ACSP – Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Companies House identity verification through a registered ACSP
An ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider) is a Companies House authorised agent that can verify an individual's identity to the required Companies House standard. The Online Accountants operates through Parkinson (UK) Limited ACSP, supervised by ACCA, providing secure online identity verification for directors, People with Significant Control and eligible overseas directors.
Fixed price: £99 + VAT per person · online process · no subscription
ACCA Supervised
Secure online verification through our registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Get Verified →What is an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)?
ACSP stands for Authorised Corporate Service Provider. An ACSP, also known as a Companies House authorised agent, is a business or individual registered with Companies House and supervised in the UK for Anti-Money Laundering purposes. An authorised ACSP can verify identities to the Companies House standard and, as the Companies House reforms are introduced, authorised agents will play an increasingly important role in submitting information on behalf of clients.
The Online Accountants operates through Parkinson (UK) Limited ACSP, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider appearing on the published Companies House ACSP list and supervised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Registered ACSP
Supervised
+ VAT
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ACSP meaning explained in plain English
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is essentially a regulated professional intermediary between an individual or business and Companies House. The regime was introduced as part of reforms intended to improve the accuracy of the UK companies register and make it harder for false or stolen identities to be used.
Identity verification
An ACSP can check an individual's identity to the standard set by Companies House and notify Companies House when the verification has been successfully completed.
Regulated status
To register as an ACSP, an agent must be supervised in the UK for Anti-Money Laundering purposes. This includes many accountancy, legal and company formation businesses.
Companies House agent
Companies House also calls ACSPs "authorised agents". The regime allows Companies House to know who is carrying out regulated verification and, progressively, who is filing for clients.
Important distinction: you do not necessarily need to pay an ACSP simply because you are a company director. Companies House provides its own identity verification route. Using an ACSP is an alternative for people who want a regulated professional to carry out the verification on their behalf.
Who needs Companies House identity verification?
Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025. The exact date on which an individual must comply depends on their role and circumstances.
- New company directors appointed from 18 November 2025.
- Directors incorporating a new company from 18 November 2025.
- Existing company directors, according to the transition timetable and their company's confirmation statement.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs), according to their applicable 14-day verification period.
- People applying to register an ACSP with Companies House.
Other roles and entity types are being brought into identity verification requirements in stages, so it is important not to assume that every Companies House role follows exactly the same timetable.
Do I have to use an ACSP?
For most directors and PSCs, the important legal requirement is identity verification itself, rather than a requirement to purchase an ACSP service.
Director and PSC identity verification
Directors and PSCs within scope must meet Companies House identity verification requirements by their applicable date. Verification can be completed directly or through an ACSP.
Agents filing as authorised agents
Companies House has stated that the requirement for agents filing on behalf of clients will be introduced separately, with authorised agent filing beginning no earlier than November 2026.
Important ACSP and Companies House identity verification dates
ACSPs were able to start telling Companies House that they had successfully verified an individual's identity.
Identity verification became a legal requirement for directors and PSCs, with requirements introduced through a transitional process.
Existing directors and PSCs move through the verification timetable according to their specific Companies House due dates.
Companies House has indicated that authorised-agent filing measures will begin no earlier than November 2026.
How ACSP identity verification works
Our online ACSP verification service is designed to make the process as straightforward as possible while still meeting the Companies House identity verification standard.
Order online
Place your order securely online for our fixed-price Companies House identity verification service.
Receive your secure link
We send instructions and access to the secure identity verification process by email and/or text.
Complete your ID check
Follow the on-screen instructions using suitable photographic identification and your smartphone. Additional evidence may be requested where required.
Companies House notified
Once the required checks have been successfully completed, the verification is reported to Companies House and your personal code can then be used for your relevant company roles.
How much does an ACSP charge?
There is no standard Companies House fee that every ACSP must charge its clients. Each authorised provider sets its own price for professional identity verification and related services.
Prices can therefore vary according to the provider, the verification method, the documents available and whether additional work is required. Before ordering, check exactly what the quoted price covers.
Companies House ID Verification
Fixed-price online personal identity verification through our Companies House registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
What is a Companies House personal code?
After you have successfully verified your identity, Companies House provides you with an 11-character personal code. This identifies your verified identity to Companies House.
The code belongs to you as an individual, rather than to one particular company. If you are a director of several companies, you normally verify your identity once and use the same personal code for the relevant appointments.
One verified identity
You do not ordinarily repeat the complete identity verification process separately for every company directorship.
11-character code
Your personal code connects your verified identity with your Companies House roles and appointments.
Keep it secure
Treat your Companies House personal code as important personal information and provide it only where legitimately required.
ACSP verification vs verifying directly with Companies House
| Feature | Using an ACSP | Direct with Companies House |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Completed through an authorised agent | Completed by you |
| Professional assistance | Yes | Self-service |
| Companies House personal code | Issued following successful verification | Issued following successful verification |
| Companies House standard | ACSP must follow prescribed identity standard | Companies House verification process |
| Cost | Provider sets its professional fee | Companies House online verification is generally free |
| Useful for international clients | Often particularly useful | Possible where the required verification route is available |
| Professional help if extra evidence is required | Yes, subject to provider service | Self-managed |
Choosing an ACSP does not transfer a director's statutory duties or responsibility for ensuring that company information is accurate.
Why use an accountant as your Authorised Corporate Service Provider?
Accountancy firms are well suited to the ACSP role because regulated accountants already work with company directors, ownership structures, Companies House filings and Anti-Money Laundering procedures.
Regulatory oversight
Our underlying accountancy practice is supervised by ACCA and our ACSP appears on Companies House's published authorised-agent list.
Company expertise
Identity verification sits alongside the wider Companies House, accounts and Corporation Tax requirements affecting UK companies.
Continuing support
If you subsequently need professional help with statutory accounts, Corporation Tax or company compliance, an accountant-led service can provide continuity.
Companies House registered ACSP
The Online Accountants is a trading name of Parkinson (UK) Limited. Parkinson (UK) Limited ACSP appears on the Companies House published list of Authorised Corporate Service Providers.
This gives clients a clear way to distinguish a genuine registered ACSP from a business merely offering general company administration or identity-checking services.
How to choose an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Companies House does not recommend one commercial ACSP over another, so it is sensible to check the provider before paying for a service.
- Confirm that the provider is genuinely registered as a Companies House authorised agent.
- Check which UK Anti-Money Laundering supervisory body regulates or supervises the provider.
- Ask exactly what the quoted ACSP fee includes.
- Check whether the identity verification can be completed remotely if that matters to you.
- Ask what happens if the automated identity check cannot be completed.
- Check how identification documents and personal information will be handled.
- Consider whether you also require ongoing accounting or Companies House support.
ACSP identity verification for overseas directors
You do not need to live in the UK to be a director of a UK company, and being overseas does not remove the relevant Companies House identity verification requirements.
An online Authorised Corporate Service Provider can be particularly useful for non-UK directors because the verification can often be handled remotely without travelling to an accountant's office in the UK.
We can assist directors and other eligible individuals in many countries using secure online identity verification. The documentation required depends on the individual circumstances and the verification method available.
This can be especially useful for international entrepreneurs who own or manage a UK registered limited company but conduct their business from another country.
ACSP Exeter and Devon
If you are searching for an ACSP in Exeter or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider in Devon, our underlying practice Parkinson (UK) Limited is listed by Companies House as an ACSP in Exeter and is supervised by ACCA.
The service itself is delivered online, so clients do not need to be based in Exeter. We can assist directors and businesses throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as eligible overseas directors of UK companies.
What responsibilities does an ACSP have?
Registering as an authorised agent creates ongoing legal and compliance responsibilities. An ACSP must remain appropriately supervised for Anti-Money Laundering purposes and comply with Companies House requirements.
- Follow the Companies House identity verification standard when verifying an individual.
- Maintain appropriate AML supervision.
- Keep required records of identity checks; Companies House guidance currently requires relevant verification records to be kept for seven years.
- Provide information to Companies House where legally required.
- Keep Companies House informed about relevant changes to the authorised agent.
Companies House can suspend or cease an authorised agent's status where applicable requirements are not met.
Frequently asked questions about ACSPs
What does ACSP stand for?
ACSP stands for Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Companies House also describes an ACSP as a Companies House authorised agent.
What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a business or individual registered with Companies House as an authorised agent and supervised in the UK for Anti-Money Laundering purposes. An ACSP can perform permitted services including Companies House identity verification.
Is an ACSP the same as an accountant?
No. An accountant may become an ACSP if the relevant requirements are met and the practice registers with Companies House, but an accountant is not automatically an ACSP simply because they prepare company accounts.
Is The Online Accountants an ACSP?
Yes. The Online Accountants is a trading name of Parkinson (UK) Limited. Parkinson (UK) Limited ACSP appears on the Companies House published list of Authorised Corporate Service Providers and is supervised by ACCA.
Do all company directors need to verify their identity?
Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement for directors from 18 November 2025. New directors must meet the requirements when becoming a director, while existing directors have been brought into the system according to the transitional timetable and confirmation statement requirements.
Do People with Significant Control need identity verification?
Yes. PSCs within scope must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code during their applicable 14-day compliance period. The relevant dates depend on the individual's circumstances.
Can I verify directly with Companies House instead of using an ACSP?
Yes. Companies House provides a direct identity verification route and an individual may use that route if suitable. Using an ACSP is an alternative for people who prefer professional assistance or a provider-led verification process.
How much does ACSP identity verification cost?
ACSPs set their own professional fees. Our online Companies House identity verification service is currently £99 plus VAT per person.
What documents do I need for ACSP verification?
The documents required depend on the verification route and your circumstances. Suitable photographic identification will normally be required and additional evidence may be requested where necessary to meet the Companies House standard.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is an 11-character code associated with an individual's verified identity. It is personal to the individual rather than to a particular company.
Do I need a separate personal code for every company?
Normally no. If you hold appointments with several companies, your verified identity and personal code can be used for the relevant Companies House roles rather than completing a new identity check for every company.
Can an overseas director use a UK ACSP?
Yes. Subject to the available documents and successful completion of the required checks, many overseas directors of UK companies can complete ACSP identity verification remotely.
Does using an ACSP remove a director's legal responsibilities?
No. An ACSP can provide professional services and carry out permitted Companies House activities, but company directors remain responsible for complying with their own statutory duties and for ensuring company information is accurate.
Are ACSPs regulated?
To register as an ACSP, an agent must be supervised within the UK for Anti-Money Laundering purposes. Companies House also imposes specific legal and record-keeping requirements on authorised agents.
Need your Companies House identity verified?
Complete your identity verification through a UK accountancy firm registered as a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Our service is available online to UK and eligible international clients.
Get Verified – £99 + VAT →