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Guide · Client
How to Verify Client Directors' Identity With Companies House
The practical process, from building the list of people to keeping the evidence.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 27 September 2026
Quick answer
To verify client directors' identity, first list every director and PSC, then choose a route: the director verifies directly with Companies House, or an authorised corporate service provider verifies them. Record the outcome per person and keep the evidence. Remindoo tracks status, stores documents and automates the chasing.
What does the process involve?
Establishing who needs verifying, collecting the required identity evidence, completing verification through the chosen route, and keeping a record.
The evidence requirements and accepted documents are set by Companies House and have changed during the rollout, so check the current guidance before you write to clients. Getting the document list right first time avoids a second round of requests.
What records should the firm keep?
Who was verified, when, by which route, and what evidence was seen — retained in line with the requirements that apply to your route.
If your firm verifies as an ACSP, record keeping obligations apply directly to you. Even where clients verify themselves, keep your own note of the date and confirmation so you can answer a query years later.
How to Verify Client Directors' Identity With Companies House: step by step
- 1
Build the person list
List every director and PSC across your company clients.
- 2
Confirm the requirements
Check current accepted evidence and deadlines on GOV.UK.
- 3
Choose the route
Client self-verification or verification through an ACSP.
- 4
Request the evidence
Ask for the exact documents required, securely.
- 5
Complete verification
Carry out or confirm completion of the verification.
- 6
Record and retain
Log the date, route and evidence against the person.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
How do you do it in Remindoo?
- Import directors. Use Companies House sync to pull officer and PSC details.
- Collect documents securely. Have clients upload identity documents to the portal.
- Record the outcome. Store the verification status and date on the client record.
- Use AML checks where relevant. Run built-in digital ID and AML checks for your own due diligence.
- Chase automatically. Schedule reminders until every person is verified.
- Report the gaps. Filter for unverified individuals across all clients.
Companies House sync
Import company details and filing deadlines.
See featureClient portal and document sharing
Share requests and documents securely, not by email.
See featureAML risk scoring and digital ID checks
Risk assessments plus built-in digital KYC, AML and proof-of-address checks.
See featureCustom fields and data tokens
Capture and reuse the data your firm needs.
See featureAutomated reminders
Timely prompts before work becomes urgent.
See featureWhat are the common mistakes?
- Asking for identity documents by email
- Requesting the wrong documents and repeating the request
- No record of the verification date
- Forgetting PSCs who are not directors
- No process for newly appointed directors
“Automation saves time and no follow-up is missed.”
Frequently asked questions
What documents are accepted?
Accepted evidence is set by Companies House and has changed during the rollout. Check the current GOV.UK guidance before asking clients.
Can we verify identity for clients?
Only if registered as an authorised corporate service provider. Otherwise, direct the individual to verify with Companies House.
Does an AML check satisfy Companies House verification?
No. They are separate regimes, although the same documents are often used for both.
How do we handle newly appointed directors?
Add verification to your company secretarial process so it happens at appointment, not retrospectively.
Where should the evidence be stored?
On the client record in a secure system, with the date and route recorded, in line with retention requirements.
Does Remindoo run digital ID checks?
Yes, for AML client due diligence — digital ID, KYC and proof of address checks are built in. Companies House verification is a separate process.
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Sources
Last updated 27 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Why recording AML checks properly matters
UK accountants must follow the Money Laundering Regulations and their supervisor's guidance. If a check is not recorded, supervisors will generally treat it as not done.
Evidence for your supervisor
Dated ID checks and risk assessments on each client file are what a supervisor asks to see during a review.
Consistent risk scoring
A standard risk assessment means every client is judged the same way, whoever onboarded them.
Ongoing monitoring
Reminders for periodic reviews help keep checks current rather than done once and forgotten.
Faster onboarding
Built-in digital ID and AML checks in Remindoo reduce back-and-forth with new clients.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Complete identity checks and a risk assessment before starting chargeable work.
- Set review dates by risk level, with higher-risk clients reviewed more often.
- Record the reason for each risk rating, not just the rating.
- Check your supervisor's current guidance, as requirements can change.
Related Remindoo features
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT, Chartered Accountant with 18+ years in practice. Founder and MD of Accotax, an ICAEW, ACCA and AAT regulated London practice that has served over 5,000 clients, and founder of Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.
What UK practices say about Remindoo
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