Proof of ID requirements for company formation

When forming a limited company in the UK, all directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) are required to verify their ID, due to the recent Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

Below, we’ll explain the types of ID we may request when registering a company through us.

Types of ID and who needs to supply them

When you submit your company registration application to 1st Formations, all customers, directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will be asked by us to verify your ID. We require your ID to be verified to satisfy our anti-money laundering responsibilities and to comply with ECCTA.

UK residents

We will ask all customers, directors and PSCs to verify their ID using our Onfido app. We accept the following proof of ID documents for UK residents:

• Biometric passport
• Driving licence (provisional or full)
• Biometric residence permit (valid or expired within the last 18 months)
• Residence card
• Frontier Worker Permit

During our verification checks, we will also attempt to verify your residential address electronically. If we are unable to verify your address, we will ask you to send proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill, dated within the last 3 months.

Non-UK residents

When forming a company through 1st Formations, all non-UK residents are required to provide proof of identity and most are required to provide proof of address.

For proof of ID, we accept the following:

• Biometric or machine-readable passport: From any country
• Driving Licence or Biometric ID Card: From the EU or EEA

For proof of address, we can electronically check some addresses without the need for you to provide proof of address; however, in instances where we are unable to do so, we will ask you to provide proof of address documentation dated within the last 3 months.

We may also ask you to provide additional documents, such as certificates of residence, depending on your country of residence.

How we run proof of ID checks

When we ask for your proof of ID, we’ll let you know who we need it from. We use a secure online system called Onfido to run our proof of ID checks. Don’t worry if we ask you to complete a Onfido check; it only takes five minutes to complete via a simple app and won’t cost you anything.

• What happens after I submit my company formation application?
• How we can help you on your company formation journey
• How to register a company in 4 simple steps with 1st Formations

You’ll receive an email invitation from our ID team with detailed instructions on completing your ID verification through the Onfido app. Once you’ve done this, we will begin drafting your work and let you know if there are any issues with your submissions.

Common reasons why ID checks fail

In some instances, the initial digital ID check could fail. The main reasons for this are: 

1. Incorrect personal details entered – people often provide a business address instead of their home address 
2. Recently moved home – if you have a new residential address, the digital footprint may not have fully updated to the new address yet 
3. You are not on the electoral register 

Please double-check the information you enter into the company registration form to ensure you pass the digital ID verification, which will allow us to process your application without delay.

There are a few reasons why a Onfido ID verification could fail, too, including: 

1. The image of the ID is unclear (e.g. it’s blurry or contains shadows, light reflections, etc.) 
2. Failure to upload both the front and back of the proof of ID 
3. We may not support the jurisdiction of the ID issue (these include Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Syria) 

To avoid processing delays, please submit a clear image of both the front and back of your ID from an approved jurisdiction. Here is an example of what you should and shouldn’t submit:

If you fail either of these ID check stages, don’t worry; it will not affect your credit rating. We will keep you updated throughout the application process and notify you if we require additional information before submitting your company registration request to Companies House.

How proof of ID checks work at Companies House

All directors and PSCs are required to verify their identity with Companies House at the point of incorporating the company. When forming your company with 1st Formations, will ask verify your ID and send this to Companies House. They will then send you a personal verification code, which is unique to each person, and needs to be entered prior to a company being incorporated.

You will need to provide this personal verification code to us to enable us to submit your company order to Companies House. Once your company has been incorporated, it will state on the Companies House public register that your identity has been verified.

Start your company formation

All directors and PSCs must provide proof of ID to form a company with us. The process is quick and easy, and we’ll guide you through every step. If you have any questions about ID verification or company formation, leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you. In the meantime, take a look at the 1st Formations blog for more tips and advice on forming and running a company.