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

The deadline depends on the person’s role and when Companies House recorded that role.

After a successful identity check, Companies House issues an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to the individual rather than to one company.

Therefore, the same personal code can be used for every UK company where the person acts as a director or PSC. However, the individual must connect it separately to each company appointment and role.

Quick Answer for Filipino Directors and PSCs

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

The Philippines also issues several forms of National ID:

• the physical National ID card, formerly called the PhilID;
• the National ID in paper format, formerly called the printed ePhilID; and
• the Digital National ID.

All three formats are valid forms of identity within the Philippines. However, the Philippine National ID does not currently appear on PRADO. It should not automatically replace the formal Companies House document combination.

By contrast, PRADO currently lists two Philippine driving-licence models. Therefore, an exact matching physical Philippine driving licence may provide Group A evidence through a person-led Option 2 check.

However, a Philippine driving licence does not qualify automatically under technology-led Option 1. That route covers specified UK and EU photocard driving licences, while the Philippines is not an EU country.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, the applicant normally needs either:

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

The most practical combinations for Filipino directors and PSCs are often:

• Philippine passport and PRADO-listed physical Philippine driving licence;
• Philippine passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Philippine passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• Philippine passport and bank statement;
• Philippine passport and utility bill;
• Philippine passport and mortgage statement;
• Philippine passport and insurance policy;
• Philippine passport and PSA birth certificate;
• Philippine passport and PSA marriage certificate; or
• Philippine passport and another current recognised passport held through dual nationality.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use a Philippine passport together with either an exact PRADO-listed physical driving licence or an accepted Group B supporting document.

The National ID, Digital National ID and other Philippine government cards may support the wider review. However, they should not replace the accepted formal combination under the current Companies House standard.

Philippine National ID

The Philippine Identification System provides a national identity system for Filipino citizens and resident aliens.

The National ID is used across government and private services in the Philippines. It is available in physical, paper and digital formats.

The Three National ID Formats

The National ID system currently includes:

• the physical National ID card;
• the National ID in paper format; and
• the Digital National ID.

The paper format was previously known as the printed ePhilID.

The Philippine Statistics Authority states that all three formats provide valid proof of identity and age in the Philippines. In addition, the Digital National ID has no expiration.

Can the Physical National ID Provide Group A Evidence?

Do not rely on the Philippine National ID as one of the two formal documents under the current Companies House person-led route.

Companies House permits another type of photographic identity document listed on PRADO as Group A evidence. However, PRADO’s current Philippines page lists passports and driving licences, but not the National ID.

The practical conclusion is:

The physical National ID can provide useful supporting evidence, but it should not replace the Philippine passport and formal second document used for the Companies House check.

How the National ID Can Support the Review

Although it is not automatically Group A, the National ID may help confirm:

• the applicant’s photograph;
• full registered name;
• date of birth;
• sex;
• address;
• Philippine nationality;
• National ID Card Number;
• consistency with the passport;
• consistency with PSA civil records; and
• consistency with the applicant’s Digital National ID.

Where requested, the applicant should send clear images of the complete physical card and show the original during the video call.

Why the National ID Does Not Qualify Under Option 1

Option 1 accepts biometric identity cards issued by:

• an EU country;
• Norway;
• Iceland; or
• Liechtenstein.

The Philippines is not included in that category.

Therefore, the Philippine National ID does not qualify merely because it:

• contains a photograph;
• contains modern security features;
• uses biometric information;
• has a QR code;
• is issued by the Philippine government;
• can be electronically authenticated; or
• appears in an official government application.

National ID in Paper Format

The National ID in paper format was previously called the printed ePhilID.

The Philippine Statistics Authority introduced it as an official alternative while physical cards were being produced and delivered. It has the same identity function within the Philippines as the physical card.

However, it remains a paper National ID format rather than a passport, driving licence, birth certificate or marriage certificate.

Therefore, it should not replace the formal Companies House document combination.

An ACSP may still review it as additional evidence of:

• current registered name;
• date of birth;
• address;
• National ID Card Number;
• photograph;
• QR-code validation; and
• consistency with the passport.

Digital National ID

The Digital National ID can be accessed through official Philippine digital services, including the eGovPH application.

It is accepted within the Philippines as valid proof of identity and age. The Philippine Statistics Authority also provides online authentication tools for checking National ID information.

Can the Digital National ID Replace Physical Documents?

No.

The Digital National ID does not automatically fall within a Companies House Group A or Group B category.

Do not rely only on:

• Digital National ID screen;
• screenshot;
• screen recording;
• QR-code photograph;
• eGovPH profile;
• downloaded image;
• printed digital image; or
• successful online authentication result.

An ACSP may ask the applicant to display the live Digital National ID during the video call as extra evidence.

However, the applicant should still provide the accepted passport and second formal document.

PhilSys Number and National ID Card Number

The Philippine Identification System uses two numbers that applicants may confuse with the Companies House personal code.

PhilSys Number

The PhilSys Number, or PSN, is a unique and permanent 12-digit number assigned to a registered citizen or resident alien.

It should be protected carefully because it is a permanent personal identifier.

National ID Card Number

The National ID Card Number is a separate 16-digit number that can be used in transactions without disclosing the permanent PSN.

It was previously known as the PhilSys Card Number, or PCN.

Are These Numbers the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

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

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

• PhilSys Number;
• National ID Card Number;
• former PhilSys Card Number;
• Philippine passport number;
• Philippine driving-licence number;
• Taxpayer Identification Number;
• Social Security System number;
• Government Service Insurance System number;
• Pag-IBIG Membership Identification Number;
• PhilHealth number;
• UK National Insurance number; or
• company authentication code.

Philippine Biometric Passports

The Philippine ordinary passport is titled PASAPORTE.

The Philippines uses electronic passports, commonly called ePassports. The ePassport contains a chip that allows stored information to be compared with the information shown on the passport.

A current Philippine passport normally provides the strongest Group A evidence for a Filipino director or PSC.

Current PRADO-Listed Passport Model

The most recent ordinary Philippine passport model listed on PRADO is:

PHL-AO-04001

This model was introduced in August 2016.

PRADO records that the passport:

• is issued to Philippine nationals;
• remains a valid document model;
• uses booklet format;
• has a burgundy cover;
• contains 44 pages;
• contains a colour primary photograph;
• contains a secondary photograph;
• includes holographic protection;
• contains ultraviolet security features; and
• contains machine-readable information.

Passport Validity

Under the current Philippine Passport Act:

• a regular passport is normally valid for ten years for a person aged 18 or over; and
• a regular passport is normally valid for five years for a person under 18.

The issuing authority can impose a shorter period where legally permitted. Therefore, the expiry date printed in the individual passport must always be checked.

Because the physical model was introduced before the current passport law, applicants should not rely only on the model’s introduction date or older model information.

The printed issue and expiry dates control the individual passport review.

Is the Philippine Passport Biometric?

Yes.

The Philippines has instituted an ePassport system for its citizens. The passport contains an electronic chip and should display the international biometric-passport symbol on the cover.

The chip may contain:

• personal information;
• passport data;
• facial image;
• biometric information; and
• security data allowing electronic validation.

A damaged chip can prevent a successful app or technology-led check.

Previous Philippine Passport Models

PRADO also lists:

• PHL-AO-03001, first issued on 2 December 2010; and
• PHL-AO-02001, first issued on 1 January 2010.

The PHL-AO-03001 model contains a colour photograph, a secondary monochrome image, holographic protection and ultraviolet features.

However, most individual passports issued under the 2010 models will now have expired.

An older passport may only be used where:

• the individual passport falls within a Companies House expiry exception;
• it has not been cancelled;
• it has not been replaced;
• it was not reported lost or stolen;
• it remains in suitable physical condition;
• the photograph remains clear; and
• the applicant’s current identity can be connected to it.

A current ePassport will normally provide the clearest route.

Philippine Passports Issued in London

Filipino nationals living in the United Kingdom may apply for or renew a passport through the Philippine Embassy in London or an authorised passport service arranged through the Embassy.

A passport obtained through a Philippine diplomatic mission remains a Philippine ePassport issued through the competent Philippine authorities.

It is not a lower-status document merely because the application was submitted outside the Philippines.

The ACSP should check:

• passport model;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• biometric symbol;
• electronic chip;
• personal-details page;
• machine-readable zone;
• photograph;
• document condition;
• observations; and
• whether a newer passport has replaced it.

Using a Philippine Passport With GOV.UK One Login

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

The process usually requires the applicant to:

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

The original physical passport must be used.

The app does not accept:

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

What If the Passport Chip Cannot Be Read?

A failed chip scan does not automatically mean that the passport is false or legally invalid.

The applicant may first try to:

• remove the phone case;
• confirm that near-field communication is active;
• move the phone slowly over the passport cover;
• place the phone over a different area of the passport;
• retry the scan; or
• use another compatible phone.

If the chip still cannot be read, an ACSP route may remain available.

For example, the passport may work through:

• another identity technology platform; or
• a person-led Option 2 check.

Expired Philippine Passports

An expired Philippine passport may still work in limited ACSP cases.

Technology-Led Option 1

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

Person-Led Option 2

A passport may be up to 18 months expired.

However, the passport must not have been:

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

A current passport will normally provide a simpler and stronger route.

Cancelled Philippine Passports

A Philippine passport should not be used after it has been cancelled or replaced.

When a new passport is released, the previous passport is normally presented for cancellation and returned to the holder.

Do not use a passport that:

• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut corner;
• has been perforated;
• has been stamped as cancelled;
• has been replaced by a new passport;
• has been officially invalidated; or
• was surrendered during renewal.

The earlier passport may still help connect a former name or passport number.

However, it cannot provide current formal identity evidence.

Lost or Stolen Philippine Passports

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

This remains the case even where the applicant later finds it.

The current Philippine Passport Act requires a recovered lost passport to be turned over to the Department of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Foreign Service Post.

Use the replacement passport instead.

Emergency Passports and Travel Certificates

The Philippine Passport Act provides two main emergency travel-document categories.

Emergency Passport

An emergency passport may be issued to a Filipino traveller who lost their passport abroad and needs to continue urgent overseas travel before returning to the Philippines or their overseas residence.

It is valid for one year from issue.

Emergency Travel Certificate

An Emergency Travel Certificate may be issued to a Filipino returning to the Philippines who has lost their passport or cannot obtain a regular passport.

Its validity can range from 30 days to six months.

Companies House Use

An emergency passport may potentially provide passport evidence, subject to individual review.

However, the ACSP must check:

• exact document type;
• reason for issue;
• current validity;
• photograph;
• machine-readable features;
• electronic features;
• travel restrictions;
• whether a regular passport later replaced it; and
• whether it remains legally usable.

An Emergency Travel Certificate is more restricted and should not be used as the routine Companies House passport document.

A current regular Philippine ePassport will normally provide the clearer route.

Philippine Driving Licences

PRADO currently lists two Philippine driving-licence models:

• PHL-FO-03001, Non-Professional Driver’s Licence; and
• PHL-FO-02001, Professional Driver’s Licence.

The first model was introduced in 2017. The second was introduced in 2016.

Because these licences appear on PRADO, an exact matching physical licence may potentially provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

Non-Professional Driver’s Licence

The PRADO reference is:

PHL-FO-03001

PRADO records that the card:

• is a Philippine driving licence;
• uses card format;
• contains a black-and-white facial image;
• contains holographic protection;
• contains ultraviolet features;
• contains a secondary image; and
• remains listed as a valid document model.

Professional Driver’s Licence

The PRADO reference is:

PHL-FO-02001

The exact physical card must be checked against the PRADO-listed design and the applicant’s current LTO record.

Does Every Philippine Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

A licence should only be relied on as Group A where:

• the exact physical design matches a PRADO-listed model;
• the individual licence remains current;
• the photograph matches the applicant;
• the card has not been replaced;
• it has not been cancelled;
• it has not been suspended or revoked;
• the physical security features remain visible;
• there is no sign of alteration; and
• the information matches the passport and Companies House record.

A newer or different licence design that does not match the PRADO examples requires individual review.

Do not assume that every physical LTO card automatically qualifies merely because PRADO lists two Philippine driving licences.

Philippine Driving-Licence Validity

A new Philippine driver’s licence is generally valid for five years.

On renewal, a driver with no relevant traffic violations during the qualifying period may receive ten-year validity.

A driver with violations or demerit points may receive a shorter renewal period.

The ACSP should check:

• issue date;
• expiry date;
• licence class;
• current legal status;
• demerit or restriction information where relevant;
• whether a replacement card was issued; and
• whether the card presented is the current document.

Electronic Driver’s Licence

The Philippines provides an Electronic Driver’s Licence, or eDL.

The eDL can be viewed through authorised digital services, including the eGovPH application.

Philippine guidance states that the eDL has the same legal effect as the physical driving licence within the Philippines. However, it does not replace or supersede the physical card.

Can the eDL Replace the Physical Card?

Do not rely on the eDL as the formal Group A document.

The Companies House person-led route refers to the photographic document listed on PRADO. Therefore, the physical PRADO-listed licence provides the clearer route.

An ACSP may review the live eDL as supplementary evidence of:

• current licence status;
• photograph;
• licence number;
• driving categories;
• issue and expiry dates; and
• consistency with the physical card.

Do not rely only on:

• screenshot;
• screen recording;
• printed eDL;
• copied QR code;
• LTMS profile;
• eGovPH image; or
• typed licence number.

Can a Philippine Driving Licence Qualify Under Option 1?

No, not through the standard Option 1 driving-licence category.

Option 1 permits photocard driving licences from:

• the United Kingdom;
• Channel Islands;
• Isle of Man; and
• EU countries.

The Philippines is not included.

A Philippine physical licence is more suitable for individual review under person-led Option 2 through the PRADO category.

Who Must Complete Companies House Verification?

The requirement applies to Filipino 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;
• forming UK companies as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025.

However, that date began a phased transition rather than one identical deadline for everyone.

Existing Directors

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

Where the person is a director of several companies, the code must be connected separately to every company appointment.

New Directors

A new director provides the personal code during the appointment process.

Similarly, a proposed director of a newly formed company must provide the code during incorporation.

PSCs

PSCs have separate 14-day compliance periods.

The correct period depends on:

• whether the PSC is also a director;
• when Companies House first recorded the PSC; and
• the company’s confirmation statement date.

Verification Routes for Filipino Nationals

Filipino applicants can use one of two main routes.

GOV.UK One Login

Companies House offers a free 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; or
• attend a participating UK Post Office.

Verification Through an ACSP

An ACSP can verify the person:

• remotely;
• by video call;
• in person; or
• through supported identity technology.

The ACSP route can be used from outside the United Kingdom. Therefore, a Filipino director does not need to travel to the UK solely for the identity check.

Using a Philippine Passport With the App

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

The app checks that:

• the document is real;
• the applicant is a real person; and
• the applicant matches the passport photograph.

A Philippine National ID or Philippine driving licence does not replace the passport in this app route.

Answering Security Questions

Some Filipino nationals living in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions online.

The service may use information connected with:

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

The applicant may also need details from a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence or UK current account.

A Filipino director living outside the UK or with limited UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also cause matching problems. For example, one record may omit:

• a middle name;
• the mother’s maiden surname;
• one of several given names;
• a married surname;
• a suffix such as Jr. or III;
• a hyphen;
• the letter ñ;
• a compound surname particle; or
• part of a long legal name.

Post Office Verification

GOV.UK One Login may offer some applicants a Post Office route.

The applicant must first:

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

A Philippine passport will normally provide the clearest route.

The applicant must take the original identity document. A photocopy or digital image is not accepted. The customer letter normally provides around 15 days to attend.

Do not assume that the Post Office will accept:

• physical National ID;
• National ID in paper format;
• Digital National ID;
• Philippine driving licence;
• Electronic Driver’s Licence;
• PSA birth certificate;
• PSA marriage certificate;
• PRC card;
• UMID card; or
• digital government profile.

The applicant must follow the document instructions produced for their individual case.

Verification Through an ACSP

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

• lives in the Philippines;
• lives elsewhere outside the UK;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the passport chip;
• wants to use a PRADO-listed Philippine driving licence;
• has only one clearly accepted photographic document;
• needs help choosing a Group B document;
• has a National ID that is not PRADO-listed;
• has several given names;
• has a middle name omitted from UK records;
• has a mother’s maiden surname shown differently;
• uses a married or former surname;
• has a suffix such as Jr., II or III;
• has a Philippine and foreign passport with different names;
• has an incorrect date of birth at Companies House; or
• wants a remote solicitor-led process.

How Many Documents Are Required?

Option 1: Technology-Led Check

One photographic document may be enough where suitable identity technology can validate it.

Eligible categories include:

• biometric or machine-readable passport;
• UK or EU photocard driving licence;
• biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• specified UK immigration documents;
• UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• eVisa.

For a Filipino national, the strongest Option 1 document is usually:

• Philippine biometric ePassport.

Other possible Option 1 documents include:

• UK photocard driving licence;
• eligible UK immigration document; or
• eVisa.

The Philippine National ID and Philippine driving licence do not fall within the current Option 1 country categories.

Option 2: Person-Led Check

A trained person can inspect the original documents remotely or in person.

The applicant must provide either:

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

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

A passport may be up to 18 months expired where it has not been cancelled or replaced.

Other documents normally need to remain current.

Group A Documents for Filipino Nationals

Philippine ePassport

A current Philippine ePassport normally provides the strongest Group A evidence.

The most recent PRADO-listed ordinary model is:

PHL-AO-04001

Philippine Non-Professional Driving Licence

A current physical licence may potentially qualify under person-led Option 2 where it matches:

PHL-FO-03001

Philippine Professional Driving Licence

A current physical licence may potentially qualify under person-led Option 2 where it matches:

PHL-FO-02001

Another Recognised Passport

The Philippines recognises dual nationality in relevant circumstances.

Therefore, a Filipino national may also hold another recognised passport.

Examples may include:

• Philippine and British passports;
• Philippine and United States passports;
• Philippine and Canadian passports;
• Philippine and Australian passports;
• Philippine and Irish passports; or
• Philippine and another recognised passport.

The ACSP must confirm that both passports remain legally valid and connect any name or nationality differences.

UK Photocard Driving Licence

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

A Philippine passport and UK driving licence can provide two strong photographic identity documents.

Eligible UK Immigration Document

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

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 through the relevant technology-led route.

Documents That Should Not Replace Formal Evidence

The following items may provide useful supporting information. However, they should not replace accepted Group A or Group B evidence unless the exact document falls within another published category:

• Philippine National ID;
• National ID in paper format;
• Digital National ID;
• PhilSys Number;
• National ID Card Number;
• Electronic Driver’s Licence;
• Student Driver’s Permit;
• UMID card;
• SSS card;
• GSIS card;
• PhilHealth card;
• Pag-IBIG card;
• Postal ID;
• voter identification document;
• Taxpayer Identification Number card;
• Barangay Certificate;
• NBI Clearance;
• police clearance;
• PRC professional card;
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines card;
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration card;
• seafarer record;
• school or university card;
• employee card;
• bank payment card; or
• screenshot of a government account.

ACR I-Card

The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card, commonly called the ACR I-Card, is issued to qualifying foreign nationals living in the Philippines.

It does not prove Philippine citizenship.

A Filipino citizen should not describe an ACR I-Card as a Philippine national identity card.

Where a non-Filipino applicant holds an ACR I-Card, the ACSP must record the person’s actual nationality and immigration status accurately.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where the applicant has only one suitable Group A photographic document, they can provide one Group B document.

Accepted Group B categories include:

• birth certificate;
• adoption certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• civil partnership certificate;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa;
• non-photographic work permit;
• bank statement;
• mortgage statement;
• utility bill;
• insurance policy;
• UK council tax statement; or
• qualifying UK social-housing rental agreement.

A Philippine document must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Philippine Bank Statements

A Philippine bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

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

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

Name Differences on Bank Statements

A Philippine bank statement may:

• omit a middle name;
• use only a middle initial;
• omit one given name;
• shorten a compound given name;
• omit the mother’s maiden surname;
• use a married surname;
• omit a suffix;
• remove a hyphen;
• replace ñ with n; or
• show a former name.

These differences do not automatically make the statement unacceptable.

However, the ACSP must connect the statement to the passport and civil records.

Philippine Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

• electricity bill;
• water bill;
• gas bill;
• fixed-line telephone bill; or
• household internet bill.

The verifier must be able to identify:

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

A payment receipt, e-wallet transaction or banking entry does not necessarily amount to the complete utility bill.

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

Philippine Mortgage Statements

A Philippine 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.

The following documents are not automatically the same as a mortgage statement:

• transfer certificate of title;
• condominium certificate of title;
• deed of sale;
• tax declaration;
• property-tax receipt;
• housing-loan approval letter; or
• homeowners’ association statement.

These records may provide additional information, but the formal Group B mortgage category should use an actual mortgage statement.

Philippine Insurance Policies

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

Examples may include:

• home insurance;
• buildings insurance;
• contents insurance;
• vehicle insurance; or
• another genuine policy.

A quotation, premium notice, payment receipt, policy proposal or renewal invitation may not amount to the complete policy.

Philippine Birth Certificates

An official Philippine birth certificate is commonly called a:

• PSA Certificate of Live Birth;
• Certificate of Live Birth; or
• PSA birth certificate.

An official birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

All Philippine birth records are held through the civil-registration system under the Civil Registrar General. Births are first registered with the relevant Local Civil Registry Office and later available through the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Information on a PSA Birth Certificate

A birth certificate may contain:

• full registered name;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• sex;
• mother’s name;
• father’s name where legally recorded;
• citizenship information;
• civil-registry number;
• registration details;
• annotations; and
• later amendments.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• hospital birth record;
• baptism certificate used alone;
• traditional midwife record;
• cropped photograph;
• PSA application receipt;
• online viewing screenshot;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family document.

Civil Registration of Live Birth and Hilot Records

HM Passport Office guidance distinguishes an official Civil Registration of Live Birth from a document issued only by a traditional midwife.

The official civil-registration document is the stronger formal evidence.

A traditional midwife document should not replace the PSA or Local Civil Registry birth certificate.

Late-Registered Birth Certificates

Late registration is permitted in the Philippines.

A late-registered certificate may still be genuine and valid.

However, the ACSP may request additional evidence where:

• registration took place many years after birth;
• details differ from the passport;
• a parent’s information is missing;
• the certificate contains later annotations;
• the person has used another name;
• multiple birth records appear to exist; or
• the document is difficult to validate.

Useful additional evidence may include:

• current passport;
• National ID;
• school records;
• baptism certificate;
• parents’ documents;
• older passports; or
• Local Civil Registry copy.

PSA E-Certificates

The Philippine Statistics Authority introduced an E-Certificate service for civil-registry documents in 2026.

The service provides fully digital and cryptographically secured versions of birth, marriage and death certificates.

A PSA E-Certificate may provide Group B evidence where:

• it is the complete official electronic document;
• its issuing authority is identifiable;
• its cryptographic or digital validation remains intact;
• the document has not been altered;
• it clearly belongs to the applicant; and
• the ACSP can validate its integrity.

Provide the original electronic file rather than:

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

Filipinos Born Abroad

A Filipino citizen born outside the Philippines may have:

• foreign birth certificate;
• Philippine Report of Birth;
• PSA Report of Birth;
• Philippine passport;
• National ID;
• Philippine citizenship document;
• foreign passport; or
• parents’ Philippine identity documents.

A Report of Birth records the overseas birth through a Philippine embassy or consulate and allows the record to enter the Philippine civil-registration system.

Useful evidence may include:

• complete foreign birth certificate;
• PSA Report of Birth;
• current Philippine passport;
• current foreign passport;
• Philippine citizenship evidence;
• official English translation; and
• documents connecting different name forms.

Philippine Marriage Certificates

An official Philippine marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It is commonly called a:

• PSA Certificate of Marriage;
• Certificate of Marriage;
• PSA marriage certificate; or
• Report of Marriage where the marriage took place abroad.

Marriages requiring a licence must be registered through the civil-registration system. Marriage certificates are issued after registration.

Information on a Marriage Certificate

The certificate may show:

• names of both spouses;
• names before marriage;
• date of marriage;
• place of marriage;
• marriage solemnising officer;
• witnesses;
• civil-registry details;
• licence information;
• annotations; and
• later court or civil-status entries.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial certificate;
• church souvenir;
• cropped scan;
• PSA application receipt;
• online marriage-status screen;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family document.

Religious Marriages

Religious marriages can be legally recognised in the Philippines.

However, the marriage must be registered with the civil registry to create the formal civil record.

Therefore, an applicant should use the registered PSA marriage certificate rather than only a church or religious document.

Report of Marriage

A Filipino citizen married outside the Philippines may register the marriage through a Philippine embassy or consulate.

The resulting Report of Marriage can later become available through the PSA civil-registration system.

A foreign marriage certificate may itself provide Group B evidence. However, the Report of Marriage can help connect:

• Philippine and foreign records;
• maiden and married names;
• current passport;
• former passport;
• foreign passport; and
• the Companies House name.

CENOMAR and Advisory on Marriages

The Philippine Statistics Authority can issue:

• Certificate of No Marriage Record, commonly called CENOMAR; and
• Advisory on Marriages.

These documents may help establish marital history.

However, a CENOMAR is not a marriage certificate. Likewise, an Advisory on Marriages should not automatically replace the actual Certificate of Marriage.

Use these documents as supplementary evidence where they help explain:

• current marital status;
• no recorded marriage;
• several marriage records;
• maiden name;
• former name; or
• inconsistency between civil records.

Annulment, Nullity and Foreign Divorce

Divorce is generally not available as an ordinary domestic process in the Philippines.

A marriage may instead be affected by:

• annulment;
• declaration of nullity;
• death of a spouse;
• recognised foreign divorce; or
• a divorce permitted under applicable Muslim personal law.

The PSA marriage certificate may contain an annotation showing the legal outcome.

Where the applicant changed or resumed a name, useful evidence may include:

• annotated PSA marriage certificate;
• PSA birth certificate;
• court judgment;
• recognition of foreign divorce;
• death certificate;
• current passport;
• former passport; and
• current National ID.

Recommended Document Combinations

Philippine Passport and PRADO-Listed Driving Licence

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

The passport provides identity and Philippine nationality evidence.

The physical driving licence may provide the second Group A document where it matches:

• PHL-FO-03001; or
• PHL-FO-02001.

The ACSP must confirm:

• exact document model;
• current validity;
• photograph;
• physical security features;
• licence status;
• whether it was replaced; and
• consistency with the passport.

Philippine Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides:

• one Group A document; and
• one Group B document.

It often provides the clearest route where the applicant:

• does not have a matching PRADO-listed driving licence;
• has only a National ID as another photographic card;
• has no UK driving licence;
• wants to show genuine financial activity;
• needs to establish a Philippine or UK address; or
• has a name difference across records.

Philippine Passport and Utility Bill

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

Philippine Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Philippine Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Philippine Passport and Birth Certificate

An official PSA birth certificate or PSA Report of Birth may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits the middle name;
• the mother’s maiden surname is missing;
• one of several given names is omitted;
• a suffix is missing;
• date or place of birth needs clarification;
• the applicant was born abroad;
• the applicant changed their name;
• the passport and National ID differ; or
• the verifier needs stronger civil-registration evidence.

Philippine Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official PSA marriage certificate or Report of Marriage may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help connect:

• maiden and married surnames;
• former names;
• husband’s surname;
• woman’s maiden surname used as a middle name;
• hyphenated surname;
• Philippine and foreign documents; or
• an earlier Companies House appointment.

Philippine Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

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

Philippine Passport and UK Immigration Document

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

An eVisa may qualify through the technology-led route.

Philippine Passport and Second Foreign Passport

A Filipino dual national may use another current recognised passport as a second Group A document.

The ACSP must connect any differences in:

• full name;
• middle name;
• surname;
• name order;
• married name;
• suffix;
• place of birth;
• nationality; or
• spelling.

Filipino Names and Name Structure

Filipino identity records require careful name checks.

A common Philippine name structure consists of:

• one or more given names;
• a middle name, often the mother’s maiden surname; and
• a surname, often the father’s surname.

However, not every Filipino uses exactly the same structure. Birth status, acknowledgment, marriage, adoption, legitimation, court orders and administrative corrections can all affect the name shown in official records.

Several Given Names

A Philippine passport may show two or more given names.

Examples include:

• Maria Cristina;
• Jose Antonio;
• John Paul;
• Anne Marie;
• Mark Anthony; or
• Mary Grace.

A UK bank or Companies House record may show only:

• first given name;
• initials;
• one compound-name element;
• everyday name; or
• shortened professional name.

A shorter record may still relate to the same person.

However, the complete evidence must support one consistent identity.

Filipino Middle Names

The Philippine middle name is often different from an ordinary British middle name.

For many Filipinos, the middle name is the mother’s maiden surname.

For example, a name may be structured as:

Maria Santos Reyes

where:

• Maria is the given name;
• Santos is the mother’s maiden surname used as the middle name; and
• Reyes is the surname.

A UK system may incorrectly treat the middle name as:

• an optional second given name;
• a second surname;
• part of a double surname;
• an initial that can be omitted; or
• the person’s only surname.

The ACSP should compare the passport, birth certificate and National ID before deciding the correct structure.

Middle Initials

Philippine documents often shorten the middle name to an initial.

For example:

• Maria S. Reyes;
• Maria Santos Reyes; and
• Maria Reyes

may appear in separate records.

The absence of the complete middle name does not automatically prove that the records belong to different people.

However, the ACSP must still connect the versions through reliable documents.

Maternal and Paternal Surnames

A Philippine birth certificate may show the mother’s maiden surname as the middle name and the father’s surname as the surname.

Another country may classify the same names differently.

For example, a foreign system may:

• omit the maternal middle name;
• treat both names as surnames;
• reverse the two names;
• use only the final surname; or
• move the middle name into the given-name field.

The passport’s labelled fields and PSA civil records provide the main guide.

Dela Cruz, De la Cruz and Similar Surnames

Filipino surnames may contain several words or particles.

Examples include:

• Dela Cruz;
• De la Cruz;
• De Guzman;
• Del Rosario;
• De Leon;
• De los Santos;
• San Juan;
• Santa Maria; or
• Del Mundo.

A UK system may:

• join several words;
• separate a joined surname;
• remove spaces;
• change capitalisation;
• omit one particle; or
• treat one element as a middle name.

For example, separate records may show:

• Dela Cruz;
• dela Cruz;
• De La Cruz;
• De la Cruz; or
• Delacruz.

These differences do not automatically indicate different people.

Ñ and Accented Characters

Filipino names may contain the letter ñ or another accented character.

For example:

• Peña may appear as Pena;
• Muñoz may appear as Munoz;
• Cañete may appear as Canete; or
• Español may appear as Espanol.

A UK system or machine-readable zone may remove the diacritic.

The ACSP should compare:

• visible passport name;
• machine-readable zone;
• birth certificate;
• National ID;
• driving licence;
• bank statement; and
• Companies House record.

Suffixes

Filipino legal names may contain suffixes such as:

• Jr.;
• Sr.;
• II;
• III;
• IV; or
• V.

A suffix can distinguish the applicant from a parent or another family member with the same name.

A UK system may:

• omit the suffix;
• treat it as part of the surname;
• place it in the middle-name field;
• remove punctuation; or
• use Roman numerals inconsistently.

Where the suffix differs, provide the passport and PSA birth certificate.

Passport Machine-Readable Name

The machine-readable zone may format the Philippine name differently from the visible personal-details page.

It may:

• remove punctuation;
• remove periods;
• remove hyphens;
• remove ñ;
• merge spaces;
• shorten a very long name;
• omit a suffix marker; or
• divide surname and given names differently.

The ACSP should compare both the visible page and the machine-readable zone.

Nicknames and Aliases

Filipinos may use a nickname or everyday name that does not appear in the civil register.

For example, a person may use:

• Bong;
• Boy;
• Baby;
• Jun;
• Jing;
• Nene;
• Joy;
• Grace; or
• another familiar name.

A nickname does not automatically form part of the legal identity.

Where an alias or nickname appears in official records, the applicant may need:

• annotated birth certificate;
• court order;
• administrative correction;
• current passport;
• former passport; or
• other official linking evidence.

Administrative and Court Name Changes

Name changes are permitted in the Philippines through administrative or court procedures.

An administrative process may deal with matters such as:

• clerical errors;
• spelling errors;
• certain first-name changes; or
• inclusion of a consistently used nickname.

A court process may be required for more substantial changes.

Useful evidence may include:

• annotated PSA birth certificate;
• court judgment;
• Local Civil Registry decision;
• current passport;
• former passport;
• National ID;
• marriage certificate; or
• other formal change-of-name evidence.

Marriage and Filipino Women’s Names

Following marriage, a Filipino woman may choose to use her husband’s surname.

Where she uses the husband’s surname, her maiden surname commonly becomes her middle name.

For example, before marriage:

Maria Santos Reyes

After marriage to Mr Cruz, the name may become:

Maria Reyes Cruz

In that structure:

• Maria remains the given name;
• Reyes becomes the middle name; and
• Cruz becomes the surname.

A woman may also use a hyphenated surname where legally and administratively accepted.

Reversion to Maiden Name

The current Philippine Passport Act allows a married woman to revert to her maiden name in her passport once, subject to the required documents and conditions.

The supporting documents can include:

• PSA birth certificate;
• PSA marriage certificate or Report of Marriage;
• affidavit explaining the request;
• latest Philippine passport; and
• documents showing that other identity records also reflect the maiden name.

An applicant who has reverted to a maiden name should provide the full linking document set.

Married Names Across Different Records

Differences may arise where:

• passport uses the married surname;
• birth certificate uses the maiden name;
• National ID remains in the maiden name;
• bank statement uses the husband’s surname;
• foreign passport uses a hyphenated name;
• Companies House records the former name; or
• marriage certificate has not yet appeared in the PSA database.

Useful evidence may include:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• PSA birth certificate;
• PSA marriage certificate;
• Report of Marriage;
• National ID;
• foreign passport; and
• affidavit or court record where relevant.

Dual Nationality and Different Passport Names

The Philippines recognises dual nationality in relevant circumstances.

A Filipino national may therefore hold a foreign passport that shows a different name form.

Differences may arise because the foreign passport:

• omits the Philippine middle name;
• treats the middle name as a second given name;
• uses only one surname;
• uses a married surname;
• omits a suffix;
• reverses name order;
• removes ñ;
• uses a hyphenated form; or
• reflects an earlier legal name.

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

Check the Date of Birth

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

Problems may arise where:

• someone made an error during incorporation;
• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• the passport and company record differ;
• a birth certificate contains an annotation;
• UK and Philippine date formats were confused;
• the ACSP submitted incorrect details; or
• the applicant entered the wrong personal code.

Use:

• passport;
• PSA birth certificate;
• National ID as supplementary evidence; and
• other official civil records.

Where the Companies House date of birth is wrong, correct the register before trying to connect the personal code.

Philippine Addresses and Address History

The ACSP must collect:

• the applicant’s current home address; and
• address history for the previous 12 months.

A Filipino applicant’s documents may show different addresses because:

• the passport does not show a residential address;
• the National ID contains an earlier address;
• the bank uses a mailing address;
• the utility account is in a family member’s name;
• the applicant lives permanently abroad;
• the person recently moved;
• the address includes a barangay or sitio omitted by another system;
• the applicant has both Philippine and UK homes; or
• a provincial address is formatted differently.

The actual current residential address must be provided.

Where one document shows an old or incomplete address, the ACSP may request another Group B document.

Same-Day Remote Verification

Ginkgo Advisory is registered with Companies House as an ACSP.

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

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

• the documents are reviewed and approved in advance;
• the applicant provides all required information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents;
• the verifier can validate them;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved identity or compliance concern remains.

Strong person-led combinations include:

• Philippine passport and PRADO-listed physical driving licence;
• Philippine passport and bank statement;
• Philippine passport and utility bill;
• Philippine passport and mortgage statement;
• Philippine passport and insurance policy;
• Philippine passport and PSA birth certificate;
• Philippine passport and PSA marriage certificate;
• Philippine passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Philippine passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
• Philippine passport and another recognised passport.

The National ID, Digital National ID and eDL may support the review. However, they should not replace the formal accepted combination.

Remote Verification Process

Step 1: Send the Documents

For a passport, provide:

• complete personal-details page;
• complete machine-readable zone;
• observation pages;
• name-amendment pages; and
• relevant endorsements.

For a Philippine driving licence, send the front and reverse.

Where requested, also send the complete physical National ID.

For a Group B document, send the complete file rather than a cropped image.

Applicants must also provide:

• full name;
• all former names;
• date of birth;
• current residential address;
• previous 12 months of address history; and
• individual email address.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

The review may cover:

• passport model;
• passport chip;
• passport expiry date;
• whether the passport was cancelled or replaced;
• driving-licence model;
• whether the licence matches PRADO;
• whether the licence remains current;
• physical National ID;
• Digital National ID;
• PSN and National ID Card Number;
• Group B document;
• several given names;
• Philippine middle name;
• mother’s maiden surname;
• compound surnames;
• ñ and other characters;
• suffixes;
• married and former names;
• dual-nationality documents;
• current address; and
• Companies House information.

Where the documents do not meet the standard, a stronger combination will be identified before the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, the applicant must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt them when requested;
• display visible security features;
• confirm personal details;
• complete the facial comparison; and
• answer relevant identity questions.

The verifier must be satisfied that:

• the applicant is a real person;
• the documents appear genuine;
• the identity belongs to the applicant; and
• the evidence meets the Companies House standard.

Step 4: ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP normally retains rather than submits the identity-document copies.

The records must be kept for seven years. They include:

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

Step 5: Receive the Personal Code

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

The applicant should:

• confirm that the email address is correct;
• ensure that the account is accessible;
• check the spam or junk folder;
• keep the code secure; and
• share it only with a trusted adviser or company administrator.

Companies House states that the email should normally arrive within a few hours after the ACSP completes the submission.

Using the Personal Code

Directors

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

A new director provides the code during appointment.

Where the person is a director of several companies, the code must be connected separately to each appointment.

PSCs

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

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

Director and PSC of the Same Company

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

As a PSC, the person uses the separate PSC service during the relevant 14-day period.

That period normally starts on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director

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 may provide the code when first added to the Companies House register or within 14 days of being added.

How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help

Ginkgo Advisory can help Filipino nationals by:

• reviewing Philippine biometric ePassports;
• checking whether a passport matches PHL-AO-04001;
• reviewing older Philippine passport models;
• assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• checking passport-chip problems;
• reviewing expired Philippine passports;
• checking whether a passport has been cancelled or replaced;
• reviewing Philippine driving licences;
• checking whether a licence matches PHL-FO-03001 or PHL-FO-02001;
• explaining why a Philippine licence does not qualify under Option 1;
• reviewing the Electronic Driver’s Licence as supplementary evidence;
• reviewing physical National IDs as supplementary evidence;
• reviewing National IDs in paper format;
• reviewing live Digital National IDs;
• explaining why the National ID does not automatically qualify as Group A;
• distinguishing the PSN from the National ID Card Number;
• explaining why neither number is the Companies House personal code;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Philippine bank statements and address documents;
• checking PSA birth certificates;
• checking PSA marriage certificates;
• validating PSA E-Certificates;
• reviewing Reports of Birth and Reports of Marriage;
• reviewing foreign certificates for Filipinos born or married abroad;
• checking CENOMAR and Advisory on Marriages documents;
• reviewing several given names;
• checking Philippine middle names;
• checking the mother’s maiden surname;
• reviewing compound surnames;
• checking ñ and other characters;
• reviewing Jr., II, III and other suffixes;
• connecting married and former surnames;
• reviewing one-time reversion to a maiden name;
• reviewing dual-nationality passports;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging the video call;
• completing the ACSP checks; and
• submitting the verification to Companies House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Philippine Passport?

Yes.

A current Philippine ePassport provides strong Group A evidence.

The most recent ordinary passport model listed on PRADO is PHL-AO-04001.

Is the Philippine Passport Biometric?

Yes.

The Philippines uses an ePassport system. The passport contains an electronic chip and biometric information.

How Long Is a Philippine Passport Valid?

A regular passport is normally valid for:

• ten years for a person aged 18 or over; or
• five years for a person under 18.

Always check the printed expiry date.

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

Potentially.

The passport 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 remain available where the original passport can be examined and validated.

Can I Use an Expired Philippine Passport?

Potentially.

Option 1 may allow a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

Option 2 may allow a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use a Cancelled Philippine 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. Philippine law also requires a recovered lost passport to be turned over to the relevant authority.

Can I Use an Older Philippine Passport?

Potentially, but the individual passport must fall within the Companies House expiry rules.

Most passports under the older 2010 models will no longer be current.

Can I Use a Philippine Passport Issued in London?

Yes.

A passport obtained through the Philippine Embassy remains a standard Philippine ePassport, subject to the normal validity and document checks.

Can I Use a Philippine Emergency Passport?

Potentially, but it requires individual review.

An emergency passport may be valid for one year and may have a restricted purpose.

Can I Use an Emergency Travel Certificate?

Do not rely on it as the routine passport document.

An Emergency Travel Certificate is generally issued for return to the Philippines and has limited validity.

Can I Use My Philippine National ID?

The National ID may provide useful supplementary evidence.

However, it should not replace the formal Companies House document combination because PRADO does not currently list the Philippine National ID.

Is the Philippine National ID Group A?

Not automatically.

It does not fall within the current Option 1 identity-card countries and does not currently appear on PRADO.

Is the National ID Group B?

No.

A foreign national identity card is not included in the published Group B list.

Can I Use the National ID in Paper Format?

It may provide supplementary evidence.

However, it should not replace the formal accepted document combination.

Can I Use the Digital National ID?

Do not rely on it as the formal document.

It may provide useful live digital evidence but does not replace the accepted passport and second document.

Does the Digital National ID Expire?

The Philippine Statistics Authority states that the Digital National ID has no expiration.

However, Companies House document categories still control whether it can be used for the UK verification process.

Can I Send a Screenshot of My Digital National ID?

No.

A screenshot does not provide the same security or live authentication as the official Digital National ID service.

Can I Use My PhilSys Number?

No.

The 12-digit PSN is a personal identifier rather than photographic identity evidence.

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use My National ID Card Number?

No.

The 16-digit National ID Card Number is not the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use My Philippine Driving Licence?

Potentially under person-led Option 2.

The exact physical licence must match a PRADO-listed model and pass the required checks.

Which Philippine Driving Licences Appear on PRADO?

PRADO currently lists:

• PHL-FO-03001, Non-Professional Driver’s Licence; and
• PHL-FO-02001, Professional Driver’s Licence.

Does Every Philippine Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

The exact card must match a PRADO-listed model. It must also remain valid, current and capable of physical inspection.

Can I Use a Newer Philippine Driving-Licence Design?

It requires individual review.

Do not assume that a newer or different LTO card automatically qualifies merely because earlier models appear on PRADO.

Can I Use an Expired Philippine Driving Licence?

Normally no.

Companies House does not provide a general expiry exception for Philippine driving licences.

Can I Use an Electronic Driver’s Licence?

Do not rely on the eDL as the formal Group A document.

It may provide supplementary evidence of the licence’s current status.

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

Not in the app.

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

Can I Use My Philippine Driving Licence Under Option 1?

No, not through the current driving-licence category.

The Philippines is not an EU country.

Can I Use a Philippine Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

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

Can I Use a Philippine Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Philippine Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

A mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the current residential address.

Can I Use a Philippine Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a PSA Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official PSA Certificate of Live Birth falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use a Late-Registered Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

However, the ACSP may request additional evidence where the registration occurred long after birth or the details differ from the passport.

Can I Use a PSA E-Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the original cryptographically secured electronic file rather than a screenshot or converted image.

Can I Use a Report of Birth?

Potentially.

A PSA Report of Birth may provide Group B evidence for a Filipino citizen born overseas.

Can I Use a Foreign Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete certificate together with any necessary translation, authentication and Philippine linking evidence.

Can I Use a PSA Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

An official PSA Certificate of Marriage falls within the Group B marriage-certificate category.

Can I Use a Report of Marriage?

Potentially.

A Report of Marriage can help establish a marriage that took place outside the Philippines.

Can I Use a Church Marriage Certificate?

Use the registered civil marriage certificate wherever possible.

A religious marriage must be registered with the civil registry to create the formal Philippine marriage record.

Can I Use a CENOMAR?

A CENOMAR may provide useful evidence of no recorded marriage.

However, it is not a marriage certificate and should not replace one where the applicant relies on the Group B marriage-certificate category.

Can I Use an Advisory on Marriages?

It may provide useful supplementary marital-history information.

However, use the actual PSA marriage certificate where proof of a marriage is required.

Do Philippine Documents Need an English Translation?

Most Philippine passports and PSA certificates contain English.

A foreign civil certificate used by a Filipino applicant may require an official English translation.

What If Companies House Omits My Middle Name?

Provide the passport and PSA birth certificate.

A Philippine middle name is often the mother’s maiden surname and can be an important part of the legal identity.

What If Only My Middle Initial Appears?

Provide documents showing both the complete middle name and the initial.

The ACSP must connect the versions.

What If I Have Several Given Names?

Provide the complete passport and civil documents.

A UK record may show only one or two of several registered given names.

What If My Surname Is Dela Cruz or De la Cruz?

Provide the complete document set.

A UK system may join, separate or capitalise the surname differently.

What If My Name Contains Ñ?

A UK or machine-readable record may replace ñ with n.

The ACSP should compare the passport, birth certificate and supporting records.

What If My Name Contains Jr. or III?

Provide documents showing the complete legal name.

A suffix can distinguish the applicant from another family member and should not automatically be omitted.

What If I Use a Nickname?

A nickname does not automatically form part of the legal identity.

Provide formal evidence where the nickname has been added or recognised through an official process.

What If I Changed My Surname After Marriage?

Provide:

• current passport;
• PSA birth certificate;
• PSA marriage certificate;
• former passport;
• National ID where relevant; and
• documents showing the Companies House name.

What Happens to a Filipino Woman’s Middle Name After Marriage?

Where she adopts her husband’s surname, her maiden surname commonly becomes her middle name.

The exact legal documents should be reviewed.

Can I Revert to My Maiden Name?

Potentially.

The current Philippine Passport Act allows a one-time reversion to a maiden name, subject to the required supporting documents and conditions.

Can I Use Two Passports?

Potentially.

The Philippines recognises dual nationality in relevant circumstances.

Both passports must remain current, and the ACSP must connect any name or nationality differences.

What If My Philippine and British Passports Show Different Names?

Provide both passports and the supporting civil-status or name-change documents.

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

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 National ID Shows an Old Address?

Use a current Group B address document.

The applicant must provide the actual home address and the previous 12 months of address history.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in the Philippines?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the process 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?

Two documents are required for person-led Option 2.

One eligible document may be enough under technology-led Option 1.

Must I Post My Original Philippine Passport?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

Clear images are sent first, while the original documents are shown during the video call.

Can I Use One Code as Both Director and PSC?

Yes.

However, the code must be connected separately to each role.

Can the Verification Be Completed on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the complete document set is approved in advance.

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

Need Companies House Verification for a Filipino Director or PSC?

Filipino nationals will usually have one of these practical routes:

• Philippine biometric ePassport and PRADO-listed physical driving licence;
• Philippine passport and accepted Group B supporting document;
• Philippine passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Philippine passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• Philippine passport and another recognised passport held through dual nationality; or
• one eligible Philippine biometric or machine-readable passport under Option 1.

Applicants should not currently rely on:

• physical National ID as the formal second Group A document;
• National ID in paper format as formal Group A evidence;
• Digital National ID as the formal document;
• PhilSys Number;
• National ID Card Number;
• Electronic Driver’s Licence without the physical card;
• UMID card;
• PRC card;
• Postal ID;
• voter document;
• NBI Clearance; or
• government-account screenshot.

Some cases need extra care, including those involving:

• unreadable passport chips;
• older Philippine passports;
• expired passports;
• cancelled or replaced passports;
• lost or stolen documents;
• emergency passports;
• Emergency Travel Certificates;
• Philippine driving licences that do not match PRADO;
• expired or replaced driving licences;
• National ID screenshots;
• several given names;
• omitted middle names;
• middle initials;
• mother’s maiden surname;
• Dela Cruz and similar compound surnames;
• ñ and other characters;
• Jr., II, III and other suffixes;
• married or former names;
• reversion to a maiden name;
• dual-nationality documents;
• late-registered birth certificates;
• PSA E-Certificates;
• Reports of Birth or Marriage;
• incorrect date of birth;
• old Philippine address information; or
• details that do not match the Companies House register.

Ginkgo Advisory can review the documents, confirm the best 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.