How to prove your identity for Companies House at the Post Office
How to complete your identity verification in person at a Post Office, once you've entered your photo ID details online.
1. Enter your photo ID details and choose a Post Office
Enter the details from your photo ID using the Verify your identity for Companies House service and choose the Post Office you want to visit.
2. Download your Post Office customer letter
You’ll get a confirmation email with a link to download your customer letter to your device. You can also ask for a posted copy, but it can take up to 6 working days to arrive.
3. Go to a Post Office with your letter and photo ID
Take your customer letter (on your device or printed) and your original photo ID to a Post Office that offers this service. You can go to any Post Office that offers in-branch verification, even if it’s not the one you chose online.
You must:
- take your original photo ID – you cannot use a photocopy or a digital image
- visit the Post Office by the date shown in your customer letter – this is usually around 15 days from when you received your confirmation email
If you asked for a posted copy of your letter, you’ll have less time to visit before the date shown. If you miss the date on your letter, you’ll need to start proving your identity again.
4. Get your QR code scanned
A member of the Post Office staff will scan the QR code on your letter. This confirms you’re verifying your identity for Companies House. This service is free.
5. Have your photo taken and your ID scanned
Post Office staff will take your photo and scan your photo ID.
6. Wait for your result
You’ll get an email from GOV.UK One Login with the result of your identity check, usually within 1 day of going to the Post Office. The email will include a link to sign in to your GOV.UK One Login. After you sign in, you’ll return to the Companies House service to see your result.
If your identity check was successful, you’ll:
- see a message that says ‘You have already proved your identity’
- need to select ‘Continue’ to see your Companies House personal code
- be able to view your personal code in the ‘Manage account’ section of your Companies House account
If your identity check was unsuccessful, the email will tell you what to do next.