 18 November 2025, similar identity checks will also apply to existing directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) of companies that are already registered at Companies House. The notes below explain how those rules work in addition to the requirements for new formations.

Why These Checks Are Required

These checks are essential to:

• ensure the individuals named on a new company are legitimate;
• mitigate the risk of identity misuse; and
• fulfil our legal obligations under the UK Money Laundering Regulations.

We must verify who we are dealing with, check basic sanctions and PEP information, and understand the nature of the application. We only request the minimum information required to comply with the law.

Identity Verification Options (Formations Only)

You can complete your digital identity verification in two ways:

GOV.UK One Login (UK residents)

If you possess a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or a Home Office biometric document, you can typically verify your identity quickly through GOV.UK One Login.

If you are unable to complete the online GOV.UK One Login process at home, you may visit participating UK Post Office branches, where staff can assist you in completing the identity verification process using the official GOV.UK system.

Important:The email address you use becomes permanently linked to your One Login identity. If a verification attempt fails and the session ends, you will need to create a new One Login using a different email address to try again.

Our ACSP Verification Service (UK and overseas clients)

If GOV.UK cannot verify your ID, or if you reside outside the UK, we can verify you through our secure provider. We will send you a secure link to upload your ID document, take a brief live selfie, and provide proof of address if needed.

Required Documents

Most clients will need:

• a valid passport or photocard driving licence;
• a short live selfie or video image; and
• a recent proof of address if requested. For Non-Uk residents - biometric passports only.

Acceptable proof of address (dated within the last 3 months):

• bank or building society statement (PDF or clear photo);
• utility bill (gas, electricity, water, no mobile bills);
• council tax bill or statement;
• HMRC or DWP letter;
• UK photocard driving licence showing current address.

For clients outside the UK, documents may need to be translated into English or certified by a notary in some countries. We will inform you if this applies to your application.

We will clearly outline what is required. Please do not email any documents; all uploads must be done using the secure link we provide.

Next Steps After Verification (Formations Only)

Once your identity is confirmed:

• GOV.UK users will receive an 11 character Personal Verification Code (PVC);
• ACSP-verified clients will have the PVC issued automatically.

Please return your PVC to us when you receive it. We can only submit your formation once all required individuals have completed verification.

Identity Verification for Existing Directors and PSCs (from 18 November 2025)

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will also require existing directors and PSCs of companies that are already on the register to complete digital identity verification.

If you were a director or PSC on 18 November 2025, you will be expected to complete identity verification within the transitional period set by Companies House and obtain your own personal verification code (PVC).

Once you have your PVC, it must be linked to each company where you act as a director or PSC. Many routine filings, including the confirmation statement, may not be accepted unless all relevant directors and PSCs have verified and recorded their PVCs.

If you hold roles in more than one company, you will normally use the same verified identity and PVC for each role, but the code must still be associated with every company.

For clients of 1st Choice Formations, this may affect how and when we can file certain updates for your existing companies. Where filings depend on verified directors or PSCs, we may have to place the submission on hold until all relevant individuals have completed identity verification.

If you are unsure whether you need to complete digital identity verification as an existing director or PSC, please contact us and we will explain what is required and how we can help.

AML & KYC Checks for All Clients

Whether forming a company or applying for restoration, we are required to:

• confirm each client’s identity;
• conduct sanctions and PEP checks;
• understand the purpose of the company or application; and,
• maintain records for the statutory period.

These checks are standard across all UK formation agents. We keep the process straightforward and only ask for information when legally necessary.

We are also obligated to conduct ongoing monitoring. This means we may receive alerts from our verification provider if a client’s KYC status changes — for example, being added to a sanctions list or becoming a politically exposed person (PEP). If this occurs, we may reach out to reconfirm details or request updated information. This is a normal part of regulated KYC compliance and helps ensure your company records remain secure and current.

If Verification Fails

If GOV.UK cannot match your details:

• you may retry immediately;
• you may create a new One Login using a different email address; or
• you may use our ACSP verification service.

If our ACSP service cannot verify your ID, we may request a clearer document, a different form of ID, or updated proof of address.

We will guide you through any necessary steps. Your application will remain on hold until the required checks are completed.

Information Security

All ID and supporting documents must be submitted through the secure upload links we provide. These links are encrypted, and your information is stored only for as long as legally required before being securely deleted.

Your details will never be used for marketing or shared with any third parties, except for our regulated verification partner.

Need Assistance?

If you need a new upload link or have any questions:

Email Us: [email protected]

Call us: 02039368964

We are here to support you throughout the process.