When forming a company in the UK, identity verification is an important part of the company formation process. Proof of Identity and Proof of Address may be required to satisfy applicable Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) and Companies House identity verification requirements.
At Form My Company, the online identity verification process is designed to make completing these checks straightforward, secure and convenient.
When does your service become active?
Your company formation service cannot be fully activated until all required identity documents have been successfully verified.
The digital ID verification process is designed to be completed online using a device with a working camera or webcam. Before starting, you should have the following ready:
- A government-issued photo ID, preferably a passport
- A recent document confirming your residential address, such as a bank statement or utility bill
- A smartphone, tablet or computer with a working camera or webcam
During the verification process, you will be guided through several straightforward steps.
What happens during the identity verification process?
1. Take a clear photograph of your ID
You will first need to photograph your government-issued photo ID.
You can use:
- A valid passport, which is highly recommended
- A valid driving licence
- A valid national identity card
For the verification to work correctly:
- Photograph the original physical document. Scans, screenshots and photocopies are not accepted.
- Place the document flat before taking the photograph.
- Avoid glare, reflections or poor lighting.
- Follow the positioning guidelines displayed on your screen.
- Make sure the entire document is visible and that no information is covered or cropped.
A clear image allows the verification system to read and check the information on your ID correctly.
2. Take a live photograph of your face
The next stage requires a live photograph of your face.
For the best results:
- Stand against a plain background.
- Make sure your face is evenly lit.
- Position your face within the guidelines shown on screen.
- Make sure nobody else is visible in the photograph.
- Remove glasses or hats where applicable.
Your face should be clearly visible so that the verification process can compare your photograph with the identity document provided.
3. Confirm your residential address
You will then need to provide proof of your current residential address.
You can normally photograph the original paper document or upload the original PDF, depending on the options available during the verification process.
Which documents can be used as proof of residential address?
The accepted proof of residential address documents include:
- Bank or Building Society Statement — issued within the last 3 months and showing at least 1 month of transactions. Statements from online-only or digital banks are not accepted.
- Utility Bill — water, gas, electricity or landline telephone bill issued within the last 3 months.
- UK Council Tax Bill — for the current period and issued within the last 12 months.
- Mortgage Statement — issued within the last 12 months.
- Home Insurance Policy — issued within the last 12 months.
Your proof of residential address should meet the following requirements:
- It should be dated within the required timeframe.
- It must show the name of the relevant account holder or company officer.
- It must show your current residential address.
- The document should be in English or accompanied by an English translation completed by an Official Sworn Translator.
Providing a document that does not meet these requirements may delay or prevent successful completion of the verification check.
How does the online ID verification process work?
The exact appearance of the verification system may vary slightly depending on your device and individual circumstances. However, the overall process follows the same basic steps.
When you reach the Proof of ID section, you will be presented with the available verification options.
If you are completing the verification on behalf of another person, you can select the relevant option and provide that person’s email address. They will then receive a link allowing them to complete their own ID verification.
If you are completing the verification yourself, select “I am verifying ID for myself”.
You will then be taken to the digital identity verification system to begin the process.
What personal details should you enter?
You will be asked to provide your name and residential address.
Enter your forename and surname exactly as they appear on your photo ID. Even a small difference between the information entered and the information shown on your identity document can cause the verification to fail.
You will also need to enter your current residential address.
Make sure the address you provide is your current place of residence and corresponds with the information shown on your proof of address document.
Which identity document should you select?
You will then be asked to select the government-issued photo ID you intend to use.
A passport is highly recommended where available.
The document must be a valid:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- National identity card
When photographing your ID, remember to:
- Use the original document rather than a scan, screenshot or photocopy.
- Place it flat.
- Avoid glare and reflections.
- Keep the entire document within the on-screen guidelines.
- Ensure that no information is hidden or cut off.
How should you take your facial photograph?
You will next be asked to take a photograph of yourself.
For a successful verification, use a plain background and even lighting. Position your face within the guidelines provided on screen and make sure there are no other people or objects visible.
If you are wearing glasses or a hat, you may be asked to remove them.
How do you submit proof of residential address?
The final document stage requires you to photograph or upload your proof of residential address.
Depending on the available upload options, you can provide an eligible document such as:
- Bank or Building Society Statement — issued within the last 3 months and showing at least 1 month of transactions. Online-only or digital bank statements are not accepted.
- Utility Bill — water, gas, electricity or landline telephone bill issued within the last 3 months.
- UK Council Tax Bill — for the current period and issued within the last 12 months.
- Mortgage Statement — issued within the last 12 months.
- Home Insurance Policy — issued within the last 12 months.
Make sure the document is clear and contains the required name and residential address information.
Once the required information and documents have been submitted, the verification is sent to the relevant verification provider for processing.
How will you know whether your ID check was successful?
Once the verification process has been completed, you will receive an email confirming the status of your ID check.
If further information or documentation is required, you may need to complete additional steps before the verification can be finalised.
What happens if you do not provide the required documents?
All required identity documents must be provided within 6 weeks of your initial payment.
If acceptable ID documents are not provided within the required timeframe:
- The company formation process may not be able to proceed.
- Where applicable, the company may be reported to Companies House.
- Where a Registered Office address is being provided as part of the service, the address may be removed.
If a Registered Office address is not being used and the company has not yet been incorporated:
- The application cannot be successfully passed through to Companies House.
- The required ID verification must be completed before the application can proceed.
To avoid delays:
- Complete your ID verification as soon as possible.
- Use valid original identity documents.
- Provide an eligible proof of residential address.
- Check that all information matches your documents before submitting the verification.