Verifying your identity in-person at the Post Office
Further to Companies House requiring all directors and PSCs to verify their identity, an alternative method is available for those individuals who cannot — or choose not to — use the main digital methods available.
This in-person option of verifying your identity will involve you starting the process online and then visiting a local Post Office with your identity documents for a member of the Post Office staff to process. Once your identity is confirmed, the Post Office will apply to Companies House for issue of your UID code / personal reference, which will be sent to you via email within a day or so (typical timeline).
Please make sure the Post Office you are planning to visit offers the ‘in-branch verification’ service.
To find your local Post Office and the services on offer at that specific branch, please visit Post Office Branch Finder. If in-branch verification is not listed, please feel free to contact the Post Office branch — the website might not be updated yet to reflect this newly introduced service.
WHA have outlined the steps below, so you know how to verify your identity using this approach, and what to expect from the process.
Step-by-step ID verification at the Post Office
1. Start online
- Begin on the GOV.UK One Login (or the relevant service website, like Companies House).
- Enter your details (name, date of birth, address), and upload or list your chosen photo ID.
- You may receive a verification prompt to go ‘in person at a Post Office’.
2. Prepare your documents
Valid types of identity documents include:
- UK passport or non‑UK biometric passport.
- UK (or NI/EU) photocard driving licence.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or national ID from EU/EEA countries.
3. Visit a participating Post Office branch
- Go with your ID and the verification confirmation (either an email or reference).
- At the branch, staff will:
- Scan your photo ID.
- Take a live photo of you.
- Validate that your ID and photo match and verify the authenticity of your ID document.
4. Verification & confirmation
- The Post Office will send a verification report to the requesting organisation (e.g., GOV.UK One Login or Companies House).
- You will typically receive email confirmation within a day.
5. Receive your unique code
- Companies House will email you directly with your UID code / personal reference. When received, please make sure to let WHA know what this code is.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is vital that you provide your UID code / personal reference to WHA. We will need to quote the UID code / personal reference for all directors and PSCs when we file your company confirmation statement.
✅ Quick checklist
✔ Completed GOV.UK One Login and chosen the Post Office route
✔ You have your documents ready and in hand (i.e. valid photo ID such as a passport, photocard licence, BRP, etc.)
✔ Verification confirmation (email/reference)
✔ Visit a local Post Office branch offering ‘in-branch verification’ (taking your ID documents with you, along with your verification email / reference)
✔ Post Office staff will verify your identity
✔ Companies House will email you directly with your UID code / personal reference
✔ Let WHA know your Companies House UID code / personal reference as soon as possible
For a comprehensive overview of the Companies House IDV requirements, please review the previously published WHA blog entry, which can be found by following this link: Companies House IDV requirement.
Should you have any questions or queries regarding the forthcoming IDV regulations and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the WHA statutory team — we will be happy to support you and provide guidance on how you and your company can fulfil these new IDV requirements. You can contact us on 020 8878 8383 or via email on info@whitehartassociates.com. Additionally, your reporting accountant who handles your financial matters will also be happy to assist you.
