ACSP – Authorised Corporate Service Provider UK | Identity Verification
We charge £99 plus vat to verify your identity to Companies House standards. Order online now and you will receive a link by email and or text to access our biometric software. You then just need your passport or driving licence and proof of home address to hand. Simply follow the instructions on screen to obtain your Companies House Personal Code.
Get Your Personal ID Verified Today £99 + vat
Fast, secure and fully compliant identity verification for Companies House and ACSP requirements.
5-minute online process
Secure & AML-compliant
Companies House registered ACSP
Obtain your Companies House personal code now! Passport or Driving Licence required and access to a smart phone to take a photo for IDVT biometrics.
Ideal for directors, PSCs & individuals needing fast Companies House verification
ACSP
An ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider) is a regulated organisation approved to verify identities and file information with Companies House on behalf of UK companies and directors.
From 2026 onwards, many Companies House filings can only be made by:
The individual themselves or
An approved Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
This change forms part of the UK Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms, designed to prevent fraud, improve transparency and ensure company data is reliable and trustworthy.
This guide explains:
What an ACSP is
Why it exists
Who needs one
How identity verification works
The benefits of using an ACSP
How to choose the right provider
Written in plain English by professionals who work with Companies House and HMRC every day.
What Does ACSP Mean?
ACSP stands for Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
An ACSP is a business that:
Is registered with Companies House
Is supervised for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes
Is authorised to verify identities
Can submit filings on behalf of companies
Typical ACSPs include:
Accountants
Chartered accountants
Tax advisers
Company secretarial firms
Legal professionals
Once authorised, an ACSP can act as a trusted gatekeeper between a company and Companies House.
Why Has ACSP Been Introduced?
The ACSP framework exists to:
Reduce fraudulent company registrations
Stop fake directors and shell companies
Improve trust in the UK company register
Make business ownership more transparent
Strengthen the UK’s reputation as a safe place to do business
Companies House is no longer just a passive register. It now actively checks information and requires identity verification.
ACSPs are central to this new system.
Who Needs an ACSP?
You may need an ACSP if you are:
A company director
A person with significant control (PSC)
Forming a new company
Filing confirmation statements
Updating director or ownership details
Running multiple companies
Based overseas
Using an accountant or agent
If you don’t want to verify your identity personally with Companies House, an ACSP can do this for you.
What Does an ACSP Actually Do?
An ACSP can legally carry out identity verification and submit filings on your behalf.
Core responsibilities include:
Verifying director identities
Verifying PSC identities
Verifying business owners
Maintaining audit trails
Submitting filings to Companies House
Ensuring compliance with UK law
Reporting suspicious activity
This protects both the company and the public.
Identity Verification: How It Works
Identity verification is now mandatory for many company roles. It can be done either:
Directly by the individual with Companies House
Through an ACSP
Using an ACSP is often simpler and faster.
Typical verification includes:
Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address
Liveness check (selfie/video)
Fraud screening
Secure digital record
Once verified, Companies House confirms the person is authorised.
ACSP vs Doing It Yourself
Here is a clear comparison:
| Feature | Using an ACSP | Doing It Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Identity checks | Handled professionally | You complete them yourself |
| Compliance risk | Reduced | Higher |
| Time required | Minimal | Can be complex |
| Expert oversight | Yes | No |
| Suitable for overseas directors | Yes | Often difficult |
Benefits of Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Working with an ACSP gives you:
Peace of mind
Legal compliance
Faster processing
Expert support
Reduced rejection risk
Secure document handling
One point of contact
Audit-ready records
For business owners, this removes complexity and uncertainty.
How to Choose the Right ACSP
When selecting an ACSP, look for:
UK-based regulated firm
AML supervision
Clear pricing
Secure technology
Strong data protection
Professional credentials
Transparent process
Ongoing support
Avoid unregulated or overseas providers claiming to offer ACSP services without proper authorisation.
Is an ACSP the Same as an Accountant?
Not always.
An accountant can be an ACSP if they are authorised and registered with Companies House.
But not all accountants are ACSPs.
An ACSP must meet additional regulatory standards and reporting duties beyond normal accounting services.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to verify identities or use a valid ACSP when required can result in:
Rejected filings
Delays to company registration
Financial penalties
Criminal offences in serious cases
Company strike-off risk
Compliance is no longer optional.
Why ACSP Matters for the Future of UK Business
The UK company register is changing from a passive database into a verified business authority.
ACSPs sit at the centre of this new system, ensuring:
Data accuracy
Trust
Transparency
Crime prevention
International credibility
This makes the UK safer for investors, lenders and the public.
Get Help From a Professional ACSP
If you want your identity verification and Companies House filings handled correctly, securely and efficiently, working with an experienced ACSP removes risk and saves time.
A professional ACSP can:
Verify your identity
Submit your filings
Keep your business compliant
Support you long-term
ACSP Charges
If you’re asking “How much do ACSPs charge?”, you’re not alone. Since Companies House introduced Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), business owners, property investors and overseas directors are trying to understand what ACSP services cost, why prices vary, and what you actually get for your money.
This section explains ACSP pricing in plain English, including typical UK fee ranges, what affects the cost, and how to avoid paying for the wrong level of service.
In the UK, ACSP fees typically range from £100 to £500+ per year, depending on:
The type of checks required
Whether the service is one-off or ongoing
The risk level of the company or individuals involved
Whether the ACSP is a regulated accountancy or legal firm
Some low-cost providers advertise very cheap ACSP pricing, but this often covers only basic identity checks and not full compliance support.
ACSPs charge fees because they must:
Carry out regulated identity verification
Maintain AML systems and audit trails
Accept legal responsibility for the accuracy of filings
Remain authorised and supervised under UK law
This is not a box-ticking exercise — ACSPs take on compliance risk, which directly affects pricing.
Typical ACSP Pricing in the UK
| ACSP Service Type | Typical Cost (UK) | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic identity verification (per person) | £100 – £200 | Simple UK companies |
| Company-wide verification package | £100 – £250 | Most small UK limited companies |
| Annual ACSP compliance service | £150 – £500+ | Active companies needing ongoing filings |
| Complex / high-risk cases | £500 – £1,000+ | Overseas directors, property structures, SPVs |
Nationwide ACSP Service (UK)
Our ACSP service is available across the entire UK.
Everything is handled securely online, making it ideal for:
UK residents
Non-UK residents
Digital nomads
Multi-company owners
One trusted ACSP for all your businesses.
ACSP Exeter & Devon
If you’re looking for an ACSP in Exeter or Devon, you don’t need to rely on a generic online provider. We support Exeter-based businesses, Devon directors and property investors with fully compliant personal ID verification and ACSP services accepted by Companies House.
Whether you run a local limited company, act as a director or PSC, or manage a property SPV, our ACSP service offers a fast, secure online process with the reassurance of UK-based professional oversight. Many of our clients are based across Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon and the wider South West, and choose us for clarity, responsiveness and compliance done properly.
You can complete your ID verification remotely from anywhere in Devon, with no need for in-person appointments, while still benefiting from local knowledge and UK regulatory expertise.
Although we are based in Exeter, Devon, anyone, no matter where you are located, can use our ACSP services. We can verify your identity to Companies House standards and obtain your Personal Code no matter where you reside internationally as it is all carried out digitally online. You just need your NFC chipped passport or driving licence and ideally a bank statement with your home address.
Why ACSP Prices Vary So Much
There is no fixed national pricing for ACSP services. Fees vary because ACSPs assess risk, responsibility and workload, not just form-filling.
1. Number of People Being Verified
More directors and PSCs = more checks, more cost.
2. UK vs Overseas Individuals
Overseas identity checks are more complex and almost always increase fees.
3. Business Structure
Simple trading companies cost less than:
Property SPVs
Group structures
Companies with trusts or corporate shareholders
4. One-Off vs Ongoing Service
A one-time verification is cheaper than an ACSP that:
Maintains records
Handles Companies House submissions
Monitors compliance year-round
5. Regulated vs Unregulated Providers
Professionally regulated firms (accountants or solicitors) usually charge more — but provide far higher protection and accountability.
Cheap ACSP Services: What’s Usually Missing?
Very low-cost ACSP services (e.g. £20–£40 offers) often:
Only verify one individual
Exclude PSC checks
Do not cover future filings
Provide no advice if Companies House flags an issue
Push responsibility back onto the director
This can lead to:
Rejected filings
Compliance delays
Higher costs later to fix problems
Is an Accountant-Led ACSP More Expensive?
Yes — and intentionally so.
An accountant-led ACSP typically:
Combines identity checks + compliance oversight
Understands company law, tax and reporting together
Acts as a long-term compliance partner
Reduces the risk of Companies House penalties or restrictions
For many businesses, this results in lower overall cost, even if the upfront fee is higher.
Are ACSP Charges Tax Deductible?
In most cases, yes.
ACSP fees are usually treated as allowable business expenses, particularly when they relate to:
Statutory compliance
Company administration
Legal or regulatory obligations
Your accountant can confirm the correct treatment for your business.
How to Choose the Right ACSP (Not Just the Cheapest)
When comparing ACSP prices, ask:
Is this a one-off fee or annual service?
Does it include all directors and PSCs?
Who is legally responsible for filings?
Are they professionally regulated?
Will they support me if Companies House queries my company?
A slightly higher ACSP fee often delivers significantly better protection and peace of mind.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for ACSP costs?
For most UK limited companies, a fair ACSP fee is:
£100–£250 for initial verification
£150–£500 per year for ongoing ACSP compliance
Anything significantly cheaper should be reviewed carefully for exclusions. Anything more expensive should clearly justify the added value.
Need Help Choosing or Comparing ACSP Fees?
If you want clarity on:
Whether you need an ACSP
What level of service is right for your company
Or whether your current provider is charging fairly
Speak to a UK-based, regulated professional who understands both Companies House compliance and real-world business needs.
Why Companies House introduced ACSPs to Verify Identity
The UK corporate register has historically relied on self-reported information, which made it vulnerable to:
Fake directors and shareholders
False addresses and identities
Shell companies used for financial crime
The ACSP regime creates a trusted gatekeeper model, ensuring that key company information is verified by regulated professionals before it reaches Companies House, hence the new requirement for acsp verification.
This improves:
Corporate transparency
Confidence in UK companies
The UK’s international reputation
Fraud and money-laundering prevention
What an Authorised Corporate Service Provider does
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider acts as an intermediary between you and Companies House. Their responsibilities include:
Registering with Companies House as an authorised agent.
Performing identity verification checks on directors, PSCs, and other relevant individuals.
Retaining secure records of the verification process.
Submitting confirmation to Companies House that the identity has been verified.
Responding to any follow-up queries or requests for further evidence.
The process is similar to a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) or anti-money-laundering check performed by banks and professional firms.
Who Needs to Use an ACSP?
Not every company must use an ACSP, but many will choose or be required to, depending on how filings are made.
You are likely to need an ACSP if:
You want a professional to file on your behalf
You are appointing new directors or PSCs
You want to avoid failed or rejected identity checks
You operate multiple companies or complex structures
You want a single verified compliance record
Companies can still file directly themselves, but identity verification requirements apply either way.
Who Can Become an ACSP?
Only regulated and supervised professionals can register as an ACSP.
Eligibility Requirements
An ACSP must:
Be supervised for AML purposes in the UK
Have fit and proper owners and officers
Register with Companies House as an ACSP
Maintain robust identity verification processes
Keep audit-ready compliance records
Why directors and PSCs may prefer to use an ACSP
Although Companies House provides a free online identity verification route, many directors and PSCs will prefer to pay a professional ACSP to handle the process for them.
Here are the main reasons:
1. Convenience and time savings
ACSPs manage the entire process for you — collecting documents, checking identity, and submitting everything to Companies House. This saves time and avoids the frustration of dealing with new government portals or potential technical issues.
2. Support for complex or international cases
The free Companies House system is designed for straightforward UK-based individuals with valid passports or driving licences.
Those who live overseas, lack suitable ID, or have name or document discrepancies may find it much easier to work with an ACSP who can handle manual checks, certified copies, and non-UK documentation.
3. Accessibility and flexibility
If you don’t have the required technology (such as a smartphone with a working camera) or you simply prefer to work directly with your accountant or company agent, an ACSP offers a practical and supported alternative.
4. Expert guidance and reduced risk of errors
Professionals who act as ACSPs are experienced in company law and filings. They can ensure your verification is completed correctly, reducing the risk of delays or rejection that might hold up important company changes.
5. Combined business services
Many ACSPs also provide company formation, registered office, accounts, and tax services. Having a single trusted adviser who can manage everything in one place can be much more efficient for directors and shareholders.
6. Assurance and professionalism
Using a regulated ACSP gives you peace of mind. They are monitored for compliance with anti-money-laundering rules, must follow strict data-handling standards, and are accountable for the checks they perform.
ACSP vs Filing Directly With Companies House
| Area | Using an ACSP | Filing Directly |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Handled by regulated professional | Handled personally by director/PSC |
| Risk of rejection | Low | Higher if errors occur |
| Compliance support | Ongoing professional oversight | Self-managed |
| Liability sharing | Shared with ACSP | Fully personal |
What Information Can an ACSP Verify?
An ACSP may verify:
Directors’ identities
PSC identities
Company officers’ details
Filers submitting information
Certain changes to company records
Once verified, Companies House can rely on that confirmation without repeating checks.
Legal Responsibility and Risk
ACSPs carry real legal and regulatory responsibility.
If an ACSP submits inaccurate or misleading information:
It may face regulatory sanctions
It can lose ACSP status
It may be reported to its AML supervisor
Criminal penalties may apply in serious cases
For companies, this creates reassurance: ACSPs are incentivised to get it right.
ACSPs and Accountants: A Natural Fit
Accountants are among the most common ACSPs because they already:
Perform AML identity checks
Understand company structures
Act as trusted professional advisers
Handle Companies House filings
Using an accountant as your ACSP often integrates seamlessly with:
Statutory accounts
Confirmation statements
Director changes
PSC updates
Benefits of Using an ACSP for Your Business
Using an ACSP is not just about compliance — it is about risk reduction and credibility.
Key Benefits
Faster, smoother filings
Reduced risk of rejected submissions
Professional oversight of company records
Clear audit trail for banks and investors
Confidence that identity checks meet legal standards
For growing businesses, property groups, and owner-managed companies, an ACSP often becomes part of wider compliance support.
Responsibilities when using an ACSP
If you’re using an ACSP:
Always ensure they are officially registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Confirm they are under recognised anti-money-laundering supervision (for example, by a professional body such as ACCA, ICAEW or the Solicitors Regulation Authority).
Ask for clear details of their fee, what documents are required, and how your data will be stored.
As an ACSP ourself, we must comply with Companies House rules, keep detailed records, and maintain our AML supervision status because failure to do so may lead to loss of our authorisation.
How to Choose the Right ACSP
When selecting an ACSP, look for:
UK AML supervision
Transparent verification processes
Clear pricing
Professional indemnity cover
Experience with Companies House filings
Avoid unregulated or overseas providers claiming ACSP-style services without authorisation.
Why Choose Our ACSP Service?
We are a regulated UK firm providing Authorised Corporate Service Provider services in line with Companies House and Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
What sets us apart:
UK-based regulated professionals
AML-supervised organisation
Secure encrypted systems
Clear fixed pricing
No hidden fees
Experienced in Companies House filings
Support for individuals and businesses
Trusted by directors and business owners
We do not outsource identity checks to overseas providers. All verification is carried out securely and professionally in the UK.
Your compliance, privacy and peace of mind come first.
The Future of ACSPs in the UK
The ACSP framework signals a long-term shift toward:
Verified digital identities
Fewer anonymous companies
Greater enforcement powers
Higher compliance expectations
Businesses that adapt early benefit from smoother compliance and reduced disruption as regulations tighten.
Frequently Asked Questions – Personal ID Verification & ACSP Checks
What is personal ID verification for Companies House?
Personal ID verification is a process used to confirm the identity of directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs) and other individuals linked to a UK company. It helps prevent fraud and ensures Companies House records are accurate and compliant with UK regulations.
Who needs personal ID verification?
Personal ID verification is typically required for:
Company directors
PSCs (People with Significant Control)
Individuals submitting filings through an ACSP
Overseas directors involved in UK companies
If you are involved in running or controlling a UK company, you will usually need to complete ID verification.
How long does personal ID verification take?
Most personal ID verification checks can be completed online in under 5 minutes, provided you have valid photo ID and a suitable device. In some cases, additional checks may be required, which can take longer.
Is personal ID verification mandatory in the UK?
Yes. Identity verification is becoming a standard requirement under Companies House reforms. Individuals acting as directors or PSCs may be required to verify their identity either directly or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
What documents are required for ID verification?
You will usually need:
A valid passport or driving licence
A smartphone or webcam for a live check
Basic personal details such as your name and date of birth
Overseas individuals may be asked for additional documentation.
Is online ID verification safe?
Yes. Reputable ID verification providers use secure systems, encryption and anti-money laundering (AML) checks to protect your personal data and meet UK compliance standards.
How much does personal ID verification cost?
Personal ID verification typically costs between £100 and £200 per person, depending on the provider and the level of checks required. There are no ongoing subscriptions for one-off verifications.
Do I need to verify my ID every year?
In most cases, personal ID verification is a one-off process. However, additional checks may be required if your role changes, your details are updated, or further compliance reviews are needed.
Can overseas directors complete ID verification online?
Yes. Many overseas directors can complete ID verification remotely. However, international checks may take longer and sometimes cost more due to additional verification requirements.
What happens if I don’t complete ID verification?
Failure to complete required ID verification can lead to:
Delays or rejection of Companies House filings
Restrictions on company activity
Increased scrutiny or compliance issues
Completing verification promptly helps avoid unnecessary problems.
Is personal ID verification tax deductible?
If the verification is required for business or statutory compliance purposes, the cost is usually an allowable business expense. Your accountant can confirm the correct treatment for your situation.
Can I order ID verification for multiple people?
Yes. Personal ID verification can be ordered for multiple directors or PSCs, making it ideal for companies, property SPVs and group structures that need several individuals verified quickly.
Why should I use an ACSP for ID verification?
Using an ACSP provides:
Professional oversight
Secure record keeping
Acceptance by Companies House
Reduced risk of compliance errors
It also saves time and ensures your verification is completed correctly.
ACSP Exeter, Devon - can I still use you even though I’m not local?
Yes of course. We van verify individuals to Companies House standard no matter where you are located.
Summary
The introduction of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) is one of the most significant modernisations of Companies House in decades.
It forms part of a wider strategy to create a more transparent and trustworthy register of companies and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a safe, reputable place to do business.
While identity verification can be completed directly and free of charge with Companies House, many directors and PSCs choose to work with an ACSP for the added convenience, expertise, and professional reassurance they provide.
Get Verified with a Trusted ACSP
Ensure your company remains fully compliant with Companies House identity verification rules by working with a professional Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Our ACSP service provides:
Secure digital identity verification
Fast processing
UK-regulated compliance
Support for UK and overseas directors
One simple, fixed-price service
Whether you are forming a new company, updating director details or managing multiple businesses, we make compliance easy.
Start your ACSP verification today and stay compliant with confidence.