Companies House Verification for US-Based Directors
How US-based directors of UK companies verify for Companies House: US passports and driver's licenses, middle names and suffixes, US addresses.
If you live in the United States and are a director or PSC of a UK company, including a UK subsidiary of a US business, you must verify your identity with Companies House. You can do it online from the US. A US passport or a state driver's license works, and you do not need a UK National Insurance number, bank account or credit history.
Middle Names, Initials and Suffixes
US names often appear differently on different records: a middle name in full on a passport but as an initial on the Companies House register, or a suffix such as Jr., Sr. or III on one and not the other. Corporate filings made by a law firm or formation agent may also use a preferred or shortened first name.
Each difference can trip an automated check. On the ACSP route, a compliance officer compares your ID with the register and records any variations, so your application is not rejected for a formatting difference.
Which US ID to Use
Use the document whose name best matches your Companies House record. If your company has several US-based directors, each person verifies individually and receives their own personal code.
- A valid US passport or passport card
- A state-issued driver's license or state ID card
- Any other valid government-issued photo ID
Why US-Based Directors Choose CorpAssist
Identity verification is a legal requirement, so getting it right the first time matters. Here is what CorpAssist handles for you:
- US passports and state driver's licenses accepted
- Middle names, initials and suffixes handled by a compliance officer
- No UK bank account, UK credit history or UK phone number needed
- US addresses and US bank statements or utility bills accepted
- Complete the form in about 10 minutes on any device
- From £29.99 + VAT, with Fast Track in 1 business day
Addresses and Proof of Address
US addresses are accepted, including the ZIP code. For proof of address, a bank or credit card statement, or an electricity, water, gas or landline bill dated within the last 3 months works. A PO box is not a residential address, so use the address where you actually live.
What You Need
- Any valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, driving licence or national identity card
- One proof of address dated within the last 3 months, such as a bank statement or utility bill
- Your residential addresses for the last three years, with no gaps (overseas addresses are fine)
- Your full name, date of birth and any previous names
The full list is in our verification checklist. For everything else about verifying from abroad, read the overseas director verification guide, and check your date with the deadline calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US directors of a UK company need to verify their identity?
Yes. Every director and PSC of a UK company must verify, wherever they live. This includes US executives appointed to the board of a UK subsidiary.
Can I use my US driver's license?
Yes. CorpAssist accepts any valid government-issued photo ID, including state driver's licenses. Choose the ID whose name matches your Companies House record most closely.
Our UK subsidiary has three US directors. Do they each pay?
Each person verifies once and receives a personal code that covers all their UK roles. Verification is priced per person, from £29.99 + VAT each.
How long does it take?
Standard takes 2–3 business days and Fast Track 1 business day after a complete application. Your part takes about 10 minutes.
CorpAssist is an independent commercial service and is not Companies House or GOV.UK. We facilitate identity verification through a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Source: GOV.UK identity verification guidance.
Last verified: October 2026
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