South African nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification by the deadline that applies to each role.

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

Quick Answer for South African Directors and PSCs

For most South African nationals, a valid South African passport provides the clearest Group A identity document.

However, South Africa creates an important practical issue:

The standard South African passport currently in circulation is machine-readable, but it is not yet a chip-enabled biometric e-passport.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs aims to introduce e-passports by 2029. Its 2025/26 programme remained at the concept-development and technical-planning stages, and a March 2026 progress report stated that the e-passport concept document had been presented to Cabinet.

This means a standard South African passport will not normally work through the GOV.UK One Login app, because the app requires a non-UK passport with a biometric chip. However, the passport can still provide Group A evidence through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP. Suitable identity-checking technology may also accept it as a machine-readable passport under Companies House Option 1.

For a person-led remote video check, you will normally need either:

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

PRADO currently lists South African passports and certain travel documents. It does not list the South African Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or South African driving licence. As a result, most South African applicants should prepare a passport together with a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate, marriage certificate or another suitable Group B document.

Important Point About South African Identity Documents

South African nationals commonly hold one or more of the following:

• South African passport;
• Smart ID card;
• green barcoded ID book;
• South African driving licence card;
• temporary identity certificate; or
• South African identity number.

These documents may all serve official purposes in South Africa. However, Companies House applies its own document rules.

For a person-led ACSP check, a foreign photographic document must fall within a specific Group A category. One possible category covers another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO. Since PRADO’s South Africa page contains no identity-card or driving-licence category, neither the South African Smart ID nor the South African driving licence currently qualifies through that route.

The document set should therefore centre on:

• a South African passport; and
• a qualifying Group B supporting document.

A South African national who holds an eligible UK-issued document may have more options.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to South African 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.

Identity verification became a legal requirement 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 their codes during incorporation or as part of their appointment filings.

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 South African Nationals Verify Their Identity?

South African nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, GOV.UK One Login may direct them to:

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

The available route depends on the applicant’s documents, device, UK financial records and place of residence.

Can You Use a South African Passport in the GOV.UK One Login App?

A standard South African passport will not normally work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

The app only accepts a non-UK passport where the passport contains a biometric chip. It scans the chip and then compares the stored photograph with the applicant’s face.

South Africa’s current ordinary passport model is a machine-readable passport rather than a chip-embedded e-passport. The Department of Home Affairs aims to implement e-passports by 2029 and was still developing the concept and technical specifications during 2025/26.

Therefore:

Do not assume that a current South African passport can be scanned through the GOV.UK One Login app. Check the front cover for the international biometric-passport symbol.

Where the passport has no biometric symbol or embedded chip, the app route will not work.

Can You Verify Through Security Questions?

A South African national who lives in the UK may receive the option to answer security questions.

This route may use information connected with:

• a UK current bank account;
• a UK credit record;
• HMRC records;
• a National Insurance number; or
• Department for Work and Pensions records.

The details must match. GOV.UK One Login may not allow another attempt through the same method after an unsuccessful set of security questions.

This route will usually be less suitable for South African directors and PSCs who live outside the UK and have little or no UK financial history.

Can You Use a South African Passport at a UK Post Office?

Potentially.

The GOV.UK One Login Post Office route accepts a non-UK passport. The passport does not need to be from an EU country.

However, the applicant cannot simply arrive at a Post Office.

The applicant must first:

1. start the Companies House identity verification service online;
2. enter the requested document information;
3. receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
4. obtain the customer letter and QR code; and
5. attend a participating Post Office with the original passport.

A photocopy, scan or digital image will not work.

This option may suit a South African national who lives in the UK. It usually offers less convenience to someone living in South Africa or another country.

Can You Use a South African Smart ID in GOV.UK One Login?

No, not through the current app or Post Office document lists.

The mobile app does not accept foreign national identity cards. The Post Office route only lists national identity photocards from EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

A South African Smart ID card therefore does not provide a direct GOV.UK One Login route.

Can You Use a South African Driving Licence in GOV.UK One Login?

No.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence. The Post Office route accepts UK and EU photocard driving licences. It does not list South African driving licences.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

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

ACSPs commonly include:

• regulated solicitors;
• accountants;
• company formation agents;
• chartered secretaries; and
• other professionals supervised for anti-money laundering purposes.

An ACSP can complete the checks remotely or in person. However, the ACSP must follow the full Companies House identity verification standard.

The ACSP route may suit a South African director or PSC who:

• lives in South Africa or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• holds a South African passport without a biometric chip;
• cannot answer UK security questions;
• cannot attend a UK Post Office;
• only has a Smart ID or driving licence as a second photographic document;
• needs help selecting a Group B document;
• has a former or married surname;
• has several forenames or middle names;
• has inconsistent information across different documents; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

Companies House allows a person to use an ACSP from any country, provided the agent has registered with Companies House and remains supervised by a UK anti-money laundering body.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The answer depends on how the ACSP completes the identity check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible document may be enough where the ACSP uses suitable identity document validation technology.

Companies House permits:

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

The technology must validate the available electronic and physical security features.

A South African passport may qualify under Option 1 because it is machine-readable, even though it does not currently contain an e-passport chip.

However, the ACSP must use technology that can validate the passport’s physical security features and complete every other required identity check.

A machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired under Option 1 where the technology can still validate it. The document must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Option 2: Person-Led Remote or In-Person Verification

A trained person may inspect 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.

For most South African applicants, the practical document combination will be:

• one South African passport from Group A; and
• one suitable bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate, marriage certificate or other document from Group B.

Group A Photographic ID for South African Nationals

1. South African Passport

A South African passport normally provides the clearest Group A identity document.

PRADO lists the current ordinary passport model as:

• ZAF-AO-02001;
• Passport / Passeport;
• first issued on 1 April 2009;
• valid as a current document model; and
• issued to South African nationals.

The passport has an integrated polycarbonate biodata card, a primary facial image, a secondary facial image, laser engraving and other physical security features.

PRADO records maximum validity periods of:

• 10 years for holders aged 16 or over; and
• five years for younger holders.

Under a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

However, you cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• has serious damage around the biodata page; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

Is the South African Passport Biometric?

The current passport captures biographical information and contains strong physical security features, but it is not yet a chip-embedded e-passport.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs says it aims to implement e-passports by 2029. Its 2025/26 plan focused on concept development, technical specifications and later functional testing before full-scale printing and issuance of chip-embedded passports.

This distinction matters because:

• GOV.UK One Login’s app requires a chip-enabled non-UK passport;
• Companies House ACSP Option 1 accepts either a biometric or machine-readable passport; and
• Companies House ACSP Option 2 accepts a passport as Group A evidence.

2. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

A South African national who lives in the UK may hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a UK biometric residence card;
• a qualifying UK biometric residence permit;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit;
• a photographic government-issued work permit;
• a photographic immigration document; or
• a photographic visa.

The ACSP must check the exact document against the current Companies House rules and applicable expiry provisions.

A South African passport combined with a valid UK photocard driving licence can provide two Group A documents for a person-led check.

Can You Use a South African Smart ID Card?

Do not rely on a South African Smart ID as one of the required Group A or Group B documents under the current published Companies House rules.

The Smart ID is an official South African identity document. It uses durable polycarbonate material and contains:

• a photograph;
• holograms;
• laser-engraved details;
• fingerprint biometrics;
• biographical information; and
• an embedded chip.

However, Companies House document acceptance depends on its published categories.

The Smart ID does not qualify under the Option 1 biometric identity-card category because Companies House limits that category to the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

For Option 2, a foreign photographic ID may qualify where PRADO lists it. PRADO’s South Africa page does not currently include any identity-card category.

Therefore:

A South African Smart ID may support additional identity checks, but it should not replace the passport or Group B document needed for the formal verification combination.

What About Naturalised Citizens and Permanent Residents?

Since May 2025, South Africa has allowed naturalised citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for Smart ID cards through the expanded system. The reform aims to move eligible holders away from the green barcoded ID book.

This development does not change the current Companies House document categories. A Smart ID remains outside the published PRADO-based Group A route for South African documents.

Can You Use the Green Barcoded ID Book?

Do not rely on the South African green barcoded ID book as one of the required Companies House documents.

The green ID book remains familiar to many South African nationals. However:

• PRADO does not list it;
• it does not fall within the Companies House Group B list; and
• South Africa is progressively replacing it with the Smart ID card.

South African authorities have also highlighted the green ID book’s exposure to fraud and their continuing work to phase it out.

The document may help provide additional background information. It should not replace an accepted passport or Group B document.

Can You Use a South African Driving Licence?

Do not rely on a South African driving licence as one of the two required documents.

A South African driving licence card provides official proof that its holder has a South African driving licence. The physical card normally has an individual expiry date and must be renewed to remain current evidence of the licence.

However, Companies House only accepts:

• UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licences under its stated driving-licence category; or
• another foreign photographic identity document where PRADO lists it.

PRADO’s South Africa page does not currently contain a driving-licence category.

Therefore:

A South African driving licence may provide additional supporting information, but it does not currently provide Group A evidence under the published PRADO route.

What About an Expired Driving Licence Card?

Do not rely on an expired South African driving licence card.

South African authorities distinguish between the underlying driving entitlement and the physical card that proves it. An expired card may not mean that the underlying licence has ended, but the expired card no longer provides current proof in the same way as a valid card.

In any event, the South African driving licence is not currently a PRADO-listed Group A document.

What About a Temporary Driving Licence?

A temporary South African driving licence normally remains valid for only six months. It does not appear on PRADO and should not replace a required Companies House document.

Can You Use a Temporary South African Identity Certificate?

Do not rely on a temporary identity certificate, or TIC, as one of the required documents.

South Africa may issue a TIC while an identity-document application remains pending. The certificate does not appear as a PRADO-listed South African photographic identity document and does not fall within Companies House’s standard Group B list.

Prepare a passport and another accepted document instead.

Can You Use a South African Digital ID?

South Africa is developing digital identity services and plans wider access to digital versions of official documents. However, a digital identity profile, online Home Affairs screen, mobile-wallet record, QR code or screenshot does not replace the documents listed in the Companies House identity verification standard.

The applicant should show the original physical passport and original supporting documents during a person-led video call.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic identity document, you can provide one Group B document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

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

A South African bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

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

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

South African Bank Statements

A South African bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

• show the applicant’s full name;
• identify the bank clearly;
• show a recent statement date;
• contain genuine account activity;
• remain complete and legible;
• contain no signs of editing; and
• show the current address where the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

A complete PDF downloaded directly from online banking will usually provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

South African Utility Bills

A utility bill may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Examples may include:

• electricity bills;
• water bills;
• gas bills;
• fixed-line telephone bills; or
• another genuine household utility account.

The ACSP must be able to identify the provider and connect the account to the applicant.

A mobile telephone bill may require individual review, particularly where it does not clearly show a residential address.

Mortgage Statements and Insurance Policies

A South African mortgage statement may qualify where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

An insurance policy may also provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and current address. Companies House added insurance policies showing the current address to its Group B list.

South African Birth Certificates

A South African birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

South Africa issues three main forms of birth record:

• abridged birth certificate;
• unabridged birth certificate; and
• vault copy.

An abridged certificate only names the child. An unabridged certificate includes the child and parents. A vault copy reproduces the original registration information and may also show later amendments involving a name, gender or adoption.

Companies House’s published Group B list does not distinguish between these South African formats. However, an unabridged certificate or vault copy will often provide stronger evidence where the ACSP needs to confirm:

• the applicant’s complete name;
• the parents’ details;
• a historical amendment;
• a former name;
• an adoption;
• a gender change; or
• an inconsistency involving the date of birth.

An abridged certificate may contain too little information for a complex remote check. Send the exact certificate for review before relying on it.

Late Birth Registration

South Africa expects births to be registered within 30 days, although it allows late registration.

A late-registered birth certificate does not automatically fail. However, the ACSP may request more documents where the registration date, identity history or supporting details need explanation.

South African Marriage Certificates

A South African marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

South Africa issues both:

• handwritten marriage certificates; and
• computerised marriage certificates.

The Department of Home Affairs must issue the official certificate.

The certificate may also connect:

• a birth surname;
• a spouse’s surname;
• a double-barrelled surname;
• a former married surname; or
• a different surname used in the UK.

Customary and Religious Marriages

South Africa recognises civil, religious and customary marriages. Civil marriages are automatically registered, while religious and customary marriages require registration with the Department of Home Affairs to create the relevant official record.

Where an applicant relies on a customary or religious marriage, the ACSP should review the exact registration document before treating it as the Group B marriage certificate.

An informal ceremonial record, affidavit or wedding photograph will not normally replace the official registered certificate.

Recommended Document Combinations

South African Passport and Bank Statement

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

For many South African directors and PSCs, it offers the clearest person-led remote route.

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

South African Passport and Utility Bill

A utility bill may provide the required Group B document where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

The provider and account details must remain capable of validation.

South African Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

South African Passport and Insurance Policy

An insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it clearly identifies the applicant and shows the current address.

South African Passport and Birth Certificate

An official birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

An unabridged certificate or vault copy may offer the strongest route where the applicant needs to explain:

• several forenames;
• a former name;
• a historical amendment;
• a date-of-birth issue; or
• a difference between the passport and Companies House record.

South African Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Home Affairs marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can connect a birth surname with:

• a married surname;
• a double-barrelled surname;
• a surname used before marriage; or
• another name used on UK records.

South African Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A South African national who lives in the UK may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This can provide two strong photographic documents.

South African Passport and UK Immigration Document

An eligible photographic UK immigration document may provide the second Group A document.

The ACSP must review the exact document type and its current expiry position.

South African Names, Married Surnames and Name Changes

South African names may include one or more forenames and a surname.

The surname recorded at birth can depend on the parents’ marital status and how the father’s parentage was acknowledged.

Different records may show names in different ways. For example:

• the passport may show every forename;
• a bank statement may show initials;
• Companies House may omit a middle name;
• a business record may use a shortened forename;
• an identity document may show a former surname; or
• the applicant may use a double-barrelled married surname.

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

Married Names

A married South African woman can ask the Department of Home Affairs to update the Population Register so that she can:

• assume her husband’s surname;
• create a double-barrelled surname; or
• return to a surname held before marriage.

This can create differences between:

• the South African passport;
• Smart ID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• UK bank account;
• UK immigration record; and
• Companies House register.

Provide the marriage certificate and any updated identity documents where the names differ.

Other Formal Name Changes

The Director-General of Home Affairs must approve other formal name changes.

Home Affairs notes an approved change on the person’s birth record and may issue a new vault birth certificate. The certificate can show the legal section under which the forename, surname or gender changed.

Where the applicant changed their name, useful linking evidence may include:

• a marriage certificate;
• a vault birth certificate;
• an amended birth certificate;
• an updated passport;
• an updated Smart ID;
• a Home Affairs decision;
• a court order; or
• another official record connecting the old and new names.

Compound Surnames, Spaces and Apostrophes

South African names can include:

• several forenames;
• hyphenated surnames;
• double-barrelled surnames;
• surname particles;
• apostrophes;
• initials; or
• different spacing across records.

For example, a Companies House record may display a compound surname differently from the passport.

Before verification, check:

• every forename;
• all middle names;
• the exact surname;
• spaces and hyphens;
• apostrophes;
• former and married names;
• the full date of birth; and
• the details shown on the Companies House register.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth connected with the personal code must match the date held by Companies House.

A mismatch may prevent the applicant from linking the verified identity to a director or PSC role.

Problems may arise where:

• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• the passport and birth certificate show different dates;
• someone entered the wrong date during incorporation;
• an old record contains an error; or
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information.

Companies House advises applicants to correct an inaccurate date of birth before providing the personal code. A correction may take up to 20 working days, so check the register early.

Is a South African ID Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A South African identity number forms part of South Africa’s national identity system.

A Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code that Companies House creates after successful identity verification.

Do not enter any of the following when Companies House asks for your personal code:

• South African ID number;
• passport number;
• driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• SARS tax number; or
• Home Affairs application reference.

The personal code also differs from the company’s six-character authentication code used for online filings.

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 South African directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant provides all required personal 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 information matches; and
• no unresolved identity or document concerns arise.

For a person-led South African case, the applicant should normally prepare a passport and a suitable Group B document before the appointment.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission. Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code.

After an ACSP completes the verification, Companies House says the personal-code email should normally arrive within a few hours. This timeframe is not guaranteed.

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 any photographic card provided as additional evidence, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or certificate, send the complete document rather than a cropped screenshot.

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 as part of the verification process.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• the South African passport model;
• whether the passport is machine-readable;
• the expiry date;
• the physical condition of the passport;
• whether the applicant only has a Smart ID or driving licence as a second document;
• the bank, utility or other Group B issuer;
• former and married names;
• multiple forenames and initials;
• 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 Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt the passport when requested;
• display its physical 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, that the documents appear genuine and that the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP does not normally send the identity-document copies to Companies House. However, it must retain:

• copies of the documents;
• supporting evidence;
• records of the checks;
• details of unsuccessful attempts; and
• other required verification information.

The ACSP must retain the records for seven years from the date it completes the identity verification.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the 11-character personal code to the individual email address used for the ACSP submission.

Keep the code secure. You may share it with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How South African Directors Use the Personal Code

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

A new director provides the code as part of the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for every proposed director.

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

How South African PSCs Use the Personal Code

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

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

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

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

The same personal 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 South African nationals by:

• reviewing current and older South African passports;
• confirming whether a passport is biometric or machine-readable;
• explaining why the standard South African passport may not work through the GOV.UK One Login app;
• explaining why a Smart ID, green ID book or South African driving licence does not currently replace an accepted document;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing South African bank statements and address evidence;
• checking unabridged and vault birth certificates;
• reviewing handwritten and computerised marriage certificates;
• assessing registered customary-marriage evidence;
• checking multiple forenames and initials;
• connecting birth, married and former 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 South African passport?

Yes.

A South African passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence for an ACSP check. The current ordinary passport model appears on PRADO under reference ZAF-AO-02001.

Can I use my South African passport in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Usually not.

The app requires a non-UK passport with a biometric chip. The standard South African passport currently in circulation is machine-readable but is not yet a chip-embedded e-passport. South Africa aims to implement e-passports by 2029.

How do I know whether my passport is biometric?

Look for the international biometric-passport symbol on the front cover.

The symbol resembles a small rectangle with a circle in the centre. Its presence normally means that the passport contains a chip that an identity-checking app can read.

Can I use an expired South African passport?

Potentially, depending on the verification route.

GOV.UK One Login’s app does not accept an expired passport.

Under ACSP Option 1, suitable technology may accept a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

A person-led Option 2 check may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my South African Smart ID?

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

The Smart ID is secure and contains biometric information, but PRADO does not currently list a South African identity-card category. It also does not fall within the Companies House Group B list.

Can I use my green ID book?

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

PRADO does not list the green barcoded ID book, and South Africa is progressively replacing it with the Smart ID card.

Can I use my South African driving licence?

Not as one of the required documents under the current published route.

PRADO does not list a South African driving licence, and Companies House’s express driving-licence category covers the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU.

Can I use my South African driving licence as additional evidence?

Potentially.

An ACSP may review it to support a name, photograph or activity check. However, it should not replace the required Group A or Group B document.

Can I use a temporary identity certificate?

Do not rely on it.

The temporary identity certificate does not appear on PRADO and does not fall within Companies House’s published Group B list.

Can I use a South African bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a South African utility bill?

Potentially.

A utility bill falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Can I use a South African mortgage statement?

Potentially.

A mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it shows the applicant’s current home address.

Can I use a South African insurance policy?

Potentially.

An insurance policy falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current address.

Can I use a South African birth certificate?

Potentially.

A birth certificate falls within Group B. An unabridged certificate or vault copy may provide stronger evidence than an abridged certificate where the verification requires full parental, name-history or amendment information.

Can I use an abridged birth certificate?

Send it for review before relying on it.

An abridged South African birth certificate only names the child. It may not contain enough information for a complex remote identity check. An unabridged certificate or vault copy normally provides more detail.

Can I use a South African marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage certificate falls within Group B. South Africa issues both handwritten and computerised Home Affairs marriage certificates.

Can I use customary-marriage documents?

Potentially, where the marriage has been formally registered and the applicant can provide the official Home Affairs record.

Send the exact document for review before relying on it.

Can I verify my identity while living in South Africa?

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 the applicant’s 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.

Do South African documents need an English translation?

Many South African documents already use English.

A translation may still be required where important information appears only in Afrikaans or another language and the verifier cannot understand or validate the document fully.

Provide both the original document and the translation.

What if Companies House omits one of my middle names?

Send the complete document set for review.

The ACSP must compare the passport, supporting documents and Companies House record. A missing middle name may be explainable, but the documents must support one consistent identity.

What if I changed my surname after marriage?

Provide your passport together with the official marriage certificate and any updated identity documents.

South African law allows a married woman to assume her husband’s surname, create a double-barrelled surname or return to a former surname.

What if I formally changed my name?

Provide the Home Affairs record, updated passport and any vault birth certificate or other official linking evidence.

South Africa records approved name changes on the birth record and may issue a new vault birth certificate.

Must I post my original South African passport?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

You send clear images for preliminary review and show the original documents during the video call.

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

Yes.

The personal code belongs to you. However, you must connect it separately to your director role and 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 an unresolved issue.

Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a South African Director or PSC?

South African nationals will normally have one clear person-led document route:

• a South African passport; and
• an accepted Group B supporting document.

Unlike nationals of some other countries, South African applicants should not currently rely on a Smart ID card or domestic driving licence as the second Group A document. PRADO does not list either document type for South Africa.

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

• a non-chip South African passport that does not work through GOV.UK One Login;
• only a Smart ID or green ID book as a second document;
• only a South African driving licence;
• an abridged birth certificate;
• a handwritten marriage certificate;
• a customary marriage that requires evidence of registration;
• several forenames or initials;
• a married or former surname;
• a formal name change;
• inconsistent dates of birth; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the most suitable 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.