UK Companies House Identity Verification for Nigerian Nationals: A Clear Guide for Directors and PSCs

Nigerian nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification.

After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you rather than to a specific company.

You can use the same code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each role.

Important Point for Nigerian Nationals

For Nigerian nationals, the clearest identity document is usually a valid Nigerian biometric passport.

A Nigerian National Driver’s Licence may also provide Group A photographic evidence for a person-led ACSP check. PRADO currently lists the Nigerian National Driver’s Licence under document reference NGA-FO-02001.

However, Nigerian applicants should take particular care with national identity documents.

PRADO’s Nigeria page currently lists only:

• passports; and
• driving licences.

It does not show a Nigerian national identity card category. Therefore, you should not rely on a Nigerian National Identification Number card, NIN slip, NINAuth digital identity card or voter card as one of the required Companies House documents.

Companies House does not include these Nigerian documents in its published Group B list either. They may provide extra background information, but they do not replace a required Group A or Group B document under the published ACSP routes.

Direct answer: For most Nigerian directors and PSCs, the strongest person-led verification combinations are a Nigerian passport plus a PRADO-listed Nigerian driving licence, or a Nigerian passport plus a suitable bank statement, utility bill or other Group B document.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Nigerian nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• becoming directors of UK companies;
• registered as PSCs;
• becoming PSCs of existing companies;
• forming UK companies in which they will act as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Mandatory identity verification started on 18 November 2025. Companies House introduced the requirement through a 12-month transition period rather than one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements. New directors must provide the code during incorporation or as part of their appointment filing.

PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods. The correct period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Nigerian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Nigerian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

Companies House offers a free direct identity verification service through GOV.UK One Login.

The service may ask you to:

• use the GOV.UK One Login app;
• answer online security questions; or
• visit a participating UK Post Office.

The route available to you depends on your documents, device and access to UK records.

Using a Nigerian Passport in the GOV.UK One Login App

A Nigerian national can normally try the app route with a valid biometric passport.

The GOV.UK One Login app accepts a non-UK passport that contains a biometric chip. You must scan the passport’s biodata page and electronic chip. You must also complete a facial comparison.

The app does not accept an expired passport.

Nigeria issues biometric e-passports to its citizens. The current enhanced passport model shown on PRADO carries document reference NGA-AO-03001 and was first issued on 29 April 2019. Earlier Nigerian biometric passport models may also remain usable until their individual expiry dates.

A current Nigerian biometric passport will therefore provide the clearest direct-verification route for many applicants.

Can You Use a Nigerian Driving Licence in the App?

No. The GOV.UK One Login app accepts a UK photocard driving licence, but it does not accept a Nigerian driving licence.

The Post Office route also accepts only UK or EU photocard driving licences. It does not list non-EU driving licences such as the Nigerian National Driver’s Licence.

A PRADO-listed Nigerian driving licence may still work through a person-led ACSP check.

Can You Use a NIN Card in GOV.UK One Login?

The app does not accept Nigerian NIN cards, NIN slips or digital NIN records.

The Post Office route accepts national identity cards only from EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It does not accept a Nigerian national identity card.

Using a Nigerian Passport at a UK Post Office

The Post Office route accepts a non-UK passport. Therefore, a Nigerian passport may work where the online service directs the applicant to in-branch verification.

This route may suit Nigerian nationals who live in the UK. It will usually offer less convenience to someone who lives in Nigeria or another country and does not plan to travel to the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can verify a client’s identity for Companies House.

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers. Companies House allows an ACSP to complete the checks remotely or in person.

The ACSP must follow every step of the Companies House identity verification standard. It must also confirm that the documents are genuine and belong to the person being verified.

The ACSP route may suit a Nigerian director or PSC who:

• lives in Nigeria or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• does not have a compatible smartphone;
• cannot scan the Nigerian passport chip;
• wants to use a PRADO-listed Nigerian driving licence;
• needs help choosing a Group B document;
• has a NIN record but no second accepted identity document;
• has several forenames or a shortened passport name;
• changed their surname after marriage; or
• needs remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on the verification method.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible photographic identity document may be enough where the ACSP uses suitable identification document validation technology, known as IDVT.

The technology must validate the document’s cryptographic and physical security features.

Companies House allows the following documents under Option 1:

• a biometric or machine-readable passport;
• a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence;
• an EU, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein biometric identity card;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

For a Nigerian national, the most relevant Option 1 document is normally a biometric or machine-readable Nigerian passport.

A Nigerian driving licence does not qualify under the Option 1 driving-licence category because Nigeria is not an EU country. A NIN card also does not qualify under the biometric identity-card category, which only covers specified European countries.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired under Option 1, but the technology must still validate its cryptographic features. GOV.UK One Login follows different rules and does not accept an expired passport through its app.

Option 2: Person-Led Verification

A trained person may check the documents remotely by video call or examine them in person.

Under this route, the applicant must provide:

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document.

Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

A Nigerian passport can provide Group A evidence. A Nigerian driving licence may also qualify because PRADO lists the relevant photographic card.

Nigerian applicants who use a person-led video service should prepare two suitable documents before the appointment.

Group A Photographic ID for Nigerian Nationals

1. Nigerian Passport

A Nigerian passport normally provides the clearest Group A document.

PRADO lists the current enhanced Nigerian passport as:

• NGA-AO-03001;
• ordinary passport;
• first issued on 29 April 2019; and
• currently valid as a document model.

Nigeria also issues 5-year and 10-year enhanced e-passports, depending on the booklet and the applicant’s eligibility.

Companies House allows a passport that expired within the previous 18 months under a person-led Option 2 check. However, you cannot use a passport that has been cancelled or replaced with a newer one.

You also cannot use a passport with cancellation marks, such as a cut corner. A current passport will usually make the verification process easier.

2. Nigerian National Driver’s Licence

A valid Nigerian National Driver’s Licence may provide Group A photographic evidence during a person-led Option 2 check.

PRADO lists the licence as:

• NGA-FO-02001;
• National Drivers Licence;
• first issued on 1 March 2011;
• a card-format document; and
• a document that establishes the holder’s identity within Nigeria.

The driving licence does not, by itself, prove Nigerian nationality.

Companies House allows another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO under Group A. The Nigerian licence can therefore qualify through that category, subject to successful document review and validation.

Send clear images of both the front and reverse before the video appointment.

The verifier should check:

• the exact licence model;
• the licence number and expiry date;
• the photograph;
• the physical security features;
• the card’s condition;
• whether the licence has been replaced; and
• whether the document details match the applicant.

The Federal Road Safety Corps also operates an official Nigerian driving licence verification service. The verifier may use that service or another authoritative check where further confirmation is needed. Additional checks may prevent same-day completion.

Can a Temporary Driving Licence or Application Slip Be Used?

Do not rely on a temporary driving licence, acknowledgement slip, application slip or payment receipt as one of the required documents.

PRADO lists the physical Nigerian National Driver’s Licence card. It does not currently list a temporary slip as a separate qualifying photographic identity document.

An ACSP may review a temporary document as additional information, but the applicant should prepare a passport and another accepted document.

3. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Nigerian nationals who live in the UK may also hold other Group A documents.

Examples include:

• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a UK biometric residence card;
• a UK biometric residence permit that falls within the permitted expiry exception;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit;
• a photographic government-issued work permit;
• a photographic immigration document; or
• a photographic visa.

The ACSP must confirm that the document falls within the Companies House rules and remains suitable for validation.

Can You Use a Nigerian NIN Card?

Do not rely on a Nigerian NIN card as one of the required Companies House identity documents.

Nigeria issues National Identification Number records and identity services through the National Identity Management Commission. The NIN may play an important role in Nigerian identity administration, passport applications and data alignment.

However, the Companies House position depends on its own published document categories.

A Nigerian NIN card does not currently fall within:

• the Option 1 biometric identity-card category, which covers specified European countries;
• the standard Group A identity-card category; or
• the published Group B supporting-document list.

PRADO’s Nigeria page does not currently show a national identity card category.

The same caution applies to:

• a NIN slip;
• a premium NIN slip;
• a digital NIN card;
• a NINAuth identity screen;
• a printed NIN confirmation;
• a Nigerian voter card; and
• a screenshot from an identity application.

These records may help an ACSP understand or cross-check personal information. They do not replace one of the required Group A or Group B documents under the current published standard.

What About an ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card?

Nigeria’s immigration service refers to an ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card service. However, PRADO’s current Nigeria page does not show a Nigerian identity-card category.

Do not assume that an ECOWAS-branded card automatically qualifies for Companies House verification.

The ACSP should first confirm:

• the exact issuing authority;
• the document model;
• its current legal status;
• whether PRADO lists it; and
• whether the Companies House rules cover it.

Until the published lists change, a Nigerian passport or PRADO-listed Nigerian driving licence offers a clearer route.

Group B Supporting Documents

You can use one Group B document where you only have one suitable Group A photographic document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

• a birth or adoption certificate;
• a marriage or civil partnership certificate;
• a non-photographic immigration document;
• a non-photographic visa;
• a non-photographic work permit;
• a bank or building society statement;
• a mortgage statement showing the current address;
• a utility bill showing the current address;
• an insurance policy showing the current address;
• a UK council tax statement; or
• a qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Nigerian bank statement, mortgage statement, utility bill or civil-status certificate may work where the document:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine organisation;
• clearly shows the relevant personal information;
• supports the stated identity or current address;
• contains no signs of alteration; and
• provides credible evidence of real activity.

Companies House tells ACSPs to request extra documents where the main evidence does not confirm the applicant’s address history for the previous 12 months or a change of name.

Nigerian Birth Certificates and Attestations of Birth

A Nigerian birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The National Population Commission, known as the NPC, has handled birth registration in Nigeria since July 1988. The NPC may also issue an Attestation of Birth to an adult whose birth was not registered. An Attestation of Birth differs from a standard birth certificate.

Do not assume that every age declaration, hospital letter, affidavit or Attestation of Birth automatically falls within the Companies House “birth certificate” category.

Send the exact document for review before relying on it. The ACSP may ask for another Group B document where the document type or issuing history remains unclear.

Nigerian Marriage Certificates

A Nigerian civil or registered marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence. It can also help connect a birth surname to a married surname.

Nigeria may issue civil or registered marriage certificates through a federal registrar or the registrar for the relevant local government area. Customary and Islamic marriages follow different registration practices, so the documentary evidence can vary.

Where an applicant relies on a customary or Islamic marriage document, the ACSP should review:

• the issuing body;
• whether the marriage was registered;
• the applicant’s names before and after marriage;
• the date of the marriage; and
• whether the document clearly links the two identities.

Recommended Document Combinations

Nigerian Passport and Nigerian Driving Licence

This combination may provide two Group A photographic documents under Option 2.

The passport confirms identity and nationality. The PRADO-listed driving licence provides a second photographic document.

Both documents should show consistent names and dates of birth.

Nigerian Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides one Group A document and one Group B document.

The statement should show the applicant’s full name and credible account activity. Where it supports the current address, the address should match the information supplied for verification.

Nigerian Passport and Utility Bill

A utility bill may provide the second document where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and assess whether the bill appears genuine.

Nigerian Passport and Mortgage Statement

This combination may work where the mortgage statement clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

Nigerian Passport and Birth Certificate

A standard birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The ACSP should check the issuing authority and confirm that the document belongs to the applicant. An age declaration or Attestation of Birth requires separate review.

Nigerian Passport and Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate can help where the applicant’s passport, bank documents and Companies House record show different surnames.

The document must clearly connect the former and current names.

Nigerian Passport and UK Immigration Document

A Nigerian national living in the UK may also use an eligible UK biometric residence card, photographic visa or other permitted immigration document.

Depending on the exact documents, this may provide two Group A documents.

Nigerian Names, Middle Names and Passport Truncation

Nigerian identity records require careful name checks.

Names used in Nigeria can include:

• one or more personal forenames;
• a father’s forename in some Muslim naming systems; and
• a family surname.

People with several forenames may use them inconsistently. Some records may shorten, switch or omit one of the names. Family surnames do not usually receive the same treatment.

A Nigerian e-passport also has a maximum name-field length of 26 characters, including spaces and hyphens. Where a person’s complete name exceeds that limit, the passport may not show every name in full.

This can create differences between:

• the Nigerian passport;
• the NIN record;
• a driving licence;
• a birth certificate;
• a UK bank account;
• a visa or immigration record; and
• the Companies House register.

A missing middle name does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people. However, the complete document set must support one consistent identity.

Before verification, check:

• the exact surname;
• every forename and middle name;
• the order of the names;
• spaces and hyphens;
• abbreviated or omitted names;
• former and married surnames;
• the full date of birth; and
• the details held by Companies House.

Married Names and Changes of Name

Nigeria allows formal changes of name.

After marriage, a woman may take her husband’s surname. Nigerian practice may also allow a woman to combine her husband’s first forename and family name into a double-barrelled surname.

A person who changes their name must normally update the name connected to their NIN before updating the Nigerian passport.

Where the Companies House register uses a different name from the passport, the applicant may need to provide:

• a marriage certificate;
• a deed poll;
• a court affidavit;
• an updated NIN record;
• an updated passport; or
• other formal linking evidence.

The ACSP must understand the reason for the difference before completing the verification.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

Your date of birth must match the Companies House record.

Problems can arise where:

• someone enters the personal code incorrectly;
• Companies House holds the wrong date of birth;
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal details; or
• the documents contain inconsistent information.

Companies House may prevent you from connecting the personal code where the details do not match. Check the record and correct any error before starting the final linking process.

Is a NIN the Same as a Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A National Identification Number forms part of Nigeria’s national identity system. The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code that Companies House creates after successful identity verification.

Do not enter your NIN when a Companies House service asks for your personal code.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Through our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Nigerian directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House details match; and
• no unresolved identity or document concerns arise.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission.

Companies House controls the processing and delivery of the personal code. Where the ACSP completes the verification, Companies House sends the code to the email address supplied for the applicant.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For a passport, provide the complete biodata page. For a driving licence or other card, send both the front and reverse.

You must also provide:

• your full name;
• all former names;
• your date of birth;
• your current home address;
• your address history for the previous 12 months; and
• your personal email address.

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

We check whether each document falls within Group A or Group B.

The review may cover:

• the Nigerian passport model;
• whether the passport contains a biometric chip;
• the Nigerian driving licence model;
• the relevant PRADO entry;
• the expiry dates;
• the condition of each document;
• shortened or omitted forenames;
• former and married surnames;
• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed documents do not meet the standard, we identify a stronger combination before arranging the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Verification

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move the documents when requested;
• display security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity questions.

The verifier must confirm that you are a real person, the documents are genuine and the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

After completing all checks, the ACSP submits the required verification information to Companies House.

The ACSP does not normally send the document copies to Companies House. However, it must keep the documents, supporting evidence and verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the email address used for the ACSP submission.

The code contains 11 characters. Keep it secure, but you may share it with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who files on your behalf.

How Nigerian Directors Use the Personal Code

An existing director normally provides the code through the company’s next confirmation statement.

A new director must provide the code as part of the appointment filing. When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for each proposed director.

You only need to verify your identity once. However, you must use the same code for each separate director appointment that you hold.

How Nigerian PSCs Use the Personal Code

A PSC must connect the personal code separately to the PSC role.

This rule applies even where the same person has already used the code as a director.

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

• A person who acts as both director and PSC of the same company must provide the PSC code during the 14 days that begin on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.
• A PSC who does not act as a director of the same company usually provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.
• A person who became a PSC after 18 November 2025 may provide the code when Companies House first records the PSC or within 14 days of being added.

The same code can cover several companies and roles. You must still connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help Nigerian nationals by:

• reviewing Nigerian passports;
• checking Nigerian National Driver’s Licences;
• matching the licence model against PRADO;
• explaining why a NIN card or NIN slip does not replace an accepted document;
• reviewing Nigerian birth and marriage certificates;
• checking bank statements and address documents;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing shortened, switched or omitted forenames;
• checking former and married surnames;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging a remote video call;
• completing the required ACSP checks;
• submitting the verification to Companies House; and
• helping the applicant progress towards receiving the personal code.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor provide the identity verification service.

Ginkgo Advisory supports the process through preliminary document review, client communication, document coordination, appointment arrangements and practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Nigerian passport?

Yes. A Nigerian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

A current biometric Nigerian passport may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app. The app does not accept an expired passport.

Can I use my Nigerian driving licence?

Potentially.

PRADO lists the Nigerian National Driver’s Licence under reference NGA-FO-02001. It may provide Group A evidence for a person-led Option 2 check where the exact card remains valid and passes the document checks.

Can I use my Nigerian driving licence in GOV.UK One Login?

No.

The app accepts only a UK photocard driving licence. The Post Office route accepts UK and EU photocard driving licences, but not Nigerian driving licences.

Can I use my NIN card?

Do not rely on it as one of the required documents.

PRADO does not currently show a Nigerian identity-card category, and Companies House does not list a Nigerian NIN card in Group B.

Can I use my NIN slip or NINAuth digital ID?

Not as a replacement for a required Group A or Group B document.

The ACSP may review it as additional information, but you should still provide an accepted passport, driving licence or supporting document.

Can I use my voter card?

Do not rely on a Nigerian voter card for the Companies House check.

It does not currently appear on PRADO’s Nigeria list and does not fall within the published Group B categories.

Can I verify my identity while living in Nigeria?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely where the documents meet the Companies House standard and the video process allows the verifier to confirm your identity.

Do I always need two documents?

You need two documents for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check.

One eligible document may be enough under Option 1 where suitable technology validates all required security features.

Can I use a Nigerian bank statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B. The document must be genuine, clear and capable of validation.

Can I use an NPC birth certificate?

Potentially.

A standard birth certificate can fall within Group B. The ACSP must review the exact document and issuing details.

Can I use an Attestation of Birth?

Do not assume that it qualifies automatically.

The Nigerian authorities treat an Attestation of Birth as a different document from a standard birth certificate. Send it for review before relying on it.

Can I use a Nigerian marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A civil or registered marriage certificate can fall within Group B and may help connect former and married surnames. Customary and Islamic marriage documents require individual review.

Do Nigerian documents need an English translation?

Many Nigerian documents already use English.

A translation may still be required where a document contains important information in another language or the verifier cannot understand all relevant entries.

Why does my passport omit one of my names?

A Nigerian e-passport has a maximum name-field length of 26 characters, including spaces and hyphens. Applicants with long names may find that the passport does not display every name in full.

Provide other documents that show the complete name so the verifier can connect the records.

Must I post my original Nigerian passport?

Usually not.

For an approved remote process, you send clear images in advance and show the original documents during the video call.

Can I use one personal code as both a director and PSC?

Yes.

However, you must connect the code separately to the director role and the PSC role.

Can you complete the verification on the same day?

Same-day verification and ACSP submission may be available where we approve the document set in advance and complete all checks without any unresolved issue.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a Nigerian Director or PSC?

Nigerian nationals often have two practical document routes:

• a Nigerian biometric passport plus a PRADO-listed Nigerian driving licence; or
• a Nigerian passport plus an accepted Group B supporting document.

Some cases need extra care, especially where the applicant has:

• only a NIN card or NIN slip;
• a temporary driving licence;
• an Attestation of Birth rather than a standard birth certificate;
• several forenames;
• a passport that shortens or omits a name;
• a married or former surname;
• inconsistent dates of birth; or
• details that do not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the correct route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

Same-day verification and submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.