UK Companies House Identity Verification

Remote identity verification for directors, PSCs and company officers.

Our legal consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

About the Author

KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every apostille and legalisation case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.

KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory

Austrian 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 appointment and role.

Quick Answer for Austrian Directors and PSCs

For most Austrian nationals, a valid Austrian biometric passport provides the clearest Group A identity document.

A current Austrian national identity card, called a Personalausweis, can also provide strong Group A evidence. The current card contains a contactless chip and biometric information.

A valid Austrian EU photocard driving licence, called a Führerschein, may provide another Group A document.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP, you normally need either:

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

For many Austrian directors and PSCs, the most practical combinations are:

Austrian passport and Austrian Personalausweis;
Austrian passport and Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian Personalausweis and Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian passport and Austrian Identitätsausweis;
Austrian passport and bank statement;
Austrian passport and utility bill;
Austrian passport and mortgage statement;
Austrian passport and insurance policy;
Austrian passport and birth certificate;
Austrian passport and marriage certificate;
Austrian passport and UK photocard driving licence; or
Austrian passport and an eligible UK immigration document.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use an Austrian passport together with a current Austrian Personalausweis or EU photocard driving licence. If you only have one suitable photographic document, you can normally combine it with an accepted Group B supporting document.

Important Point About the Austrian Personalausweis

Austria issues a national identity card called the Personalausweis.

The card:

confirms the holder’s identity;
confirms Austrian citizenship;
contains a facial image;
can be used as a travel document within relevant European countries;
appears on PRADO;
is available to Austrian citizens; and
can provide Group A evidence for Companies House verification.

The practical conclusion is:

A current Austrian Personalausweis can normally provide strong Group A evidence for Companies House identity verification.

The card must still:

remain valid;
belong to the applicant;
contain a clear photograph;
show no sign of alteration or serious damage;
match the applicant’s current legal details;
not have been reported lost or stolen;
not have been cancelled or replaced; and
pass the checks completed by the ACSP or identity-checking technology.

Current Austrian Personalausweis Model

The current Austrian national identity-card model is:

AUT-BO-03001

It was first issued on 2 August 2021.

The card:

is issued to Austrian nationals;
contains a contactless microchip;
stores the holder’s personal data and facial image;
stores fingerprints for applicants aged 12 or over;
contains a QR code that supports official document checking;
contains visible and ultraviolet security features;
includes a variable laser image;
has a transparent window; and
can be checked using compatible identity-document technology.

This model provides the clearest Austrian identity-card route for both technology-led and person-led Companies House checks.

Austrian Personalausweis Validity

The validity period depends on the holder’s age when the card is issued:

two years for a child under two;
five years for a child aged two to under 12; and
ten years for a person aged 12 or over.

The identity card cannot be extended.

After the expiry date, the holder must apply for a new card.

Fingerprints on Austrian Identity Cards

The current Austrian Personalausweis contains a chip.

The chip stores:

personal information;
facial image; and
fingerprints where the holder was aged 12 or over when the application was made.

A card issued to a child under 12 does not contain fingerprints.

The absence of fingerprints on a child’s card does not automatically make the document invalid. However, the exact card and available security features must still pass the selected identity-verification process.

Can an Austrian Personalausweis Qualify Under Option 1?

Potentially.

Option 1 uses identity document validation technology. One eligible photographic document may be enough where the technology validates all required cryptographic and physical security features.

A current Austrian Personalausweis can fall within the Option 1 biometric EU identity-card category where:

the card remains valid;
it contains the required chip;
the card model is supported by the ACSP’s technology;
the chip can be read;
the physical security features are validated;
the document photograph matches the applicant;
the applicant completes the liveness check; and
no unresolved identity concern arises.

General eligibility does not mean that every identity-checking platform supports every Austrian identity-card model.

Can an Austrian Personalausweis Qualify Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current Austrian Personalausweis can provide Group A evidence under the person-led route.

The verifier should inspect:

front and reverse;
original physical card;
photograph;
document number;
issue date;
expiry date;
Austrian nationality;
visible security features;
physical condition;
name;
date of birth; and
consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

You must also show the original physical card during the call.

Older Austrian Personalausweis Models

The previous Austrian identity-card model most likely to remain in circulation is:

AUT-BO-02003

It was first issued on 3 May 2010 and was succeeded by the biometric 2021 card.

An individual card under this design may still be current where:

it was issued shortly before the 2021 model replaced it;
its printed expiry date has not passed;
it has not been cancelled;
it has not been replaced;
it was not reported lost or stolen;
its photograph remains suitable;
its details remain accurate; and
the ACSP can inspect its security features.

An older card may provide Group A evidence through person-led Option 2 because it appears on PRADO.

However, it should not be assumed to qualify under technology-led Option 1. The older card does not contain the same biometric chip as the current model.

Can You Use an Expired Austrian Personalausweis?

Normally no.

Companies House provides limited expiry exceptions for passports and certain UK biometric immigration documents. It does not provide a general expiry exception for Austrian or EU identity cards.

Use a current identity card or choose another document combination.

Can You Use a Replaced Austrian Personalausweis?

No.

Do not use an old Personalausweis after a replacement has been issued.

This applies even where:

the printed expiry date has not passed;
the old card appears undamaged;
the applicant retained the old card;
the replacement followed marriage;
the replacement followed a formal name change;
the old card was reported lost or stolen; or
the applicant later recovered the card.

A cancelled, blocked or replaced card cannot provide current Companies House identity evidence.

Austrian Identitätsausweis

Austria also issues a separate domestic identity document called an Identitätsausweis.

It is different from the Personalausweis.

The Identitätsausweis:

is issued to Austrian nationals;
contains a photograph;
proves identity within Austria;
appears on PRADO under reference AUT-B-01001;
is not a travel document;
is not the same as the biometric Personalausweis; and
is listed by PRADO as having indefinite validity.

Because it is a photographic identity document listed on PRADO, a current physical Austrian Identitätsausweis may potentially provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

However, it requires careful individual review.

The ACSP should check:

whether the document genuinely belongs to the applicant;
whether it remains legally current;
whether another document replaced it;
photograph quality;
current name;
current date-of-birth information;
physical condition;
visible security features; and
consistency with current Austrian and Companies House records.

Can the Identitätsausweis Qualify Under Option 1?

Do not assume that it can.

It is not the current Austrian biometric national identity card.

It is more appropriately considered under person-led Option 2 through the PRADO-listed photographic-document category.

Is the Identitätsausweis a Travel Document?

No.

The Austrian Identitätsausweis cannot replace a passport or Personalausweis for international travel.

Its lack of travel status does not automatically prevent it from providing identity evidence through the person-led PRADO route.

ID Austria

Austria provides an official electronic identity system called ID Austria.

ID Austria enables people to:

identify themselves online;
access Austrian government services;
access participating private-sector services;
sign documents electronically;
access personal register information;
obtain electronic certificates; and
use connected digital identity functions.

However, ID Austria is a digital authentication system rather than a physical passport, identity card or driving licence.

The practical conclusion is:

Do not rely on ID Austria as the formal Group A or Group B document for Companies House identity verification.

Do not submit only:

ID Austria login screen;
username;
successful authentication result;
electronic signature;
mobile application profile;
QR code;
digital mailbox;
personal-data screen; or
screenshot of identity information.

An ACSP may review ID Austria activity as supplementary evidence. For example, it may help confirm:

access to Austrian government records;
current registered name;
address information;
control of an official digital identity;
document information; or
access to official electronic certificates.

It does not replace the required Companies House document combination.

Austrian eAusweise

Austria also provides the eAusweise application.

Depending on the available service, the application can hold digital versions or proofs relating to:

driving licence;
identity;
age;
vehicle-registration information; and
other official credentials.

A digital driving licence or identity proof in eAusweise may be accepted for specified purposes within Austria.

However, it should not replace the original physical document for the current Companies House verification process.

Do not rely only on:

digital driving licence;
digital identity proof;
eAusweise screen;
QR code;
screenshot;
exported digital credential; or
eAusweis Check result.

The ACSP may use the digital record as supplementary verification evidence.

For the formal check, prepare the original physical passport, Personalausweis, Identitätsausweis or photocard driving licence.

Austrian Social-Security Numbers and Register Numbers

Austrian records may contain several personal identifiers.

These can include:

Sozialversicherungsnummer;
social-security number;
ZMR information;
register-specific numbers;
area-specific personal identifiers; or
numbers connected with taxation or government services.

These identifiers are not photographic identity documents.

Do not submit only:

social-security number;
e-card number;
ZMR number;
tax number;
register screen;
payroll record;
social-security statement;
ID Austria profile; or
written personal number.

These numbers may help compare documents. They do not replace an accepted Group A or Group B document.

Is an Austrian Social-Security Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

An Austrian social-security or register number belongs to Austria’s administrative system.

The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code created after successful Companies House identity verification.

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

Austrian social-security number;
ZMR number;
Austrian passport number;
Personalausweis number;
driving-licence number;
ID Austria information;
UK National Insurance number;
company authentication code;
Austrian tax number; or
immigration application reference.

Austrian Biometric Passports

The Austrian ordinary passport is called a Reisepass.

The current Austrian passport is biometric and machine-readable.

Current Austrian Passport Model

The current ordinary Austrian passport model is:

AUT-AO-03001

It was first issued on 1 December 2023.

The document:

is issued to Austrian nationals;
is biometric;
is machine-readable;
contains an electronic chip;
is constructed as a passport booklet;
contains a secure personal-details page;
contains 34 pages;
has visible and electronic security features; and
cannot be extended.

A current Austrian biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A identity document.

Austrian Passport Validity

The validity period depends on the holder’s age:

two years for a child under two;
five years for a child aged two to under 12; and
ten years for a person aged 12 or over.

The passport cannot be extended.

After its expiry, the holder must obtain a new passport.

Fingerprints in Austrian Passports

Austrian passports contain a contactless chip.

The chip stores:

personal details;
facial image; and
fingerprints where the holder was aged 12 or over at the time of application.

Fingerprints are not collected for a child under 12.

A passport without stored fingerprints because of the holder’s age may still be a valid biometric passport.

Previous Austrian Passport Model

The previous Austrian ordinary passport model is:

AUT-AO-02002

It was first issued on 5 September 2014.

Many passports under this design may remain current because Austrian adult passports can be valid for ten years and the model continued to be issued until the 2023 passport replaced it.

An individual passport under this design may provide Group A evidence where it:

remains current;
falls within a Companies House passport-expiry exception;
has not been cancelled;
has not been replaced;
has not been reported lost or stolen;
remains in good condition;
contains a clear photograph;
belongs to the applicant; and
matches the current legal identity.

The earlier AUT-AO-02001 passport model is unlikely to remain current in 2026 because of its original issue period. It should generally be treated as historical evidence unless an individual review establishes otherwise.

Austrian Passports Issued Through the London Embassy

An Austrian citizen living in the United Kingdom can apply for a passport or other Austrian identity document through the competent Austrian diplomatic or consular authority, subject to the applicable appointment and document requirements.

A passport obtained through an Austrian embassy remains a standard Austrian passport.

It is not automatically a lower-status or non-biometric document merely because the application was submitted abroad.

The ACSP should check:

exact PRADO model;
biometric-passport symbol;
passport number;
issue date;
expiry date;
chip functionality;
complete personal-details page;
machine-readable zone;
photograph;
document condition;
official observations; and
whether another passport has replaced it.

Using an Austrian Passport With GOV.UK One Login

An Austrian national can normally try the GOV.UK One Login app with a current Austrian biometric passport.

The applicant must generally:

photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
scan the biometric chip;
scan their face;
complete the liveness and likeness checks; and
answer any remaining identity questions.

The applicant must use the original passport.

The app does not accept:

photocopy;
scanned PDF;
screenshot;
photograph displayed on another device;
passport number without the passport;
cancelled passport;
replaced passport; or
expired passport.

What If the Austrian Passport Chip Cannot Be Read?

Failure of the app does not automatically mean that the passport is invalid.

The applicant may be able to:

retry the scan;
remove the phone case;
place the phone against a different part of the passport;
use another compatible phone;
use a Post Office route where offered;
use another ACSP technology platform; or
complete a person-led ACSP check.

A person-led check may remain available where the original physical document can be inspected and validated satisfactorily.

Can You Use an Expired Austrian Passport?

Potentially, depending on the route.

The GOV.UK One Login 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.

Under person-led Option 2, a passport may be accepted where it expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been:

cancelled;
replaced;
reported lost or stolen;
physically invalidated;
seriously damaged; or
altered.

A current passport will normally provide the clearest route.

Lost, Stolen and Recovered Austrian Passports

Do not use an Austrian passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

This remains important even where the holder later recovers the document.

A lost or stolen report may result in the passport being recorded as invalid in national and international systems.

Use the replacement passport.

The same principle applies to a Personalausweis reported lost or stolen.

Austrian Emergency Passport

Austria can issue an emergency passport called a Notpass.

The current PRADO-listed model is:

AUT-AP-04001

It was first issued on 1 May 2022.

The emergency passport:

is issued to Austrian nationals;
may be issued immediately in qualifying urgent circumstances;
contains no electronic chip;
may be valid only for a restricted period;
may be issued for the duration of a particular journey;
has maximum validity of one year;
is not accepted by every country; and
requires individual review.

A current Notpass may potentially provide Group A evidence because it is a passport.

However, the ACSP must check:

exact passport model;
reason for issue;
holder’s Austrian nationality;
photograph;
document number;
issue date;
expiry date;
travel restrictions;
whether an ordinary passport later replaced it;
whether it has been cancelled; and
whether its physical security features can be validated.

Can an Austrian Notpass Work in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Normally not.

The Notpass does not contain a biometric chip.

The GOV.UK One Login app requires a non-UK passport with a readable biometric chip.

The document may still be considered under person-led Option 2, subject to individual review.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Austrian nationals who are:

directors of UK limited companies;
becoming directors of UK companies;
directors of overseas companies registered in the UK;
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.

That date began a phased transition rather than imposing one identical deadline on every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements.

A new company must provide the personal code for each proposed director during incorporation.

A person appointed as a new director must provide the code as part of the appointment process.

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

How Can Austrian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Austrian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on the applicant’s documents and circumstances, the service may ask 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 and access to relevant UK records.

Can You Use an Austrian Personalausweis in the One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

The app accepts documents such as:

UK passport;
non-UK passport with a biometric chip;
UK photocard driving licence;
certain UK biometric immigration documents; and
UK Frontier Worker permit.

An Austrian Personalausweis does not become an accepted app document merely because it contains a biometric chip.

However, it may still work:

through an ACSP under technology-led Option 1;
through an ACSP under person-led Option 2; or
through a Post Office route where the applicant is offered that option.

Can You Use an Austrian Driving Licence in the One Login App?

No.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than an Austrian licence.

An Austrian EU photocard driving licence may still work:

through technology-led ACSP Option 1;
through person-led ACSP Option 2; or
at a participating Post Office where the applicant is offered that route.

Can You Use ID Austria in GOV.UK One Login?

No.

ID Austria is a separate Austrian electronic identity system.

It does not replace the document required by GOV.UK One Login.

Answering Security Questions

Some Austrian nationals who live in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions online.

The system may use information connected with:

UK bank accounts;
credit cards;
loans;
mortgages;
mobile phone contracts;
benefits;
tax records; or
other UK financial and government records.

The information must match closely.

An Austrian director living outside the United Kingdom or with little UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences may also cause matching problems, particularly where:

Ä is changed to AE or A;
Ö is changed to OE or O;
Ü is changed to UE or U;
ß is changed to SS;
one record includes an academic title;
several given names are shortened;
a double surname loses its hyphen;
a married surname differs from the passport;
an old driving licence shows a former name; or
Companies House contains only part of the registered name.

Verification at a UK Post Office

GOV.UK One Login may direct some applicants to a participating Post Office.

The applicant must first:

start the Companies House identity-verification service online;
enter the requested photo-ID details;
receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
obtain the customer letter or QR code;
attend a participating Post Office; and
present the original document specified in the instructions.

An Austrian applicant may be offered a route using:

Austrian passport;
Austrian EU national identity card; or
Austrian EU photocard driving licence.

The applicant must follow the document instructions generated by the service.

Post Office staff scan the original identity document and take the applicant’s photograph.

The applicant cannot replace the original with:

photocopy;
scanned image;
screenshot;
ID Austria screen;
eAusweise credential;
digital driving licence; or
photograph displayed on a phone.

The result usually arrives shortly after the Post Office appointment.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An ACSP can verify a person’s identity for Companies House.

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers.

An ACSP may complete the checks:

remotely;
by video call;
in person; or
through suitable identity document validation technology.

The ACSP must remain registered with Companies House and appropriately supervised for UK anti-money laundering purposes.

The ACSP route may suit an Austrian director or PSC who:

lives in Austria;
lives elsewhere outside the United Kingdom;
cannot complete GOV.UK One Login;
cannot scan the passport chip;
wants to use an Austrian Personalausweis;
wants to use an Austrian EU driving licence;
wants to use an Austrian Identitätsausweis;
only has one suitable photographic document;
needs help selecting a Group B document;
has umlauts or ß missing from Companies House;
has an academic title included on one document;
has several given names;
has a double, married or former surname;
has different names across two nationalities;
has an incorrect date of birth at Companies House; or
wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on how the ACSP completes the identity check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

The technology must validate the relevant cryptographic and physical security features.

Companies House permits:

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

For an Austrian national, the most relevant Option 1 documents will normally be:

Austrian biometric passport;
current biometric Austrian Personalausweis;
current Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
UK photocard driving licence;
eligible UK immigration document; or
eVisa.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired where the technology can still validate the required security features.

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.

The applicant must provide either:

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

An applicant living outside the United Kingdom must provide at least one government-issued document.

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2, provided it has not been cancelled or replaced.

Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

Group A Photographic ID for Austrian Nationals

1. Austrian Biometric Passport

A current Austrian biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A evidence.

Relevant models include:

AUT-AO-03001; and
AUT-AO-02002 where the individual passport remains valid.

For person-led Option 2, a passport may be accepted where it expired within the previous 18 months.

Do not use a passport that:

has been cancelled;
has been replaced;
was reported lost or stolen;
contains cancellation marks;
has a cut or clipped corner;
is seriously damaged;
has an unreadable personal-details page;
no longer matches the holder’s identity; or
cannot be validated satisfactorily.

2. Austrian Personalausweis

A current Austrian Personalausweis may provide Group A evidence.

The current model is:

AUT-BO-03001

The ACSP should review:

exact card model;
document number;
issue date;
expiry date;
Austrian nationality;
photograph;
name;
date of birth;
QR code;
visible security features;
electronic features where relevant;
physical condition; and
consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

3. Austrian EU Photocard Driving Licence

A valid physical Austrian EU photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence.

It may qualify:

under Option 1 where suitable technology validates it; or
under person-led Option 2 as an EU photocard driving licence.

The most relevant current models include:

AUT-FO-05002, first issued on 11 February 2014; and
AUT-FO-05001, first issued on 19 January 2013.

The current AUT-FO-05002 model normally provides the clearest route.

It differs from the previous model mainly by including the words for driving licence in Croatian among the languages shown on the card.

A current Austrian photocard driving licence normally has maximum administrative validity of 15 years.

The licence:

contains a facial image;
uses card format;
contains visible and ultraviolet security features;
establishes the holder’s identity within Austria;
is an EU-format driving licence; and
does not by itself prove Austrian nationality.

Does Every Austrian Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

A licence may fail where it:

has expired;
has been replaced;
was reported lost or stolen;
has been withdrawn;
has been suspended;
has been cancelled;
contains a photograph that no longer supports reliable comparison;
is seriously damaged;
belongs to another person;
is temporary;
is not a photocard; or
cannot be validated.

The ACSP should review:

exact card model;
driving-licence number;
issue date;
expiry date;
photograph;
driving categories;
visible security features;
physical condition; and
consistency with the passport or identity card.

Austrian Driving Licences Issued Before 19 January 2013

Austrian paper and card licences issued before 19 January 2013 can remain legally valid until 19 January 2033, unless a shorter period applies for another reason.

However, domestic or EU driving validity does not automatically make every old licence the best Companies House document.

A paper driving licence should not be treated automatically as an EU photocard licence.

An older licence requires individual review.

The ACSP should check:

whether the document contains a photograph;
whether it appears on PRADO;
whether the licence remains legally valid;
whether a newer card has replaced it;
whether the holder remains recognisable;
whether all personal information is readable; and
whether the document’s security features can be inspected.

A current Austrian photocard driving licence will normally provide the clearer route.

Can You Use a Digital Austrian Driving Licence?

Do not rely on the digital driving licence alone.

Austria’s eAusweise application can display a digital driving licence using a QR code.

However, the digital licence should supplement rather than replace the original physical card for Companies House verification.

Prepare the original physical Führerschein.

4. Austrian Identitätsausweis

A current Austrian Identitätsausweis may potentially provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2 because it appears on PRADO.

It is not:

the Austrian Personalausweis;
a biometric EU national identity card;
a passport; or
a travel document.

It should be reviewed individually before the applicant relies on it.

5. Another Passport Held Through Dual Nationality

An Austrian national who also holds another nationality may provide a second passport.

Two current passports may provide two Group A documents under person-led Option 2.

The ACSP must connect the documents where they show:

different umlaut treatment;
different surname forms;
married and birth surnames;
different numbers of given names;
different academic-title treatment;
different place-of-birth descriptions; or
different machine-readable spellings.

6. UK Photocard Driving Licence

An Austrian national living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as another Group A document.

An Austrian passport combined with a UK photocard driving licence can provide two strong photographic documents.

7. Eligible UK Immigration Document

An Austrian national may hold an eligible UK photographic immigration document.

Examples may include:

qualifying biometric residence permit;
biometric residence card;
UK Frontier Worker permit;
photographic government-issued work permit;
photographic immigration document;
photographic visa; or
eVisa under the relevant technology-led route.

The ACSP must review the exact document and apply the current expiry rules.

Austrian Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

ID Austria

ID Austria is an electronic identity and authentication service rather than a physical Group A or Group B document.

eAusweise

A digital identity proof or driving licence in eAusweise should not replace the accepted original physical documents.

Austrian e-Card

The Austrian health-insurance card is known as the e-card.

Many e-cards issued or replaced from 2020 contain a photograph for holders aged 14 or over.

However, the e-card is not automatically:

a passport;
national identity card;
driving licence;
birth certificate;
marriage certificate; or
Group B insurance policy showing the current address.

Do not rely on an e-card as one of the two formal Companies House documents.

It may provide supplementary evidence of:

photograph;
name;
social-security registration; or
recent activity within Austria.

Meldezettel

A Meldezettel records the registration of an Austrian address.

It may help support:

current or former Austrian address;
date of residence registration;
household information; or
consistency with a utility bill or bank statement.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign address-registration form in Group B.

Do not rely on a Meldezettel as the formal second document where a listed bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy is available.

Meldebestätigung

A Meldebestätigung or confirmation from the Central Population Register may provide useful address evidence.

It may be issued physically or electronically.

However, a foreign residence or population-register certificate is not expressly listed in Companies House Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence unless the ACSP confirms another valid basis for accepting it.

Austrian Social-Security Number

A social-security number is a personal identifier rather than photographic identity evidence.

Austrian Citizenship Certificate

A Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis may provide strong evidence of Austrian nationality.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign citizenship certificate in Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence rather than as the formal second document unless the ACSP confirms another valid basis.

It may be particularly useful where:

the passport is unavailable;
nationality is unclear;
the applicant was born abroad;
the applicant has several nationalities;
two passports show different names; or
an Identitätsausweis is being reviewed.

Austrian Criminal-Record Certificate

A Strafregisterbescheinigung may contain personal information.

However, it does not appear in the current Group A or Group B document lists.

Do not use it as the required second document.

Student, Employment and Membership Cards

Do not rely on:

student card;
employee card;
professional membership card;
chamber membership card;
public-transport card;
bank payment card;
pensioner card; or
private club card

as one of the required documents.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic 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
qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

An Austrian 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;
remains complete and legible;
clearly shows the relevant personal details;
contains no sign of alteration;
supports the claimed identity or current address; and
provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Austrian Bank Statements

An Austrian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

show the applicant’s full name;
identify the bank clearly;
display a recent statement date;
show genuine account activity;
remain complete;
remain legible;
contain no sign 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 normally provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

The statement may:

replace Ä with AE;
replace Ö with OE;
replace Ü with UE;
replace ß with SS;
omit an academic title;
use only one given name;
omit a double-surname element;
remove a hyphen; or
show a former address.

This does not automatically make the statement unacceptable.

However, the ACSP must connect it to the passport and other identity evidence.

Austrian Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

electricity bill;
gas bill;
water bill;
heating bill;
fixed-line telephone bill;
household internet bill where treated as a utility; or
another genuine household utility account.

The verifier must be able to identify:

service provider;
account holder;
service address;
billing date;
account information; and
connection to the applicant.

A bill in another household member’s name will not normally establish the applicant’s address without additional evidence.

A payment receipt or bank transaction does not necessarily amount to the complete utility bill.

Austrian Mortgage Statements

An Austrian mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows:

applicant’s name;
identifiable lender;
current residential address;
statement date; and
genuine mortgage information.

A property purchase agreement, Land Register extract, ownership certificate or property-tax record is not automatically the same as a mortgage statement.

Austrian Insurance Policies

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

Examples may include:

home insurance;
buildings insurance;
contents insurance;
vehicle insurance;
personal liability insurance; or
another genuine policy.

An e-card is not the same as an insurance policy.

A quotation, premium invoice, renewal invitation or marketing email may not amount to the policy itself.

Austrian Birth Certificates

An Austrian birth certificate is called a Geburtsurkunde.

An official Austrian Geburtsurkunde may provide Group B evidence.

The document may be available as:

physical certificate;
international or multilingual certificate;
official register extract;
electronically generated certificate; or
digitally signed document obtained through the Austrian certificate service.

For Companies House verification, provide the complete official document rather than:

hospital birth notification;
baptism certificate;
religious record;
cropped photograph;
application receipt;
ID Austria screen;
translation without the original; or
informal family record.

The ACSP should be able to identify:

applicant’s complete registered name;
date of birth;
place of birth;
parents’ names where shown;
issuing authority;
date of issue; and
any later amendment or annotation.

Electronic Austrian Birth Certificates

An electronic Austrian register extract may provide Group B evidence where:

it is the original official electronic document;
the issuing authority can be identified;
its digital signature or verification information remains intact;
it has not been altered;
it contains the required birth information; and
it clearly belongs to the applicant.

Provide the original electronic file rather than:

screenshot;
converted image;
cropped page;
copied text; or
printout that removes the digital validation information.

Austrian Nationals Born Abroad

An Austrian citizen born outside Austria may have:

foreign birth certificate;
Austrian birth-registration information;
Austrian passport;
Austrian Personalausweis;
citizenship certificate;
civil-register extract; or
documents belonging to an Austrian parent.

Useful evidence may include:

original foreign birth certificate;
Austrian civil-status extract;
Austrian passport;
Austrian identity card;
citizenship evidence;
official translation; and
documents connecting different name versions.

Austrian Marriage Certificates

An Austrian marriage certificate is called a Heiratsurkunde.

An official Austrian Heiratsurkunde may provide Group B evidence.

The certificate may be available as:

physical certificate;
international or multilingual marriage certificate;
official electronic register extract;
digitally signed certificate; or
copy issued by an Austrian registry office.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

wedding photograph;
ceremonial document;
religious certificate without the relevant civil registration;
cropped scan;
ID Austria account screen;
translation without the original; or
application receipt.

The certificate should clearly identify:

both spouses;
date of marriage;
place of marriage;
names before and after marriage where recorded;
issuing authority;
civil-registration information; and
date of issue.

Electronic Austrian Marriage Certificates

An electronic marriage certificate or register extract may provide Group B evidence where its origin and integrity can be validated.

The applicant should provide the complete original electronic document.

Do not convert the document into images or remove its digital-signature information.

Austrian Citizens Married Abroad

An Austrian citizen who marries abroad may have:

foreign marriage certificate;
apostille or legalisation where relevant;
certified translation;
Austrian civil-register record;
Austrian Heiratsurkunde;
current passport;
former passport;
updated Personalausweis; or
official name-change evidence.

An official foreign marriage certificate may itself provide Group B evidence.

The ACSP may request Austrian linking evidence where the names or marital-status information differ.

Marriage, Divorce and Austrian Surnames

Marriage does not require every Austrian spouse to adopt the same surname.

Spouses may:

retain their existing surnames;
choose one spouse’s surname as the common family surname;
choose a double surname formed from both surnames;
use a double surname as an individual surname; or
make another permitted surname declaration.

An Austrian double surname generally contains no more than two elements and uses a hyphen.

For example:

Müller-Berger;
Berger-Müller;
Schneider-Huber; or
Huber-Schneider.

A UK database may:

remove the hyphen;
insert a space;
join the two elements;
record only one element;
reverse the order; or
treat one element as a middle name.

After divorce, an Austrian person does not automatically return to a former surname.

The person may continue using the married surname unless they complete the relevant name-change process.

Provide:

current passport;
current Personalausweis;
marriage certificate;
divorce judgment;
official name-change evidence;
former passport where available; and
documents showing the name used at Companies House.

English Translations

Austrian passports, identity cards and driving licences use standard identity-document fields and Latin script.

However, Austrian birth certificates, marriage certificates, court decisions, bank statements and utility bills may contain material information only in German.

The ACSP may request an English translation where it cannot clearly understand:

document type;
issuing authority;
applicant’s name;
former surname;
current address;
date of issue;
birth information;
marriage information;
name-change information;
court annotations; or
another material entry.

A multilingual certificate may reduce the need for a full translation.

The translation supports the original document. It does not replace it.

Austrian Names and Special Characters

Austrian identity records require careful name checks.

Austrian Umlauts and ß

Austrian names may contain:

Ä;
Ö;
Ü; and
ß.

A UK company record, banking system, email address or older database may omit or change these characters.

For example, separate records may show:

Müller and Mueller;
Müller and Muller;
Österreicher and Oesterreicher;
Jäger and Jaeger;
Grüner and Gruener;
Groß and Gross; or
Straße and Strasse.

The absence of the original Austrian character does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people.

However, the ACSP must determine whether the complete evidence supports one identity.

Machine-Readable Passport Spellings

The machine-readable zone may:

convert Ä to AE;
convert Ö to OE;
convert Ü to UE;
convert ß to SS;
remove accents;
remove apostrophes;
remove hyphens;
merge spaces; or
truncate a very long name.

This can create several versions of the same name:

original Austrian spelling;
simplified UK spelling;
machine-readable passport spelling;
banking spelling; and
spelling used in another passport.

The ACSP should compare:

visible passport name;
machine-readable zone;
Personalausweis;
driving licence;
birth certificate;
marriage certificate;
bank statement; and
Companies House record.

Several Given Names

An Austrian passport or identity card may show more than one given name.

A person may use only one of those names in everyday life.

Separate records may:

include all given names;
show only the first given name;
use an initial;
omit a second or third given name;
use a familiar form;
display the names in a different order; or
combine two names with a hyphen.

A shortened name does not automatically indicate a different identity.

However, the complete evidence must support one consistent person.

Austrian Academic Titles

Austrian passports and identity cards may contain academic degrees or professional designations.

Examples may include:

Dr.;
Mag.;
Mag. rer. soc. oec.;
Dipl.-Ing.;
DI;
Ing.;
MSc;
MA;
MBA; or
another recognised degree or designation.

The inclusion of an academic degree in an Austrian passport or Personalausweis is generally optional.

This can create differences where:

passport includes Dr.;
bank statement omits the title;
Companies House records only the legal name;
professional records use Mag.;
a UK system treats the title as a given name; or
another passport does not display the degree.

An academic title does not normally create a separate identity.

The ACSP should compare the underlying registered given names and surname.

Do not assume that Dr., Mag., DI or Ing. forms part of the applicant’s surname.

Austrian Double and Hyphenated Surnames

Austrian spouses and children may have double surnames.

A double surname generally contains no more than two parts and is separated by a hyphen.

A UK system may:

remove the hyphen;
replace it with a space;
join the names;
record only one element;
reverse the surname order; or
place one element in the middle-name field.

Provide the complete passport, Personalausweis and civil-status evidence so the ACSP can confirm the correct structure.

Surname Particles, Apostrophes and Foreign-Origin Names

Austrian nationals may have surnames containing:

de;
van;
von;
zu;
d’;
apostrophes;
spaces;
several surname elements; or
foreign-language characters.

A UK system may simplify the spelling or capitalisation.

The ACSP should compare the complete document fields rather than relying only on the shortened Companies House record.

Austrian and Foreign Versions of a Name

An Austrian national with dual nationality may hold a foreign passport showing a different name form.

Differences may result from:

removal of umlauts;
use of AE, OE or UE;
use of SS instead of ß;
different surname following marriage;
different treatment of academic titles;
different spacing or hyphenation;
foreign naming rules;
transliteration from another alphabet; or
an earlier legal name.

Provide all relevant passports and civil-status documents so the ACSP can connect the versions.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth linked to the Companies House personal code must match the date held by Companies House.

Problems can arise where:

Companies House holds the wrong date;
someone made an error during incorporation;
the passport and company record differ;
Austrian civil-status information contains an error;
UK and Austrian date formats are confused;
the ACSP submits incorrect information; or
the applicant enters the personal code incorrectly.

Use:

passport;
Personalausweis;
birth certificate; and
other official civil-status evidence.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the date of birth does not match.

Correct inaccurate information before the compliance deadline.

Austrian Addresses and Address History

Companies House requires an ACSP to collect:

current home address; and
address history for the previous 12 months.

An Austrian applicant’s documents may show different addresses because:

the passport does not show a residential address;
the driving licence contains older information;
the applicant has moved;
a Meldezettel shows a previous Austrian residence;
the bank statement uses a correspondence address;
the utility bill is in a spouse’s name;
the applicant lives permanently outside Austria; or
Austrian and UK address formats differ.

The applicant should provide their actual current residential address.

Where an Austrian registration document shows an old address, use a suitable current Group B document.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Ginkgo Advisory is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Our solicitor-led service can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Austrian directors and PSCs.

Same-day identity checks 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, document or compliance concern arises.

For many person-led Austrian cases, the applicant should prepare one of the following:

Austrian passport and Austrian Personalausweis;
Austrian passport and Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian Personalausweis and Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian passport and Identitätsausweis;
Austrian passport and UK photocard driving licence;
Austrian passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
Austrian passport and a suitable Group B supporting document.

ID Austria, eAusweise, the Austrian e-card and a Meldezettel should not replace the formal document combination.

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

Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code.

After the ACSP completes the verification, Companies House sends the personal code to the applicant’s individual email address.

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:

complete personal-details page;
complete machine-readable zone;
any observations page;
any page showing a name amendment;
any page showing an academic-title entry where relevant; and
any relevant endorsement.

For an Austrian Personalausweis, Identitätsausweis or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

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

You must also provide:

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

Companies House requires ACSPs to retain the required identity-verification evidence and records for seven years.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

whether the Austrian passport is biometric and machine-readable;
whether the passport chip works;
whether the passport matches AUT-AO-03001, AUT-AO-02002 or another relevant model;
whether the Personalausweis matches AUT-BO-03001 or an older valid model;
whether the identity card contains the features needed for Option 1;
whether the driving licence matches AUT-FO-05002, AUT-FO-05001 or another valid model;
whether an older paper licence is being proposed;
whether an Identitätsausweis is being proposed;
whether the applicant proposes ID Austria or eAusweise;
whether any document has expired;
whether any document has been cancelled or replaced;
physical condition of each document;
Ä, Ö, Ü and ß spelling differences;
machine-readable transliteration;
academic titles;
several given names;
double surnames;
former and married surnames;
Austrian and foreign versions of the name;
current residential address; and
previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed evidence does not meet the standard, we identify a stronger document 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 them 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 appear genuine;
the identity belongs to you; and
the evidence meets the Companies House standard.

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 submit copies of the identity documents to Companies House.

However, it must retain:

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

These records must be retained for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

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

Make sure that:

the email address is correct;
you can access the account;
you check the spam or junk folder; and
you keep the code secure.

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

How Austrian Directors Use the Personal Code

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

A director of more than one company must connect the code separately to each company.

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 each proposed director.

You normally verify your identity only once.

However, you must connect the same code to every separate director appointment.

How Austrian 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.

Director and PSC of the Same Company

A person who acts as both director and PSC must provide the code separately for each role.

As a director, the person provides the code through the company’s confirmation statement.

As a PSC, the person provides it during the applicable 14-day period connected with the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director of the Same Company

A PSC who is not a director of the same company normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.

New PSC

A new PSC can provide the code when first added to the register or during the applicable 14-day period.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles.

However, it must be connected separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Solicitor-Led Service Can Help

Ginkgo Advisory can help Austrian nationals by:

reviewing Austrian biometric passports;
checking whether a passport matches AUT-AO-03001 or another valid model;
reviewing older Austrian passport models;
assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
checking passport-chip problems;
reviewing expired passports;
checking whether a passport has been cancelled or replaced;
reviewing Austrian Personalausweis cards;
checking whether a card matches AUT-BO-03001;
assessing whether a Personalausweis can qualify under Option 1;
reviewing older Austrian identity cards;
reviewing Austrian Identitätsausweis documents;
reviewing Austrian EU photocard driving licences;
checking whether a licence matches AUT-FO-05002, AUT-FO-05001 or another model;
reviewing older Austrian paper and card licences;
explaining why a digital driving licence does not replace the physical card;
reviewing Austrian emergency passports;
explaining why ID Austria does not replace an accepted document;
explaining why eAusweise does not replace the physical document;
explaining why an e-card or Meldezettel is not automatically Group B;
confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
reviewing Austrian bank statements and address documents;
checking Austrian birth and marriage certificates;
validating electronic Austrian civil-status certificates;
reviewing foreign certificates for Austrians born or married abroad;
comparing names with and without Ä, Ö, Ü and ß;
reviewing machine-readable passport spellings;
checking several given names;
distinguishing academic titles from legal names;
checking double, married and former surnames;
comparing Austrian and foreign versions of names;
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

Ginkgo Advisory provides the identity-verification service as a registered ACSP.

We support the process through:

preliminary document review;
client communication;
document coordination;
appointment arrangements;
solicitor-led identity checks;
ACSP submission; and
practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Austrian Passport?

Yes.

An Austrian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

The current ordinary passport model is AUT-AO-03001.

Is the Austrian Passport Biometric?

Yes.

The current Austrian passport contains an electronic chip.

It stores the facial image and, for applicants aged 12 or over, fingerprints.

Can I Use My Austrian Passport in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Potentially.

The app accepts a non-UK passport containing a compatible biometric chip.

The chip, document photograph and facial comparison must pass the app’s checks.

What If the Passport Chip Does Not Work?

The passport may still qualify through an ACSP.

A person-led Option 2 check may be available where the original physical passport can be examined and validated.

How Long Is an Austrian Passport Valid?

An Austrian passport is normally valid for:

two years for a child under two;
five years for a child aged two to under 12; or
ten years for a person aged 12 or over.

Can I Use an Expired Austrian Passport?

Potentially.

Option 1 may allow a biometric or machine-readable passport expired by up to six months.

Person-led Option 2 may allow a passport expired by up to 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use a Cancelled Austrian Passport?

No.

A cancelled passport may provide historical evidence but cannot provide current formal identity evidence.

Can I Use a Lost Passport That I Later Recovered?

No.

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

Can I Use an Austrian Passport Issued Through the London Embassy?

Yes, subject to the normal checks.

It remains an Austrian passport issued through the competent Austrian authorities.

Can I Use an Austrian Notpass?

Potentially, but it requires individual review.

The Notpass contains no chip and normally has restricted validity.

It will not normally work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

Can I Use My Austrian Personalausweis?

Yes.

A current Austrian Personalausweis can provide Group A photographic identity evidence.

Is the Austrian Personalausweis Biometric?

The current AUT-BO-03001 card contains a contactless chip.

The chip stores personal information and a facial image. Fingerprints are stored for applicants aged 12 or over.

Can I Use My Austrian Personalausweis Under Option 1?

Potentially.

The ACSP’s technology must support and validate the exact Austrian card model.

Can I Use My Austrian Personalausweis Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current Austrian Personalausweis can provide Group A evidence under the person-led route.

Can I Use an Older Austrian Personalausweis?

Potentially.

A current AUT-BO-02003 card may provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

It should not automatically be treated as an Option 1 biometric document.

Can I Use an Expired Personalausweis?

Normally no.

Use a current identity card or another accepted document combination.

Can I Use a Replaced Personalausweis?

No.

A replaced, cancelled or blocked card cannot provide current Companies House identity evidence.

Can I Use My Personalausweis in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

Use an Austrian biometric passport for the app.

The Personalausweis may still qualify through an ACSP or a Post Office route where offered.

Can I Use My Personalausweis at a Post Office?

Potentially.

The Post Office route may accept an EU national identity card where the service offers that route.

You must present the original physical card specified in the customer instructions.

Can I Use an Austrian Identitätsausweis?

Potentially under person-led Option 2.

The Identitätsausweis appears on PRADO and may provide Group A evidence following individual review.

It is not a travel document and is not the same as the Personalausweis.

Can I Use an Identitätsausweis Under Option 1?

Do not assume that it qualifies.

It is more suitable for individual review under person-led Option 2.

Can I Use ID Austria?

Do not rely on ID Austria as the formal identity document.

It may provide supplementary electronic evidence but does not replace the accepted passport, identity card, driving licence or Group B document.

Can I Use an ID Austria Screenshot?

No.

A login screen or screenshot does not replace the accepted document combination.

Can I Use My Digital Identity Proof in eAusweise?

Do not rely on the digital proof alone.

Prepare the original physical identity document.

Can I Use My Austrian Driving Licence?

Yes, potentially.

A current Austrian EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A evidence.

Relevant models include:

AUT-FO-05002; and
AUT-FO-05001.

How Long Is an Austrian Photocard Driving Licence Valid?

Austrian photocard driving licences issued from 19 January 2013 normally have maximum administrative validity of 15 years.

Does Every Austrian Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

The licence must remain valid, belong to the applicant, contain a suitable photograph and pass the required checks.

Can I Use an Older Austrian Paper Driving Licence?

It requires individual review.

Older licences may remain legally valid until 19 January 2033, but a paper licence is not automatically the same as an EU photocard licence.

Use a current photocard wherever possible.

Can I Use a Digital Austrian Driving Licence?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical photocard.

Can I Use My Austrian Driving Licence in the GOV.UK One Login App?

No.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than an Austrian licence.

The Austrian licence may still qualify through an ACSP.

Can I Use an Austrian Driving Licence at a Post Office?

Potentially.

The Post Office route may accept an EU photocard driving licence where the service offers that option.

The applicant must present the original physical card specified in the customer instructions.

Can I Use My Austrian e-Card?

Do not rely on the e-card as one of the required formal documents.

Even where it contains a photograph, it is not automatically a Companies House Group A or Group B document.

Can I Use a Meldezettel?

Do not rely on a Meldezettel as the formal second document.

It may provide supplementary Austrian address evidence.

Use a listed bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy where possible.

Can I Use a Meldebestätigung?

It may provide useful supplementary address evidence.

However, a foreign population-register certificate is not expressly included in Companies House Group B.

Can I Use an Austrian Social-Security Number?

No.

The number is a personal identifier rather than photographic identity evidence.

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use an Austrian Citizenship Certificate?

It may provide helpful supplementary evidence of Austrian nationality.

However, it does not automatically replace the accepted Group A or Group B document combination.

Can I Use an Austrian Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

It must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Can I Use an Austrian Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use an Austrian Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use an Austrian Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use an Austrian Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Austrian Geburtsurkunde falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use a Digital Austrian Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete original electronic document with its digital validation information intact.

Can I Use an Austrian Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Austrian Heiratsurkunde falls within the Group B marriage-certificate category.

Can I Use a Digital Austrian Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the original electronic certificate or register extract rather than a screenshot.

Can I Use a Foreign Birth or Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any relevant translation, authentication and Austrian linking evidence.

Do Austrian Documents Need an English Translation?

Some documents may require translation.

Austrian passports, identity cards and driving licences use standard identity-document fields.

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, utility bills and court decisions may contain material information only in German.

Provide the original and an English translation where requested.

What If My Name Contains Ä, Ö or Ü?

Send the complete document set for review.

UK records may remove the umlaut or replace it with AE, OE or UE.

What If My Name Contains ß?

A UK or machine-readable record may use SS.

For example, Groß may appear as Gross.

The ACSP should compare the complete document set.

Why Does My Passport Show AE, OE, UE or SS?

The machine-readable zone may convert:

Ä to AE;
Ö to OE;
Ü to UE; and
ß to SS.

This is a standard machine-readable spelling and does not necessarily indicate a different identity.

What If Companies House Omits One of My Given Names?

Provide the passport or Personalausweis and supporting documents.

A shortened company record may still relate to the same person.

What If My Passport Contains Dr. or Mag.?

Provide the complete passport and supporting documents.

An academic degree may be shown in an Austrian identity document, but it should not automatically be treated as a separate given name or surname.

What If Companies House Does Not Show My Academic Title?

This does not automatically create an identity mismatch.

The ACSP should compare the underlying legal given names, surname and date of birth.

What If I Have a Double Surname?

Provide documents showing the complete surname.

The ACSP should compare the spelling, order and hyphenation across all records.

What If I Changed My Surname After Marriage?

Provide:

current passport;
current Personalausweis;
marriage certificate;
official name-change evidence;
former passport where available;
current driving licence; and
documents showing the surname used at Companies House.

Does Marriage Automatically Change an Austrian Surname?

No.

Spouses may retain their existing surnames or select an authorised common or double surname.

What If I Retained My Married Surname After Divorce?

This may be lawful.

An Austrian person does not automatically resume a former surname following divorce.

Provide the divorce and civil-status evidence connecting the names.

What If I Have Austrian and Foreign Passports With Different Names?

Provide both passports and the civil-status documents connecting the names.

The ACSP should establish the current legal identity and explain the differences.

What If My Date of Birth at Companies House Is Wrong?

Correct the Companies House record before attempting to connect the personal code.

The date of birth linked to the code must match the company record.

What If My Austrian Address Document Shows an Old Address?

Use a suitable current Group B address document.

You must provide your actual current home address and address history for the previous 12 months.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Austria?

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 person-led remote or in-person Option 2.

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

Must I Post My Original Austrian Passport or Personalausweis?

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 One Personal Code as Both a Director and PSC?

Yes.

The personal code belongs to you.

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

Can You Complete the Verification on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

we approve the document set in advance;
the applicant provides all required information;
the documents pass the necessary checks;
the Companies House record matches;
the applicant completes the video call; and
no unresolved identity or compliance concern remains.

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

Need Companies House Identity Verification for an Austrian Director or PSC?

Austrian nationals will usually have one of these practical document routes:

Austrian biometric passport plus current Austrian Personalausweis;
Austrian passport plus current Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian Personalausweis plus Austrian EU photocard driving licence;
Austrian passport plus current Identitätsausweis under person-led Option 2;
Austrian passport or Personalausweis plus an accepted Group B supporting document;
Austrian passport plus valid UK photocard driving licence;
Austrian passport plus eligible UK immigration document; or
one eligible Austrian biometric passport, biometric Personalausweis or EU photocard driving licence under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Austrian applicants have several strong document options because Austria issues:

biometric passports;
biometric EU national identity cards;
EU photocard driving licences;
PRADO-listed domestic identity cards;
official birth certificates; and
official marriage certificates.

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

passport chip that cannot be read;
older Austrian passport;
expired passport;
cancelled or replaced passport;
lost or stolen passport;
Austrian Notpass;
older non-biometric Personalausweis;
expired or replaced Personalausweis;
Austrian Identitätsausweis;
old paper driving licence;
only a digital driving licence;
only ID Austria or eAusweise;
Austrian e-card proposed as identity evidence;
Meldezettel proposed as Group B;
social-security number proposed as the personal code;
Ä, Ö, Ü or ß missing from Companies House;
machine-readable AE, OE, UE or SS spelling;
academic title included on only some documents;
several given names;
double or hyphenated surname;
married or former surname;
Austrian and foreign passports with different names;
overseas birth or marriage;
electronic civil certificate requiring validation;
incorrect date of birth;
current address different from Austrian registration records; or
information that does not match the Companies House register.

Ginkgo Advisory can review your documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

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

Contact Us

Email

info@ginkgoadvisory.com

+44 7388 833283

Address

Suite 161, 30 Red Lion Street, London, TW9 1RB, England

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

Quick Answer for Austrian Directors and PSCs

Important Point About the Austrian Personalausweis

Current Austrian Personalausweis Model

Austrian Personalausweis Validity

Fingerprints on Austrian Identity Cards

Can an Austrian Personalausweis Qualify Under Option 1?

Can an Austrian Personalausweis Qualify Under Option 2?

Older Austrian Personalausweis Models

Can You Use an Expired Austrian Personalausweis?

Can You Use a Replaced Austrian Personalausweis?

Austrian Identitätsausweis

Can the Identitätsausweis Qualify Under Option 1?

Is the Identitätsausweis a Travel Document?

ID Austria

Austrian eAusweise

Austrian Social-Security Numbers and Register Numbers

Is an Austrian Social-Security Number the Companies House Personal Code?

Austrian Biometric Passports

Current Austrian Passport Model

Austrian Passport Validity

Fingerprints in Austrian Passports

Previous Austrian Passport Model

Austrian Passports Issued Through the London Embassy

Using an Austrian Passport With GOV.UK One Login

What If the Austrian Passport Chip Cannot Be Read?

Can You Use an Expired Austrian Passport?

Lost, Stolen and Recovered Austrian Passports

Austrian Emergency Passport

Can an Austrian Notpass Work in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

How Can Austrian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

Can You Use an Austrian Personalausweis in the One Login App?

Can You Use an Austrian Driving Licence in the One Login App?

Can You Use ID Austria in GOV.UK One Login?

Answering Security Questions

Verification at a UK Post Office

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

How Many Documents Do You Need?

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

Group A Photographic ID for Austrian Nationals

1. Austrian Biometric Passport

2. Austrian Personalausweis

3. Austrian EU Photocard Driving Licence

Does Every Austrian Driving Licence Qualify?

Austrian Driving Licences Issued Before 19 January 2013

Can You Use a Digital Austrian Driving Licence?

4. Austrian Identitätsausweis

5. Another Passport Held Through Dual Nationality

6. UK Photocard Driving Licence

7. Eligible UK Immigration Document

Austrian Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

ID Austria

eAusweise

Austrian e-Card

Meldezettel

Meldebestätigung

Austrian Social-Security Number

Austrian Citizenship Certificate

Austrian Criminal-Record Certificate

Student, Employment and Membership Cards

Group B Supporting Documents

Austrian Bank Statements

Austrian Utility Bills

Austrian Mortgage Statements

Austrian Insurance Policies

Austrian Birth Certificates

Electronic Austrian Birth Certificates

Austrian Nationals Born Abroad

Austrian Marriage Certificates

Electronic Austrian Marriage Certificates

Austrian Citizens Married Abroad

Marriage, Divorce and Austrian Surnames

English Translations

Recommended Document Combinations

Austrian Passport and Austrian Personalausweis

Austrian Passport and Austrian Driving Licence

Austrian Personalausweis and Austrian Driving Licence