Czech 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 Czech Directors and PSCs

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

A current Czech national identity card, called an občanský průkaz, may also provide Group A evidence. A valid Czech EU photocard driving licence 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.

PRADO lists Czech passports, national identity cards, driving licences and civil-status documents. Czech applicants therefore have several practical document combinations.

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

• Czech passport and Czech national identity card;
• Czech passport and Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• Czech identity card and Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• Czech passport and bank statement;
• Czech passport and utility bill;
• Czech passport and mortgage statement;
• Czech passport and insurance policy;
• Czech passport and birth certificate;
• Czech passport and marriage certificate;
• Czech passport and UK photocard driving licence; or
• Czech passport and an eligible UK immigration document.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use a Czech passport together with a current Czech identity card or Czech 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 Czech National Identity Card

The Czech Republic issues a national identity card called an občanský průkaz. It may also be described informally as a Czech ID card, Czech eID card or eObčanka.

The card confirms the holder’s identity and Czech nationality. Czech citizens aged 15 or over who have permanent residence in the Czech Republic must normally hold one. Czech citizens who live permanently abroad may also apply for an identity card.

Companies House permits an identity card containing biometric information from an EU country. It also includes other photographic identity documents listed on PRADO within Group A for person-led checks.

The practical conclusion is:

A current physical Czech national identity card can normally provide Group A evidence for Companies House identity verification.

The identity card must still:

• remain valid;
• belong to the applicant;
• show 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 Czech Identity-Card Models

PRADO lists several Czech identity-card models.

The most relevant current models include:

• CZE-BO-04004, first issued on 1 July 2023;
• CZE-BO-04003, first issued on 2 August 2021; and
• CZE-BO-04002, first issued on 19 May 2014.

The 2021 and 2023 models follow the current generation of Czech and EU identity-card standards.

An older card can still be acceptable where:

• PRADO continues to list the model as valid;
• the individual card has not expired;
• the issuing authority has not cancelled or replaced it;
• the photograph remains suitable for comparison; and
• the ACSP can examine its security features.

Do not assume that a card qualifies simply because it looks official. The verifier must inspect the exact model and the status of the individual card.

Can a Czech Identity Card 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 Czech identity card can fall within the Option 1 category where:

• it contains the required biometric information;
• the card remains current;
• the technology supports the exact Czech card model;
• the technology validates the card’s electronic security features;
• the technology validates the card’s physical security features; and
• the applicant successfully completes the required facial and identity checks.

An older Czech identity card that does not contain the required biometric information may still provide Group A evidence through a person-led Option 2 check because Czech identity cards appear on PRADO.

Can You Use an Expired Czech Identity Card?

Normally no.

Companies House provides specific expiry exceptions for passports and certain UK biometric residence documents. It does not provide a general expiry exception for EU national identity cards.

Use a current card or choose another document combination.

Can You Use an Identity Card That Has Been Replaced?

No.

Do not use an old Czech identity card after the issuing authority has replaced it with a newer card.

This applies even where:

• the printed expiry date has not yet passed;
• the old card still appears undamaged;
• the applicant has kept the old card;
• the replacement was issued following a name change;
• the replacement was issued following a change of personal details; or
• the applicant later recovered a card previously reported lost.

A cancelled or replaced document cannot provide Companies House identity evidence.

Czech Digital Identity, eDoklady and Online Government Accounts

Czech nationals may use several electronic identity services, including:

• eDoklady;
• eObčanka functions;
• Identita občana;
• Bank iD;
• the Citizen Portal;
• data boxes;
• electronic-signature certificates; and
• other Czech government login methods.

These services may provide a reliable way to access Czech public services. However, they do not automatically replace the physical identity documents required under the published Companies House document routes.

Do not rely only on:

• an eDoklady screen;
• a mobile identity-card display;
• a Bank iD login;
• a QR code;
• a Citizen Portal profile;
• a data-box account;
• an electronic-signature certificate;
• a screenshot of identity information; or
• a downloaded account page.

An ACSP may examine electronic information as additional evidence. For example, it may help confirm:

• the applicant’s current name;
• birth number;
• document status;
• address;
• electronic identity;
• recent government activity; or
• consistency with Czech official records.

The formal document combination should still use an accepted passport, physical identity card, physical driving licence or Group B document.

Can You Use a Czech Birth Number?

No. The Czech personal identity number is commonly called a rodné číslo.

A rodné číslo is a personal identifier rather than a photographic identity document. Czech authorities use it across public administration, healthcare, employment, banking and other systems.

Do not submit only:

• a rodné číslo;
• a written birth number;
• a screenshot showing the number;
• a Czech tax document containing the number;
• a health-insurance record;
• a Citizen Portal page;
• a social-security record; or
• a document confirming only the allocation of the number.

The Czech birth number is not the same as the Companies House personal code.

A Czech birth number often appears on identity cards, civil-status certificates and other Czech records. It can help the verifier compare documents, but it does not replace the required photographic identity evidence.

Czech Biometric Passports

The Czech ordinary passport is called a cestovní pas.

PRADO lists the current Czech ordinary biometric passport under reference CZE-AO-04002.

Current Czech Passport Model

PRADO records CZE-AO-04002 as:

• an ordinary Czech passport;
• first issued as a model on 1 January 2012;
• a travel document issued to Czech nationals;
• a passport booklet containing an integrated personal-details card;
• valid for up to ten years for applicants aged 15 or over; and
• valid for up to five years for applicants under 15.

The passport contains electronic and physical security features that support identity verification.

A current Czech biometric passport will normally provide the clearest Group A route.

Using a Czech Passport With GOV.UK One Login

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

The applicant must usually:

1. photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
2. scan the biometric chip;
3. scan their face;
4. complete a live identity comparison; and
5. answer any remaining questions.

The applicant must use the original passport.

The app does not accept:

• a photocopy;
• a scanned PDF;
• a screenshot;
• a photograph displayed on another device;
• a passport number without the document;
• a cancelled passport; or
• an expired passport.

Czech Passports Issued Through the London Embassy

Czech citizens living in the United Kingdom can apply for a passport through the Czech Embassy in London or another competent Czech consular office.

Applicants normally attend in person. The consular officer checks the supporting documents and information held in Czech registers, captures the applicant’s photograph and sends the application for production in the Czech Republic.

A passport obtained through the Czech Embassy is not a special lower-status passport merely because the applicant applied abroad. It can still be a standard biometric Czech passport.

The verifier should check:

• the biometric-passport symbol;
• exact PRADO model;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• chip functionality;
• personal-details page;
• document condition;
• any observation page; and
• whether another passport has replaced it.

Older Czech Passport Models

PRADO also lists earlier Czech passport models.

An older passport may provide Group A evidence where the individual document:

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

However, many Czech passports issued under older designs will now have reached the end of their original validity period.

Do not rely on a passport merely because PRADO still contains information about the document model. The ACSP must check the expiry and status of the individual passport.

Czech Emergency and Temporary Travel Documents

The Czech Republic may issue an emergency or temporary travel document, commonly called a cestovní průkaz.

PRADO lists Czech travel-document models separately from ordinary passports.

A temporary travel document may have:

• limited validity;
• a restricted travel purpose;
• a single-journey purpose;
• fewer security features than an ordinary passport;
• no biometric chip; or
• conditions affecting where and how the holder can use it.

A current physical emergency document may potentially provide Group A evidence through the PRADO route. However, it requires individual review.

The ACSP must check:

• the exact document category;
• PRADO reference;
• purpose of issue;
• holder’s nationality;
• period of validity;
• territorial restrictions;
• whether an ordinary passport later replaced it; and
• whether the document can be validated to the required standard.

A current ordinary Czech passport or national identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Czech 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.

This date started a transitional process. It was not one universal deadline for 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 also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Czech Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Czech nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on the applicant’s documents and circumstances, the system may ask them to:

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

The system chooses the available route based on the applicant’s documents, device and access to relevant UK information.

Using a Czech Biometric Passport

A Czech national can normally try the app route with a current biometric passport.

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

The applicant must use the original passport and successfully complete the chip and facial checks.

Can You Use a Czech Identity Card in the One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

The app currently accepts specified documents such as:

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

A Czech national identity card does not become an accepted app document merely because it contains electronic or biometric functions.

However, it may still work:

• through an ACSP;
• under person-led Option 2;
• under technology-led Option 1 where suitable technology supports it; or
• through the Post Office route where GOV.UK One Login offers that route.

Can You Use a Czech Driving Licence in the One Login App?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Czech licence.

A qualifying Czech EU photocard driving licence may still work:

• through an ACSP under technology-led Option 1;
• as Group A evidence under person-led Option 2; or
• at a participating Post Office where the applicant receives that option.

Answering Security Questions

Some Czech 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 details must match closely.

A Czech director who lives outside the United Kingdom or has little UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also cause problems. For example, the system may not match:

• a name with Czech diacritics against a name without them;
• a married surname against a former surname;
• a woman’s surname with the ending ová against a neutral surname form;
• a complete name against an account using only initials; or
• two forenames against a record showing only one.

Verification at a UK Post Office

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

The applicant must first:

1. start the Companies House identity-verification service online;
2. enter the requested identity-document details;
3. receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
4. obtain the customer instructions or QR code;
5. attend a participating Post Office; and
6. present the original identity document.

Relevant Czech documents may include:

• a Czech passport;
• a Czech EU photocard driving licence; or
• a Czech national identity card.

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

This route may suit a Czech national who lives in the United Kingdom. It usually provides less convenience to someone living in the Czech Republic or another country.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

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

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

The ACSP can complete checks:

• remotely;
• by video call;
• in person; or
• through approved identity-checking technology.

The ACSP must remain registered with Companies House and supervised by a recognised UK anti-money laundering supervisory body.

This route may suit a Czech director or PSC who:

• lives in the Czech Republic;
• lives elsewhere outside the United Kingdom;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the Czech passport chip;
• wants to use a Czech identity card;
• wants to use a Czech EU driving licence;
• only has one photographic identity document;
• needs help selecting a Group B document;
• has Czech diacritics missing from the Companies House record;
• uses a surname with and without the ending ová;
• has a married, former or double surname;
• has several forenames;
• has a Czech and foreign version of the same name;
• 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 check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

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

Companies House permits:

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

For a Czech national, the most relevant Option 1 documents will normally be:

• a Czech biometric passport;
• a current Czech biometric identity card;
• a current Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• a UK photocard driving licence; or
• an eligible UK immigration document or eVisa.

The ACSP must confirm that its technology supports the exact Czech document.

General document eligibility does not mean that every identity-checking platform can read and validate every Czech card or passport model.

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 who lives outside the United Kingdom must provide at least one government-issued document.

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. However, the issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

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

Group A Photographic ID for Czech Nationals

1. Czech Biometric Passport

A current Czech biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A document.

The current ordinary passport model is CZE-AO-04002.

For 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;
• has cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• contains serious damage;
• has an unreadable personal-details page;
• no longer matches the holder’s identity; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

2. Czech National Identity Card

A current physical Czech national identity card may provide Group A evidence.

Relevant valid models include:

• CZE-BO-04004;
• CZE-BO-04003; and
• CZE-BO-04002.

The ACSP should review:

• exact card model;
• document number;
• date of issue;
• expiry date;
• holder’s nationality;
• photograph;
• name;
• date of birth;
• birth number where shown;
• visible security features;
• electronic features where relevant;
• condition of the card; 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.

Does Every Czech Identity Card Qualify?

Not automatically.

A card may fail where it:

• has expired;
• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced;
• has been reported lost or stolen;
• is seriously damaged;
• contains unreadable personal details;
• shows a former identity that has not been connected to the current identity;
• does not match the applicant;
• cannot be validated by the technology; or
• does not allow a trained person to inspect its security features properly.

Can You Use an eDoklady Copy of the Identity Card?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical card for the Companies House verification process.

An ACSP may review digital information as supplementary evidence, but a mobile display should not replace the accepted physical identity document under the current published route.

3. Czech EU Photocard Driving Licence

A valid physical Czech 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.

PRADO lists several Czech driving-licence models.

The most relevant valid models include:

• CZE-FO-02005, first issued on 17 December 2024;
• CZE-FO-02004, first issued on 24 April 2017; and
• CZE-FO-02003, first issued on 19 January 2013.

The current CZE-FO-02005 model includes advanced physical security features and a black-and-white facial image.

Czech driving licences normally remain valid for:

• ten years for most categories; or
• five years for specified heavy-vehicle and passenger-vehicle categories.

A Czech driving licence establishes the holder’s identity within the Czech Republic. However, it does not prove Czech nationality.

Does Every Czech Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

A licence may fail where it:

• has expired;
• uses an invalid older model;
• has been replaced;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• has been cancelled;
• contains a photograph that no longer supports reliable comparison;
• is damaged;
• belongs to another person; or
• cannot be validated.

The ACSP should review:

• the exact card design;
• licence number;
• date of issue;
• expiry date;
• photograph;
• driving categories;
• visible security features;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport, identity card and other evidence.

Invalid Older Czech Driving-Licence Models

PRADO records some earlier Czech driving-licence models as no longer valid.

For example:

• CZE-FO-02001 is no longer valid;
• CZE-FO-02002 is no longer valid; and
• CZE-FO-01001 is no longer valid.

Do not rely on one of these cards simply because the applicant still possesses it.

Can You Use a Digital Czech Driving Licence?

Do not rely on:

• an eDoklady driving-licence display;
• mobile-wallet record;
• QR code;
• screenshot;
• Citizen Portal record;
• electronic extract; or
• photograph of the licence

as a replacement for the original physical card.

4. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

A Czech national living in the United Kingdom may also 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;
• a photographic visa; or
• an eVisa through the relevant technology-led route.

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

A Czech passport combined with a valid UK photocard driving licence can provide two strong Group A documents.

Czech Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

Czech Birth Number

A rodné číslo does not provide photographic identity evidence.

It may help compare records, but the number alone does not replace an accepted document.

eDoklady

Do not rely on an eDoklady display as the only identity document.

Prepare the original physical passport, identity card or driving licence.

Citizen Portal and Identita občana

A Citizen Portal profile or Identita občana login does not replace a physical Group A document.

Bank iD

Bank iD may confirm an electronic identity for Czech online services, but it is not automatically an accepted Companies House identity document.

Data Box

A Czech data-box account may show that the applicant controls an official electronic communications account. However, it does not replace the required photographic document.

Electronic-Signature Certificate

A Czech qualified electronic-signature certificate may help support an identity review. It does not replace the accepted Group A or Group B document combination.

Czech Citizenship Certificate

A Czech citizenship certificate can provide strong evidence of nationality.

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

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

Czech Population or Register Extract

An official Czech register extract may help confirm:

• name;
• former name;
• birth surname;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• birth number;
• nationality;
• permanent address; or
• marital status.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign population-register extract in Group B.

Use it as additional evidence alongside an accepted document combination.

Czech Health-Insurance Card

Do not rely on a Czech health-insurance card as one of the required documents.

Czech Tax or Social-Security Document

A tax record or social-security document may support additional checks. It does not automatically provide the required Group A or Group B evidence.

Czech Student, Employment or Membership Cards

Do not rely on:

• a student card;
• employee card;
• professional membership card;
• library card;
• public-transport card;
• payment 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
• a qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Czech 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.

Czech Bank Statements

A Czech 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;
• 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.

A statement may show the applicant’s name without Czech diacritics. This does not automatically make the statement unacceptable. However, the ACSP must connect the name to the passport or identity card.

Czech Utility Bills

A Czech 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;
• internet service bill where treated as a household utility; or
• another genuine household utility account.

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

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

Czech Mortgage Statements

A Czech 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.

Czech Insurance Policies

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

A quotation, renewal advertisement or marketing email may not amount to the actual insurance policy.

Czech Birth Certificates

A Czech birth certificate is called a rodný list.

A Czech birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

PRADO lists the Czech birth certificate as an official civil-status document.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• hospital birth notification;
• baptism certificate;
• religious record;
• cropped photograph;
• application receipt;
• register screenshot;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family document.

The ACSP should be able to identify:

• applicant’s complete registered name;
• birth surname;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• parents’ details where shown;
• birth number where shown;
• issuing authority;
• date of issue; and
• any later correction or amendment.

Czech Citizens Born Abroad

A Czech citizen born outside the Czech Republic may have their birth registered through the Czech Special Registry Office in Brno.

After registration, the person can obtain a Czech birth certificate.

The Czech birth certificate may help connect:

• a foreign birth certificate;
• Czech nationality;
• Czech birth number;
• Czech spelling of the name;
• foreign spelling of the name;
• parents’ details; and
• information shown in the Czech passport.

Czechoslovak Birth Certificates

Some older Czech nationals may hold a birth certificate issued in former Czechoslovakia.

A genuine Czechoslovak birth certificate may potentially provide Group B evidence as a birth certificate.

However, the ACSP may request additional evidence to connect it to the applicant’s current Czech identity.

Useful linking documents may include:

• current Czech passport;
• current Czech identity card;
• Czech citizenship certificate;
• current civil-register extract;
• marriage certificate;
• name-change document; or
• later Czech birth-certificate duplicate.

An expired Czechoslovak passport should not be treated as current photographic identity evidence.

Czech Marriage Certificates

A Czech marriage certificate is called an oddací list.

An official Czech marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help connect:

• birth surname;
• married surname;
• double surname;
• former surname;
• surname with ová;
• surname without ová; or
• another name used in UK records.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial document;
• partial scan;
• church record without the relevant civil registration;
• informal translation; or
• online screenshot.

Czech Citizens Married Abroad

A Czech citizen who marries abroad may register the marriage through the Czech Special Registry Office.

The registration can produce a Czech marriage certificate.

This may be important where the applicant:

• adopted a new surname;
• has not updated all Czech identity documents;
• uses one surname in the Czech Republic and another in the United Kingdom;
• has an overseas marriage certificate in another language; or
• needs to connect a former Companies House name to a current passport.

Divorce and Name-Change Evidence

A divorce judgment, civil-register document or official name-change decision may help connect a former surname to the current identity.

These documents normally act as linking evidence.

They do not automatically replace the required Group A or Group B combination.

Multilingual Forms and English Translations

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

However, Czech birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, utility bills and civil-status decisions may contain important information only in Czech.

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

• document type;
• issuing authority;
• applicant’s name;
• birth surname;
• current address;
• date of issue;
• name-change information;
• marital-status information; or
• another material entry.

Czech authorities may issue multilingual standard forms for certain civil-status documents.

A multilingual form may reduce the need for a full translation. However, the ACSP may still request one where material information remains unclear.

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

Recommended Document Combinations

Czech Passport and Czech Identity Card

This combination normally provides two Group A photographic documents under person-led Option 2.

The passport confirms identity and Czech nationality. The identity card provides a second government-issued photographic document.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs;
• nationality;
• birth number where displayed;
• document status; and
• other personal information.

This will often provide the strongest remote combination for a Czech citizen.

Czech Passport and Czech Driving Licence

This combination may provide two Group A photographic documents.

The passport provides identity and nationality evidence. A current Czech EU photocard driving licence provides a second photographic document.

This route may suit an applicant who:

• does not have a current Czech identity card;
• lives abroad;
• has allowed the identity card to expire;
• cannot use the identity card through the chosen technology; or
• wants the driving licence to support another personal detail.

Czech Identity Card and Czech Driving Licence

A current Czech identity card and current Czech EU photocard driving licence may provide two Group A documents without a passport.

This can be practical where the applicant:

• does not currently possess a passport;
• has submitted the passport for renewal;
• has lost the passport but still holds two valid cards; or
• prefers to use two card-format documents.

The ACSP must still confirm that both cards remain current and have not been replaced.

Czech Passport and Bank Statement

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

It often provides a clear route where the applicant:

• does not drive;
• does not have a current Czech identity card;
• wants to show genuine financial activity;
• needs to establish a Czech or UK address; or
• has a name-format difference across documents.

Czech Passport and Utility Bill

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

Czech Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Czech Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Czech Passport and Birth Certificate

An official Czech birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits one of several forenames;
• Czech diacritics are missing from the company record;
• the applicant uses different surname forms;
• the applicant changed their name;
• the place or date of birth needs clarification;
• the applicant was born abroad; or
• the verifier needs civil-registration evidence.

Czech Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Czech marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also connect:

• birth and married surnames;
• surname with ová and surname without ová;
• single and double surnames;
• surname resumed after divorce;
• former Companies House name; or
• another name recorded in Czech civil-status records.

Czech Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Czech national living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This combination provides two strong photographic identity documents.

Czech Passport and UK Immigration Document

An eligible UK photographic immigration document may provide another Group A document.

An eVisa may qualify under the technology-led route. The ACSP must review the exact status and available evidence.

Czech Names and Diacritics

They require careful name checks.

Czech Diacritics

Czech names may contain letters with diacritical marks, including:

• á;
• č;
• ď;
• é;
• ě;
• í;
• ň;
• ó;
• ř;
• š;
• ť;
• ú;
• ů;
• ý; and
• ž.

A UK company record, bank system or older database may remove the diacritics.

For example, separate records may show:

• Dvořák and Dvorak;
• Černý and Cerny;
• Šimek and Simek;
• Říha and Riha;
• Nováčková and Novackova; or
• Benešová and Benesova.

The absence of Czech diacritics does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people.

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

The current passport or identity card will normally provide the clearest starting point.

Name Order

A Czech document may place the surname before the given names.

A UK company record may place the given names first.

The ACSP should distinguish between:

• jméno or jména, meaning given name or given names;
• příjmení, meaning surname;
• rodné příjmení, meaning birth surname; and
• dřívější příjmení, meaning former surname.

A difference in display order does not automatically create an identity mismatch.

Several Forenames

A Czech passport or identity card may show more than one forename, while Companies House or a bank statement may show only the name used in everyday life.

Separate records may:

• include or omit a second forename;
• use an initial;
• shorten a forename;
• use only the first registered forename;
• use a familiar version of the name;
• join names with a hyphen; or
• display the names in a different order.

A shorter name does not automatically mean that the documents belong to different people.

However, the complete evidence must support one identity.

Czech Female Surnames and the Ending Ová

Czech female surnames traditionally use the ending ová.

For example:

• Novák may correspond to Nováková;
• Dvořák may correspond to Dvořáková;
• Svoboda may correspond to Svobodová; and
• Černý may correspond to Černá.

However, Czech law also allows women to use a surname in a neutral or non-gendered form without the ending ová in specified circumstances.

As a result, records may show:

• Nováková and Novák;
• Dvořáková and Dvořák;
• Smithová and Smith;
• surname with ová in a Czech birth record;
• surname without ová in a foreign passport;
• married surname with ová in Czech records; or
• neutral surname form in UK records.

The ACSP should not assume that the difference automatically indicates two people.

Useful evidence may include:

• current Czech passport;
• current Czech identity card;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• foreign passport;
• Czech civil-register record;
• formal surname declaration; or
• official name-change evidence.

Married, Double and Former Surnames

Marriage, divorce or another civil-status event can create differences between Czech and UK records.

A Czech national may:

• adopt a spouse’s surname;
• retain their birth surname;
• use a double surname;
• use a surname with ová;
• use a surname without ová;
• resume a former surname after divorce;
• register an overseas marriage later in the Czech Republic; or
• update the UK record before updating Czech identity documents.

Provide the marriage certificate, divorce evidence or other civil-status record together with the current and former identity documents.

Marriage Abroad Not Yet Registered in the Czech Republic

A Czech national may have a valid foreign marriage certificate but no Czech marriage certificate yet.

The foreign marriage certificate can still help connect the names. However, the ACSP may ask for:

• original foreign marriage certificate;
• apostille or other authentication where relevant;
• English translation;
• Czech translation;
• current passport;
• former passport;
• evidence of Czech registration; or
• explanation of why the Czech records have not yet been updated.

Formal Czech Name Changes

A formal name or surname change may require the applicant to replace affected identity documents.

Where Companies House records the former name, useful evidence may include:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• current identity card;
• former identity card;
• official name-change decision;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce certificate; or
• civil-register extract connecting the former and current names.

Czech and Foreign Versions of a Name

A Czech national with dual nationality may hold a foreign passport showing a different version of the same name.

Differences may result from:

• omission of Czech diacritics;
• use of ová in one country and not another;
• different treatment of a middle name;
• different surname after marriage;
• different spacing or hyphenation;
• different name order;
• foreign transliteration of a non-Czech name; 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;
• a civil-register record contains an error;
• the ACSP submits incorrect information;
• someone enters the personal code incorrectly; or
• a birth number is misread as a date.

Do not rely only on the apparent structure of a Czech birth number when confirming the date of birth.

Use the passport, identity card and birth certificate.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the details do not match.

Correct an inaccurate date of birth before the compliance deadline.

Is a Rodné Číslo the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A Czech rodné číslo belongs to the Czech national identification 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 the personal code:

• Czech birth number;
• rodné číslo;
• Czech identity-card number;
• Czech passport number;
• Czech driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• Czech tax number;
• data-box identifier; or
• immigration application reference.

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 Czech 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 Czech cases, the applicant should prepare one of the following:

• Czech passport and Czech national identity card;
• Czech passport and Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• Czech identity card and Czech EU photocard driving licence; or
• one Czech passport or identity card and a suitable Group B supporting document.

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 sends the personal code to the applicant’s individual email address.

The email should normally arrive within a few hours, although that timing 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:

• complete personal-details page;
• any observation page;
• any page showing a name amendment; and
• any relevant endorsement.

For a Czech identity card or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding 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 collect this information and retain the required verification evidence 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 Czech passport is biometric and machine-readable;
• whether the passport chip works;
• whether the passport matches CZE-AO-04002 or another relevant model;
• whether the identity card matches a valid PRADO model;
• whether the identity card contains the features needed for Option 1;
• whether the driving licence matches CZE-FO-02005, CZE-FO-02004 or CZE-FO-02003;
• whether any document has expired;
• whether any document has been cancelled or replaced;
• physical condition of each document;
• Czech diacritics;
• surname with or without ová;
• former and married surnames;
• Czech 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 their 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 send copies of the identity documents to Companies House.

However, it must keep:

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

The ACSP must retain these 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 supplied during the ACSP submission.

Make sure that:

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

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

How Czech 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 Czech 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.

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 beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director of the Same Company

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.

New PSC

A person who became a PSC after 18 November 2025 can provide the code when first added to the register or within 14 days of being added.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles.

However, the person must connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

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

• reviewing Czech biometric passports;
• checking older Czech passport models;
• assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• reviewing Czech national identity cards;
• checking whether an identity card matches a valid PRADO model;
• assessing whether an identity card can qualify under Option 1;
• reviewing Czech EU photocard driving licences;
• checking whether a licence matches a valid model;
• distinguishing valid and invalid older driving-licence designs;
• explaining why eDoklady does not replace the physical document;
• explaining why a rodné číslo is not the Companies House personal code;
• reviewing Czech citizenship or register evidence as supplementary material;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Czech bank statements and address documents;
• checking Czech birth and marriage certificates;
• comparing names with and without Czech diacritics;
• reviewing surname forms with and without ová;
• comparing Czech and foreign versions of names;
• checking double, 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 Czech Passport?

Yes.

A Czech passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

The current CZE-AO-04002 model may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app where its biometric chip can be read successfully.

Can I Use an Expired Czech 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.

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 an Older Czech Passport Model?

Potentially.

The ACSP must check:

• exact PRADO model;
• printed expiry date;
• document condition;
• whether another passport replaced it; and
• whether it falls within the relevant Companies House expiry exception.

How Do I Know Whether My Czech Passport Is Biometric?

Check the front cover for the international biometric-passport symbol.

A biometric passport contains an electronic chip that a compatible phone or identity-checking device can read.

Can I Use a Czech Passport Issued Through the London Embassy?

Yes, subject to the normal checks.

A passport applied for through the Czech Embassy can still be a standard Czech biometric passport.

Can I Use My Czech National Identity Card?

Yes, potentially as Group A evidence.

A current Czech občanský průkaz can normally provide strong photographic identity evidence.

Can I Use My Czech Identity Card Under Option 1?

Potentially.

The card must contain the required biometric information, and the ACSP’s technology must support and validate the exact Czech card model.

Can I Use My Czech Identity Card Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current Czech identity card may provide Group A evidence under the biometric EU identity-card category or as another photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

Can I Use an Expired Czech Identity Card?

Normally no.

Use a current card or select another accepted document combination.

Can I Use an Identity Card That Has Been Replaced?

No.

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

Can I Use eDoklady?

Do not rely on eDoklady alone.

Prepare the original physical identity card, passport or driving licence.

Can I Use Bank iD?

Not as the required identity document.

Bank iD may provide supplementary electronic identity information, but it does not replace an accepted Group A or Group B document.

Can I Use Identita občana?

Not as the required identity document.

It may support additional checks, but you should still provide an accepted physical document.

Can I Use a Data Box?

No, not as the required identity document.

A data-box account does not replace photographic identity evidence.

Can I Use My Rodné Číslo?

No.

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

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use a Czech Citizenship Certificate?

It may provide helpful additional evidence of Czech nationality.

However, Companies House does not expressly list a foreign citizenship certificate in Group B. Use it alongside an accepted document combination.

Can I Use a Czech Register Extract?

It may provide useful additional evidence of names, birth number, address or civil status.

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

Can I Use My Czech Driving Licence?

Yes, potentially.

A current Czech EU photocard driving licence falls within the Companies House driving-licence category.

Relevant valid models include CZE-FO-02005, CZE-FO-02004 and CZE-FO-02003.

Does Every Czech Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

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

Can I Use a Digital Czech Driving Licence?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical card.

Can I Use My Czech Driving Licence Through GOV.UK One Login?

Not in the GOV.UK One Login app.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence.

A Czech EU licence may still qualify through an ACSP or at a participating Post Office where that route is offered.

Can I Use My Czech Identity Card at a Post Office?

Potentially.

The Post Office route can accept an EU national identity card where GOV.UK One Login offers the applicant that route.

Can I Use an Emergency Czech Travel Document?

Potentially, but it requires individual review.

Temporary travel documents may have limited validity or a restricted purpose.

A current ordinary passport or identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

Can I Use a Czech Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

The statement must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Can I Use a Czech Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Czech Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Czech Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Czech Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

A Czech rodný list falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use a Czechoslovak Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official birth certificate issued in former Czechoslovakia may provide Group B evidence where it is genuine and can be connected to the applicant’s current Czech identity.

Can I Use a Czech Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

A Czech oddací list falls within Group B and may help connect birth, married and former surnames.

Do Czech Documents Need an English Translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

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

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

Provide both the original and an English translation where requested.

What If My Name Contains Czech Diacritics?

Send the complete document set for review.

Companies House and UK commercial records may omit Czech diacritics.

The ACSP should compare the passport, identity card, supporting documents and Companies House record.

What If My Surname Appears With and Without Ová?

Provide documents showing both forms.

A Czech woman may have one record using the traditional feminine surname and another using a neutral surname form.

The ACSP must connect the versions.

What If Companies House Omits One of My Forenames?

Provide the passport or identity card and supporting documents.

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

What If My Name Appears in a Different Order?

The surname may appear first on a Czech document and last on a UK record.

The ACSP should compare the labelled fields rather than relying only on the visual order.

What If I Changed My Surname After Marriage?

Provide:

• current passport;
• current identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• former passport where available;
• former identity card where available;
• Czech registration evidence where relevant; and
• documents showing the surname used at Companies House.

What If My Overseas Marriage Has Not Been Registered in the Czech Republic?

Provide the original foreign marriage certificate and any required authentication or translation.

The ACSP may also ask for evidence connecting the foreign marriage to the Czech identity records.

What If I Changed My Name Formally?

Provide the official name-change evidence and current identity documents.

The ACSP should be able to connect the former and current names.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in the Czech Republic?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely from any country 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 and completes all required identity checks.

Must I Post My Original Czech Passport or Identity Card?

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 your 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 a Czech Director or PSC?

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

• Czech biometric passport plus current Czech national identity card;
• Czech passport plus current Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• current Czech identity card plus current Czech EU photocard driving licence;
• Czech passport or identity card plus an accepted Group B supporting document;
• Czech passport plus valid UK photocard driving licence;
• Czech passport plus eligible UK immigration document; or
• one eligible Czech passport, biometric identity card or EU driving licence under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Czech applicants have a strong document position because the Czech Republic issues:

• biometric passports;
• EU national identity cards;
• EU photocard driving licences;
• official birth certificates; and
• official marriage certificates.

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

• expired or replaced identity card;
• older identity-card model;
• passport or card that the chosen technology cannot read;
• only an eDoklady display;
• only a Bank iD or Citizen Portal account;
• only a rodné číslo;
• temporary or emergency travel document;
• invalid older driving licence;
• Czech diacritics missing from Companies House;
• surname with and without ová;
• Czech and foreign versions of the same name;
• several forenames;
• double or hyphenated surname;
• married or former surname;
• overseas marriage not yet registered in the Czech Republic;
• formal name change;
• incorrect date 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 identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.