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

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

After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you rather than to a specific company. You can use the same code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each role.

Important Point for German Nationals

German nationals usually have several strong identity document options.

Depending on the verification route, you may be able to use:

• a German biometric passport, known as a Reisepass;
• a German national identity card, known as a Personalausweis;
• a German EU photocard driving licence, known as a Führerschein;
• a temporary German identity card, subject to review;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic document; or
• one photographic document together with a Group B supporting document.

For a person-led remote video check, you will normally need either two Group A photographic documents or one Group A photographic document and one Group B supporting document. Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

Direct answer: For most German directors and PSCs, the strongest combinations are a German passport plus a Personalausweis, or a German passport plus a current German EU photocard driving licence.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to German nationals who are:

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

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

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements. New companies must provide a personal code for each proposed director during incorporation. PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods.

How Can German Nationals Verify Their Identity?

German nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

The service may ask you to:

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

The available route depends on your device, documents and personal circumstances.

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

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

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

The app does not accept an expired passport. Therefore, a current German biometric passport will usually provide the clearest GOV.UK One Login route.

PRADO records the current German ordinary passport under reference DEU-AO-04004. Germany first issued this version on 2 May 2024. Earlier German biometric passport models also remain listed where the individual documents remain valid.

Can You Use a German Personalausweis in the App?

The GOV.UK One Login app does not currently list foreign national identity cards as accepted app documents.

You should therefore not assume that a German Personalausweis will work through the mobile app, even though the card contains a chip and supports German electronic identification. The published app route accepts a non-UK biometric passport but not an EU national identity card.

However, the Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard issued by an EU country. It also accepts an EU photocard driving licence. You must first start the online Companies House process and receive instructions to attend a participating Post Office.

This option may suit German nationals who live in the UK. It usually offers less convenience to someone who lives in Germany and does not plan to travel to the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

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

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers. Companies House allows an ACSP to complete the checks remotely or in person. However, the ACSP must follow the full Companies House identity verification standard.

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

• lives in Germany or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• does not have a compatible phone;
• cannot scan the German passport chip;
• wants to use a Personalausweis or German driving licence;
• only holds an older German identity document;
• has changed their surname after marriage;
• has differences involving German special characters;
• has an incorrect date of birth on the Companies House register; or
• needs remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on the verification method.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible photographic 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 allows the following documents under Option 1:

• a biometric or machine-readable passport;
• a UK or EU photocard driving licence;
• a biometric identity card issued by an EU country;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired under Option 1, provided the technology can still validate its security features.

For German nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

• a German biometric passport;
• a biometric German Personalausweis;
• a German EU photocard driving licence; or
• an eligible UK immigration document.

Option 2: Person-Led Verification

A trained person may check the documents during a video call or in person.

Under this route, the applicant must provide:

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

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. However, the passport must not have been cancelled or replaced by a newer document.

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

Group A Photographic ID for German Nationals

1. German Passport

A German passport normally provides the clearest Group A document.

PRADO lists the current German ordinary passport as:

• DEU-AO-04004;
• Reisepass / Passport / Passeport; and
• first issued on 2 May 2024.

PRADO also lists the previous ordinary passport model, DEU-AO-04001, first issued on 1 March 2017, together with several earlier German passport versions.

Under the person-led Companies House route, a passport can be up to 18 months expired. However, you cannot use it if Germany has cancelled it, replaced it or marked it as no longer valid.

A current passport will usually make the verification easier.

2. German National Identity Card

Germany calls its national identity card the Personalausweis.

A current Personalausweis provides strong Group A photographic identity evidence. As an EU identity card with biometric information, it may also qualify as the single Option 1 document where suitable technology can validate the chip and other security features.

PRADO records the current German identity card under reference DEU-BO-02004. Germany first issued this model on 2 August 2021.

The current Personalausweis:

• comes in bank-card format;
• contains a contactless microchip;
• displays the holder’s photograph;
• includes several physical security features;
• acts as a German national identity document; and
• serves as a travel document within the EU and associated Schengen countries.

Applicants should send clear images of both sides of the Personalausweis before the video appointment.

Older German Personalausweis Models

PRADO also lists an earlier German Personalausweis under reference DEU-BO-02001, first issued on 1 November 2010.

That card also uses bank-card format and contains an RFID chip with electronic functions. PRADO records that this model may remain valid up to 30 July 2031, depending on the expiry date of the individual card.

Even older German identity card models appear on PRADO. However, an applicant should not assume that every older Personalausweis remains suitable.

The verifier must check:

• the exact card model;
• the printed expiry date;
• the physical condition;
• whether Germany has replaced or cancelled it;
• whether the photograph still matches the applicant; and
• whether the security features can be validated.

A current German passport or current Personalausweis will usually offer the simplest remote route.

Does a Personalausweis Confirm the Address?

German identity cards normally include address information on the reverse. Where the holder changes address, the German authority may apply an official address sticker to the card.

The address on the card can support the identity check. However, it may not prove the applicant’s full address history for the previous 12 months.

Companies House tells ACSPs to request more evidence where the main documents do not confirm the person’s address history or a name change. A bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or other address document may therefore still be required.

3. Temporary German Identity Card

Germany may issue a temporary identity card called a vorläufiger Personalausweis.

PRADO lists this document under reference DEU-BP-03001. The document contains a photograph, uses a paper format and normally has a maximum validity of three months.

A valid temporary Personalausweis may potentially qualify as Group A evidence under the Option 2 category for another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO.

However, it does not provide the same document strength as a current biometric Personalausweis. Its short validity and paper format may also make remote checking more difficult.

Applicants should not rely on a temporary Personalausweis without a preliminary document review. A German passport combined with another suitable document will usually provide a stronger route.

4. German Driving Licence

A valid German EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A photographic evidence.

Companies House expressly accepts EU photocard driving licences under both Option 1 and Option 2.

Germany calls the driving licence a Führerschein. PRADO records the current German card model under reference DEU-FO-02008. Germany first issued this version on 4 January 2021.

The current German licence:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains the holder’s photograph;
• includes laser-engraved information;
• contains several physical security features; and
• has a maximum document validity of 15 years.

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

A German driving licence can confirm identity, but it does not prove German nationality. The verifier may therefore prefer a passport or Personalausweis where the case requires clear nationality evidence.

Can You Use an Old Grey or Pink German Driving Licence?

Germany has issued several older grey, pink and card-format driving licences. PRADO lists many of these models.

However, Companies House expressly refers to an EU photocard driving licence as Group A evidence. An older paper licence does not fall directly within that category.

Some old German licences may potentially qualify through the separate PRADO-listed photographic ID category. Even so, the ACSP must check the document’s current validity and applicable German exchange deadline.

Germany has introduced phased deadlines for replacing old paper and indefinite card licences with the current EU card format. Some deadlines had already passed by July 2026, while other licence holders have later deadlines extending to 2033.

Do not rely on an old grey or pink Führerschein without a preliminary review. A current EU photocard driving licence, passport or Personalausweis will usually provide a clearer route.

5. UK-Issued Photographic Documents

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

Examples include:

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

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

Group B Supporting Documents

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

Group B documents include:

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

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

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine organisation;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details;
• supports the stated identity or address;
• contains no signs of alteration; and
• allows the verifier to confirm recent activity.

The ACSP may request an English translation where important information appears only in German.

Recommended Document Combinations

German Passport and Personalausweis

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic documents.

A current biometric passport and current Personalausweis will often provide the strongest document set for a person-led remote check.

German Passport and EU Photocard Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

Both documents should show consistent names and dates of birth.

Personalausweis and German Driving Licence

A current Personalausweis and EU photocard driving licence can also provide two Group A documents.

The verifier may still request a passport where the case needs clearer evidence of nationality or identity history.

German Passport and Bank Statement

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

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

German Passport and Utility Bill

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

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and check that the document appears genuine.

German Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

German Passport and Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate can help where the applicant changed their surname after marriage.

It may explain differences between the passport, Personalausweis, bank documents and Companies House register.

German Names, Birth Surnames and Special Characters

They require careful name checks.

German documents may show:

• the current surname;
• a birth surname, known as the Geburtsname;
• several forenames;
• a married surname;
• a double-barrelled surname;
• an academic or professional title;
• umlauts such as Ä, Ö and Ü; or
• the letter ß.

PRADO confirms that German identity cards may include a separate Geburtsname field.

Electronic systems may display German special characters differently. For example, a Companies House record may omit an umlaut or use a different spelling from the printed German document.

The verifier should compare:

• the printed name on the passport or Personalausweis;
• the machine-readable information;
• the name on the Companies House register;
• any former or married surnames;
• all forenames;
• hyphens and spaces;
• special characters; and
• the date of birth.

For example, these forms require careful review:

• MÜLLER and MUELLER;
• SCHRÖDER and SCHROEDER;
• GROß and GROSS;
• ANNA-MARIA and ANNA MARIA; or
• a current surname and a separate Geburtsname.

A small difference does not always mean the records belong to different people. However, the complete document set must support the same identity.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

Your date of birth must match the Companies House record.

Problems can arise where:

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

Companies House warns that an incorrect date of birth can prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role. Corrections can take up to 20 working days, so applicants should check the register early.

Correct any error before trying to connect the personal code to your role.

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 German directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and submission may be available where:

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

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission. Companies House controls the time it takes to issue the personal code.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For a passport, send the complete photo and personal-details page.

For a Personalausweis or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

You must also provide:

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

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information as part of the identity verification process.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• the German passport model;
• the Personalausweis version;
• whether the document contains a usable chip;
• whether a temporary identity card remains valid;
• whether a driving licence uses the EU photocard format;
• whether an old driving licence has passed its exchange deadline;
• the printed expiry date;
• the condition of each document;
• birth and married surnames;
• German special characters;
• the current address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

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

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move the documents when requested;
• show 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 are genuine and the identity belongs to you. Companies House requires the verifier to see your face clearly during a remote check.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

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

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

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

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

How German Directors Use the Personal Code

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

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

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

How German PSCs Use the Personal Code

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

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

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

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

The same code can cover several companies and roles. However, you 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 German nationals by:

• reviewing German passports;
• checking German Personalausweis cards;
• reviewing older identity card models;
• assessing temporary identity cards;
• checking German EU photocard driving licences;
• reviewing old grey or pink driving licences;
• matching document models against PRADO;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing German bank statements and address documents;
• checking birth, married and former surnames;
• identifying differences involving umlauts and ß;
• checking dates of birth and addresses;
• 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 German passport?

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

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

Can I use my German Personalausweis?

Yes. A current German Personalausweis can provide strong Group A evidence.

Suitable validation technology may also accept the biometric Personalausweis as the single identity document under Option 1.

Can I use my Personalausweis in the GOV.UK One Login app?

The app does not currently list EU national identity cards as accepted documents.

However, the GOV.UK One Login Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard issued by an EU country. The online service must first direct you to that route.

Can I use an older German Personalausweis?

Possibly.

The card must remain valid, match a PRADO-listed model and pass the required document checks. A current passport or current Personalausweis will usually provide an easier route.

Can I use a temporary Personalausweis?

Potentially, but the ACSP must review it first.

PRADO lists the vorläufiger Personalausweis as a photographic identity document. However, it normally remains valid for only three months and uses a paper format.

Can I use my German driving licence?

Yes. A valid German EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A evidence.

Send clear images of both sides before the appointment.

Can I use my German driving licence in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The app currently accepts a UK photocard driving licence. However, the Post Office route accepts an EU photocard driving licence, and an ACSP can use a German EU licence under the Companies House standard.

Can I use an old grey or pink German driving licence?

Possibly, but do not rely on it without a document review.

Old paper licences do not fall directly within the Companies House EU photocard category. In addition, Germany has introduced phased exchange deadlines, and some older documents are no longer valid.

Can I verify my identity while living in Germany?

Yes.

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

Do I always need two documents?

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

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

Can I use a German bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Does the Personalausweis prove my address?

The German Personalausweis normally shows address information on the reverse.

However, the ACSP may still request another document where the identity card does not confirm the full previous 12 months of address history.

Do German documents need an English translation?

Some supporting documents may need a translation.

A translation may help where important information appears only in German or where the verifier cannot fully understand the document. German passports, identity cards and EU driving licences use several standard international labels, but bank, utility and civil-status documents may require further explanation.

What if my name contains an umlaut or ß?

Send the documents for review before verification.

The verifier should compare the printed name, machine-readable information and Companies House record. Differences such as MÜLLER and MUELLER may require explanation, but they do not automatically mean that the records relate to different people.

What if my Personalausweis shows my Geburtsname?

Provide any relevant marriage or name-change evidence.

The Geburtsname is the birth surname. A marriage certificate or other official document may help connect it to the current surname used at Companies House.

Must I post my original German passport?

Usually not.

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

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

Yes.

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

Can you complete the verification on the same day?

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

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

German nationals often have several suitable identity document options, including a biometric passport, Personalausweis and EU photocard driving licence.

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

• an older Personalausweis;
• a temporary identity card;
• an old grey or pink driving licence;
• a birth or married surname;
• a double-barrelled name;
• German special characters;
• a recent address change; or
• details that do not match the Companies House register.

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

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