Register your new business corporation or an LLC anywhere in the UK with the government-authorised ID verification ACSP provider in London. Get a prestigious London registered office address to protect privacy, enhance your company image, and fulfill legal ID checks obligations.

Many ACSPs, such as Coddan, offer bundled packages where the ID verification is included (sometimes free) along with a London registered office address service and full company formation, making it a cost-effective solution for new businesses or non-residents.

These providers specialise in online verification, which is particularly useful for non-UK residents who might face difficulties with the direct UK government’s online ID verification system, which often requires specific UK biometric documents.

To register a company in London with ID verification, you can use an online service to complete the process digitally, often requiring your personal details and identification. You can also use a third-party service like a formation agent or solicitor, who can assist with verification and company registration. The verification process is a mandatory step with Companies House, and you will need to prove your identity, often with a valid ID such as a UK passport or driving licence.

To register a company in London, including Marylebone, you must verify your identity with Companies House, a process now required for all new incorporations. The ACSP will guide you through their process, which involves providing your details and identity documents via a secure online portal or sometimes in person at their London office.

To form a company in London, including Marylebone, you will need to complete an online application with a formation agent that includes identity verification. This typically involves providing personal details and uploading identity and address documents, which can often be done electronically with a passport, driving license, or a recent utility bill. The process is legally required for all directors and significant shareholders and can be completed quickly online.

To form a company in London with ID verification, you can use an online formation agent or Companies House’s direct online service.The process involves providing company details, a registered office address, and completing an ID verification, which can be done electronically by uploading documents like a passport or driver’s license and a recent bank or utility bill. Alternatively, you can use the web service by answering security questions and providing details from a photo ID and National Insurance number, or verify in person at a Post Office.

The provision of a registered office address in London is connected to ID verification because of new UK regulations designed to increase transparency and prevent fraud, particularly under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This means that individuals involved in a company, including directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs), must have their identity verified by Companies House.

The verification process connects the physical London address to the verified identity of the company’s officers and requires proof of ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and sometimes a live selfie for facial recognition. A company officer must complete a one-off identity verification process through the Companies House service. This personal code is used when registering a new company or making new appointments, linking the verified individual to the company and its London registered office address.

The provision of a registered office address in London is connected to ID verification because new UK company formation rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), which take effect from November 18, 2025, mandate that directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House before new companies can be registered.This verification process is used by both Companies House and third-party formation agents to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and prevent fraud, ensuring the integrity of the UK’s company register.

Providing a London registered office address (especially if using a virtual office service) requires the provider to comply with AML legislation. This means they must verify the identity and address of their clients to comply with regulations set by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

ID verification is a critical and mandatory step for company formation, which is directly linked to the provision of a registered office address.The process is designed to prevent fraud and money laundering, and both Companies House and service providers use it to ensure the accuracy of company information and comply with legal requirements.

When a company is formed or a new director is appointed, a London registered address service is used to receive official mail from government bodies like Companies House and HMRC. The identity verification process is a prerequisite for registering a company and links the physical and digital presence of the business.

The provision of a registered address and official ID verification are connected because the address verification process uses official documents to confirm that an individual lives at a specific address, which in turn is a crucial component of the broader identity verification process.

This connection is a fundamental part of meeting regulatory requirements like Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws, and it helps prevent fraud. By comparing the address on an official document (like a driver’s license) to the one provided, and cross-referencing it with trusted databases, companies can verify a person’s real-world connection to a location.

The provision of a registered address with official ID verification is connected in the UK to meet new legal requirements that combat fraud and improve the integrity of the Companies House register. This link ensures that individuals behind UK companies are real, identifiable people and not fake identities used for illicit purposes like money laundering.

It is part of broader anti-money-laundering efforts, requiring a more rigorous process for verifying the identity and address of clients. Before the new rules, it was possible to register a company with a fake name or address, which criminals could exploit for money laundering or other fraudulent activities.

By verifying the identity of the director and connecting it to a registered address, the government can prevent the use of fake identities. Linking verified individuals to their registered addresses makes corporate ownership more transparent. This helps investors, customers, and other stakeholders trust the authenticity of the information on the Companies House register.

The identity verification requirement is a legal obligation for anyone acting as a company director, person with significant control (PSC), or agent when registering or managing a company. Having a verified presence on the Companies House register can demonstrate legitimacy and professionalism, building global confidence in UK corporate data and potentially opening doors to new business opportunities.

The requirement for a registered address accompanied by official identification verification is directly associated with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). This legislation has been introduced to bolster corporate transparency and combat economic crime.

By mandating the verification of individuals’ identities involved with a company, the ECCTA seeks to prevent fraudulent activities, ensure accountability, and protect the integrity of the corporate landscape. This measure establishes a robust framework for businesses, aimed at fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders, including investors, consumers, and regulatory authorities.

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act (ECCTA) requires both new and existing directors, as well as individuals with significant control (PSCs) and other representatives filing on behalf of companies, to undergo a rigorous identity verification process.

This initiative is designed to bolster accountability within the corporate sector and act as a deterrent against fraudulent activities. By ensuring that each entity registered with Companies House is associated with a verified individual, the law aims to create a transparent business environment where ownership and control are clearly delineated.

Furthermore, this verification process serves as a critical tool for addressing and rectifying inaccuracies in the public register, ultimately fostering trust and integrity within the corporate framework.

Companies must establish a registered office address that is deemed appropriate and capable of receiving official communications from regulatory authorities and other entities. This registered office is not only linked to the company’s legal filings, but it also serves as the point of contact for important documents, notifications, and notices, such as tax assessments and compliance communications.

While a residential address may be used for the verification of an individual’s identity—such as directors or shareholders—the registered office address serves a distinct purpose within corporate governance. It is critical for ensuring transparency and accountability within the business structure.

Therefore, it is imperative that companies provide a registered office address that is reliable and accessible, facilitating the delivery of official documents in a timely manner. This ensures that all requisite legal and regulatory obligations are met efficiently and accurately.

You may utilize a third-party agent’s address as your registered address, provided that it complies with the established criteria for appropriate addresses. In addition to the registered physical address, companies are now mandated to supply a designated registered email address to Companies House for all official communications.

This email address must remain confidential and not publicly accessible, and it is essential that it is actively monitored to ensure timely responses to any correspondence from regulatory authorities. The intention behind these requirements is to facilitate efficient communication and ensure that companies can be reached promptly regarding important matters.

The requirement for a registered address involves thorough official ID verification to mitigate the risk of fraud and adhere to essential regulations such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML). This verification process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

By validating the identity of individuals or companies and confirming that the registered address corresponds to them, organizations can enhance the accuracy of their records. This practice is particularly vital in high-risk sectors, including banking and financial services, where the potential for illicit activities is greater and stricter regulatory scrutiny is often applied. Such measures help foster trust and transparency in the marketplace while protecting both businesses and consumers from fraudulent activities.

The Companies House route provides three distinct methods for verifying identity (IDV), each catering to different preferences and circumstances:

1. UK One Login Check App:
   This mobile application facilitates identity verification by accepting various forms of identification. Users can utilize:
   • Biometric passport: This must be valid and not expired, enabling secure verification through advanced biometric data.
   • UK photocard driving licence: Both full and provisional licences are accepted, ensuring a broad base of applicants can utilize this method.
   • UK biometric residence permit: This can be accepted even if it is up to 18 months expired, accommodating individuals whose documentation may have lapsed.
   • UK Frontier Worker permit: This is also a valid form of identification for those working across borders.
   To use this method, applicants must have a compatible smartphone equipped with a functional camera to download and operate the app seamlessly.
2. UK One Login Web Service:
   This online service allows applicants to verify their identity using:
   • UK passport: Acceptable even if it is up to six months expired, providing flexibility for individuals without immediate access to current documentation.
   • UK photocard driving licence: Both full and provisional versions are allowed, thus including a variety of licence holders.
   • UK bank account details: Applicants must also provide their National Insurance number, which helps ensure that the identity verification process is secure and reliable.
   Additionally, applicants will face specific security questions designed to verify their identity further. These questions should only be answerable by the applicant, enhancing the security of the process.
3. Face-to-Face Service (available at selected post offices):
   This option provides an in-person verification experience, accepting the following forms of identification:
   • Biometric passport: Acceptable if up to 18 months expired, allowing for some leniency in documentation.
   • Non-biometric passport: Individuals from selected countries can present non-biometric passports, also up to 18 months expired.
   • UK or EU photocard driving licence: Both full and provisional versions are accepted, making this a viable option for many.
   • UK biometric residence permit: This can also be accepted if it is up to 18 months expired.
   • Biometric EEA national identity photocard: This inclusion helps accommodate applicants from the European Economic Area.

Providers of registered office addresses in the UK are legally required to perform identity verification on their clients to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Furthermore, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduces mandatory identity verification for all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing with Companies House.

Numerous companies in London provide registered office address services, and all are legally required to perform identity verification (IDV) checks to comply with UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Most providers use a secure online process where you upload images of your ID and proof of address, often involving taking a live selfie for biometric matching.

It is essential for applicants to have a UK home address for this method. The application process begins through the GOV.UK One Login website, but the necessary documents and information must be submitted in person at a selected post office, ensuring comprehensive verification.

By offering these three methods, Companies House aims to provide accessible and secure options for individual identity verification, catering to a variety of needs and circumstances.

A wide variety of companies, particularly Authorized Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) such as company formation agents, accountants, and solicitors, specialize in offering registered office address services to non-residents. These providers are obligated by law to verify the identities of their clients to comply with UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and the latest identity verification rules imposed by Companies House. This verification process is especially crucial due to the heightened concerns regarding financial fraud and money laundering.

For many non-residents, particularly those lacking biometric passports, utilizing the services of an ACSP is an attractive option. ACSPs streamline the verification process, allowing clients to submit documents remotely, which can be a significant advantage when navigating regulatory requirements from abroad. Moreover, these service providers generally accept a broader array of international documents, making it easier for clients from various jurisdictions to comply with the verification process.

Engaging a professional registered office address service not only provides a legal business presence in the UK but also safeguards your personal home address from appearing on the public Companies House register. This is especially important for individuals who wish to maintain their privacy and protect their personal information from public scrutiny.

ACSPs are legally required to perform extensive Know Your Customer (KYC) and AML checks, which entail thorough due diligence and verification of identification and address documentation. This process typically involves scrutinizing government-issued IDs, utility bills, and other relevant documents to establish a clear understanding of the client’s identity and address.

For non-UK residents, some ACSPs may also mandate that documents be certified by a public notary, solicitor, or chartered accountant in the client’s home country. This additional layer of verification helps ensure that the documents are legitimate and meet the necessary legal standards, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the registration process and enhancing the overall trustworthiness of the service.

The registered office address must be a physical location situated in the same jurisdiction of the UK where the company is officially registered (for instance, a company registered in England & Wales must have an address in London if that is where it is based). It is important to note that a private PO Box is not acceptable for this purpose. The registered office address is publicly accessible and can be viewed on the Companies House register, making it crucial for privacy considerations.

Utilizing a provider’s London address not only serves the legal requirement but also safeguards your personal home address from public exposure, thus maintaining your privacy.

This service usually encompasses receiving and forwarding all official correspondence from government entities such as Companies House and HMRC. In most cases, this is handled by scanning the documents and emailing them to you at no additional charge. However, please be aware that handling general business mail typically necessitates a separate business address service, which may lead to further costs.

Coddan provides tailored packages specifically for non-residents, which include a prestigious London registered office address, essential company formation services (if required), and the crucial ID verification process needed to comply with regulations. The cost for a standalone registered office address service, complete with ID verification for a non-resident, generally starts around £129.99. It’s important to note that comprehensive formation packages incorporating additional services will be priced higher.

Moreover, our package includes a complimentary ID verification check for your company director and Persons of Significant Control (PSC), a mandatory government filing fee of £50.00, and provision of essential corporate documents necessary for your business’s legal compliance. This ensures a smooth and professional setup for your company while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Your company’s address service has expired, and Companies House has moved it to a default address, meaning you need to update your registered office address immediately or your company could be struck off the register. To fix this, change the address online using your company’s authentication code, or file a paper form if you can’t access the code or have specific company situations.

Failure to provide a valid address within 28 days of being moved to the default address can lead to your company being dissolved. If you do not provide an appropriate registered office address within 28 days of being moved to the default address, Companies House will start the process to strike your company off the register. This could lead to serious complications, including missed correspondence and legal issues.

If your registered office address does not comply with legal requirements, Companies House has the authority to assign a default address to your business. This action is typically prompted by a complaint from a third party—whether an individual or another business—claiming that you are not authorized to use the address you submitted.

When Companies House receives such a complaint and determines it to be legitimate, they will formally inform your company about the application related to the complaint. At that point, you will have a period of 28 days to contest the validity of the complaint. It is essential to provide compelling evidence to support your claim that you are indeed authorized to use the address in question.

If you do not submit sufficient proof within the specified 28-day timeframe, or if the rationale you provide does not hold up to scrutiny, Companies House will proceed to change your registered office address to the default address they designate. This default address is often a location chosen by Companies House and may not align with your business’s operational needs, potentially affecting your correspondence and business reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to address any complaints promptly and provide the necessary documentation to validate your registered office address.

There are several specific scenarios in which Companies House may assign you the default address, though these situations are less common. These include:

1. Undeliverable Mail:
   If Companies House or HMRC consistently sends mail to your registered office address and it is returned as undeliverable, they may decide to use the default address as a last resort. This usually occurs when there are repeated issues with mail delivery, such as an unresponsive postal service or incorrect address information, which highlights the importance of ensuring that your registered office details are accurate and legitimate.
2. Invalid Address:
   If the address you provide fails to meet the necessary criteria—for instance, if it does not qualify as a valid physical address within the UK, or if it is incomplete or misleading—Companies House is likely to assign the default address to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Valid addresses must generally be located in the UK and must be able to receive official correspondence.
3. Failure to Update Company Details:
   When your company relocates or changes its registered office address, it is imperative to promptly notify Companies House of these changes. If you neglect to update your company details within the required timeframe, they may automatically redirect your correspondence to the default address. This may lead to important documents being delayed or lost, emphasizing the necessity of keeping your company information current and correctly filed with the authorities.

Ensuring that your registered office address is accurate and up-to-date is crucial to maintaining good standing with Companies House and other regulatory bodies, thereby avoiding potential complications.

When utilizing a default address, you may be required to provide supplementary documentation to confirm your entitlement to the new address. Acceptable forms of proof include recent utility bills or a lease agreement that explicitly lists your name and the new address.

Typically, Companies House processes changes to registered office addresses in a timely manner, often within just a few hours. In many cases, this can happen as quickly as 3 working hours on certain platforms. However, it is important to allow up to 24 hours for changes to be reflected under standard processing times. This efficiency helps ensure that your company’s information remains accurate and up-to-date in official records.

How to Avoid the Companies House Default Address. Fortunately, avoiding the default address at Companies House is a straightforward process if you adhere to the following best practices:

1. Select a Reliable Registered Office Address:
   The most effective way to prevent complications is by choosing an appropriate registered office address right from the beginning. When selecting your address, ensure that it meets the following criteria:
2. Physical Location:
   The address must be a genuine physical location within the United Kingdom. Please note that PO boxes are not acceptable as registered office addresses, as they do not provide a verifiable physical presence.
3. Mail Reception:
   The address should be capable of receiving official correspondence during standard business hours. This ensures that important documents, such as legal notices and tax letters, are received promptly.
4. Legal Permission:
   It is crucial that you have the legal right to use the chosen address. This involves obtaining consent from the property owner or confirming that you have established your own business premises that you control. Failing to meet this requirement could lead to complications with your registration and communication with Companies House.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively sidestep the use of a default address and maintain a professional image for your business.

Many small business owners choose to use their home addresses as their registered office locations. However, this decision can lead to their personal information being publicly accessible on the Companies House register. If privacy is a concern for you, Coddan offers an excellent solution through its virtual office service. For just £45 + VAT per year, you can secure a professional registered office address that keeps your home address confidential.

This service not only masks your personal details on Companies House but also streamlines your business operations by managing all company correspondence. Any mail that arrives at your registered office is promptly scanned and sent directly to your email, allowing you to stay organized and responsive without compromising your privacy.

It’s important to emphasize that having a proper registered office address is essential; the default address from Companies House does not offer the same level of professionalism or privacy. Furthermore, it is critical to obtain clear, written consent to use your registered office address when necessary and to ensure that all details are accurate and current. This attention to detail is a straightforward yet vital part of maintaining compliance and protecting your business’s reputation in the marketplace. Taking these proactive steps can provide you with peace of mind and help foster trust with your clients and partners.