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

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

Quick Answer for Iranian Directors and PSCs

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

A physical Iranian driving licence may also provide Group A evidence where the exact card matches a photographic driving licence model listed on PRADO.

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

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

PRADO currently lists Iranian passports and driving licences. It does not list an Iranian national identity card category. Iranian applicants should therefore not rely on a National Identity Card, commonly called a Kart-e Melli, as one of the two required documents under the current published route.

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

• Iranian passport and PRADO-listed Iranian driving licence;
• Iranian passport and bank statement;
• Iranian passport and utility bill;
• Iranian passport and mortgage statement;
• Iranian passport and insurance policy;
• Iranian passport and Shenasnameh;
• Iranian passport and official marriage certificate; or
• Iranian passport and an eligible UK-issued photographic document.

Important Point About the Iranian National Identity Card

Iran issues a national identity card known as the Kart-e Melli, National Identity Card or کارت ملی. It is an official Iranian identity document.

However, Companies House applies its own document rules. A foreign identity card does not automatically qualify simply because the issuing country treats it as official identification.

For a person-led Companies House check, Group A includes another type of photographic identity document where PRADO lists that document. PRADO’s current Iran page lists:

• passports; and
• driving licences.

It does not show an Iranian national identity card category. The Iranian identity card also does not appear in the published Companies House Group B list.

The practical position is:

Do not rely on an Iranian National Identity Card, Smart National Card or Kart-e Melli as one of the required Group A or Group B documents under the current published route.

An ACSP may review the card as additional evidence. For example, it may help compare:

• the applicant’s Persian name;
• photograph;
• date of birth;
• national identification number; or
• information shown on other Iranian records.

However, the formal document combination should use an Iranian passport, a qualifying PRADO-listed driving licence or an accepted Group B supporting document.

Can You Use an Iranian National Identification Number?

No. An Iranian national identification number, often called a Code Melli or کد ملی, is a personal number rather than a photographic identity document.

Do not submit only:

• a Code Melli;
• a written national identification number;
• a screenshot showing the number;
• a tax document containing the number;
• a National Identity Card application receipt; or
• an online government-account screen.

The Iranian national identification number is also not the same as a Companies House personal code.

Important Compliance Point: UK Sanctions and Enhanced Due Diligence

Companies House identity verification and anti-money laundering checks serve different purposes.

Completing the Companies House identity check does not, by itself, complete the ACSP’s wider customer due diligence, sanctions or risk-assessment duties. An ACSP may therefore need more information than Companies House requires for the identity check alone.

Iranian Nationality Does Not Automatically Mean a Person Is Sanctioned

The UK sanctions regime does not treat every Iranian national as a designated person.

Instead, it applies to people and organisations named on the UK Sanctions List, together with entities owned or controlled by designated persons. The ACSP must therefore screen the applicant, related companies, beneficial owners and relevant counterparties against the current UK Sanctions List.

Where the screening identifies a designated person or an entity owned or controlled by one, the ACSP may need to:

• stop the proposed service;
• freeze relevant funds or economic resources;
• avoid making funds or services available;
• report the matter to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, or OFSI; and
• obtain a licence before taking any action that would otherwise breach sanctions.

A person who is specifically subject to UK director-disqualification sanctions cannot act as a UK company director or take part in forming, promoting or managing a company.

Mandatory Enhanced Due Diligence for People Established in Iran

From 30 June 2026, UK-regulated firms must apply enhanced due diligence and enhanced ongoing monitoring to business relationships involving people established in countries that the Financial Action Task Force places on its “call for action” list. Iran appears on that list.

For an individual, “established in” generally refers to where the person resides. It does not automatically cover every Iranian citizen living outside Iran merely because of their nationality or place of birth.

An Iranian national who lives in Iran will normally trigger this mandatory country-based enhanced due diligence requirement. The additional checks may include:

• more information about the applicant and beneficial owners;
• the purpose and intended nature of the relationship;
• source of funds;
• source of wealth;
• reasons for the proposed transaction or company structure;
• senior-management approval; and
• enhanced ongoing monitoring.

As a result, an Iranian-resident case may require more time than the identity-document review itself. Same-day submission can only take place after the ACSP completes all necessary sanctions, ownership, source-of-funds, source-of-wealth and payment-route checks.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Iranian 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;
• directors of certain overseas companies registered in the UK; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025. That date started a 12-month transition period rather than creating one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

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

A new company must provide a personal code for each proposed director during incorporation. A person appointed as a new director must also provide the code as part of the appointment filing.

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

How Can Iranian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Iranian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on your documents and circumstances, the service may ask you to:

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

The service chooses the available method based on your documents, device and access to relevant UK records.

Using an Iranian Passport

An Iranian national can try the GOV.UK One Login app only where the individual passport contains a working biometric chip.

The app accepts a non-UK passport with a biometric chip. It asks the applicant to:

1. photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
2. scan the electronic chip;
3. complete a facial comparison; and
4. answer any remaining identity questions.

The app does not accept an expired passport.

Not every Iranian passport should be assumed to work through the app. Check the individual passport for the international biometric-passport symbol and confirm that the phone can read the chip.

Where the app cannot read the passport, an ACSP may still be able to use it:

• under Option 1 as a biometric or machine-readable passport; or
• under person-led Option 2 as a Group A passport.

Current Iranian Passport Models

PRADO currently lists two ordinary Iranian passport models:

• IRN-AO-04001, first issued on 1 October 2014; and
• IRN-AO-03001, first issued on 1 January 2007.

PRADO records IRN-AO-04001 as an ordinary travel document issued to Iranian nationals. It uses booklet format, contains a colour photograph and includes visible physical security features. Its maximum validity is five years.

The earlier IRN-AO-03001 model also appears as an ordinary Iranian travel document. An individual passport may remain usable where it remains valid, has not been cancelled and has not been replaced.

Can You Use an Iranian National Identity Card in GOV.UK One Login?

No published GOV.UK One Login route lists the Iranian National Identity Card as an accepted app document.

The app accepts:

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

A chip or photograph on an Iranian National Identity Card does not place it within the published GOV.UK One Login document list.

Can You Use an Iranian Driving Licence in GOV.UK One Login?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The mobile app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than an Iranian driving licence. A qualifying Iranian licence may still work through a person-led ACSP check because PRADO lists specific Iranian driving-licence models.

Can You Verify at a UK Post Office?

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

The applicant must first start the Companies House verification process online. Where the service offers the Post Office route, the applicant receives a customer letter and must attend with the original approved photographic document.

A photocopy, scan or digital image will not replace the original document.

This route may suit an Iranian national who lives in the UK. It usually offers less convenience to someone living in Iran or another country outside the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

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

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

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

• lives in Iran or another country outside the UK;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login verification;
• holds a passport that the app cannot read;
• wants to use a PRADO-listed Iranian driving licence;
• only has a Kart-e Melli as their second photographic document;
• needs help choosing a Group B document;
• has Persian and Latin name differences;
• has changed their name;
• has a date-of-birth conversion issue;
• requires enhanced sanctions or source-of-funds checks; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

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

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

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

Companies House permits documents including:

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

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired where the technology can still validate its security features. The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

For an Iranian national, the most relevant Option 1 document will normally be an Iranian biometric or machine-readable passport.

An Iranian driving licence does not qualify through the Option 1 driving-licence category because that category only covers the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU.

The Iranian National Identity Card also does not fall within the Option 1 biometric identity-card category, which only covers the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

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

A trained person may inspect the documents remotely by video call or examine them in person.

Under this route, the applicant must provide either:

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

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

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

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

Group A Photographic ID for Iranian Nationals

1. Iranian Passport

An Iranian passport normally provides the clearest Group A identity document.

PRADO lists the current ordinary passport model as:

• IRN-AO-04001;
• an ordinary Iranian passport;
• first issued on 1 October 2014;
• valid as a document model; and
• issued to Iranian nationals for international travel.

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

However, you cannot use a passport that:

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

Where you hold more than one Iranian passport, use the document that:

• remains current;
• shows your present legal name;
• has a clear photograph;
• has not been reported lost or stolen;
• has not been replaced; and
• matches the details held by Companies House.

2. Iranian Driving Licence

A valid physical Iranian driving licence may provide Group A evidence under a person-led Option 2 check.

PRADO currently lists two Iranian driving-licence models:

• IRN-FO-02001, first issued on 2 January 2012; and
• IRN-FO-01001, first issued on 1 January 2010.

PRADO records IRN-FO-02001 as a card-format document that establishes the holder’s identity within Iran but does not, by itself, prove Iranian nationality. The card contains a photograph, visible security features and a contact microchip. Its maximum validity is ten years.

The earlier IRN-FO-01001 model also appears on PRADO as a photographic driving licence. PRADO records a maximum validity of five years for that document model.

Companies House allows another type of photographic identity document listed on PRADO within Group A. An Iranian licence may therefore qualify where:

• the physical card matches a PRADO-listed model;
• the individual licence remains valid;
• the photograph matches the applicant;
• the licence has not been replaced;
• the card shows no signs of alteration; and
• its details match the passport and other evidence.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment. You must also show the original physical card during the call.

Does Every Iranian Driving Licence Qualify?

Not automatically.

The exact card must match a PRADO-listed model. A temporary permit, application receipt, digital record or newer unlisted format should not be treated as automatically qualifying.

The ACSP should check:

• the card design;
• document number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• photograph;
• visible security features; and
• consistency with the passport.

Can You Use a Digital Iranian Driving Licence?

Do not rely on:

• a digital licence screen;
• a mobile application;
• QR code;
• screenshot;
• electronic extract; or
• photograph of the card

as a replacement for the original physical driving licence.

For a person-led check, the verifier may ask the applicant to move or tilt the card so that its visible security features can be examined.

3. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

An Iranian national living in the UK may also hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

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

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

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

Iranian Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

Iranian National Identity Card or Kart-e Melli

Do not rely on the Kart-e Melli as one of the required documents under the current published route.

PRADO does not currently list an Iranian identity-card category. Companies House also does not include a foreign national identity card of this type in Group B.

Code Melli

The Code Melli is a personal number, not a photographic identity document.

It does not replace:

• a passport;
• PRADO-listed driving licence;
• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• birth certificate; or
• marriage certificate.

Temporary National Identity Documents

Do not assume that a temporary identity document, renewal receipt or National Identity Card application paper qualifies.

The exact document would require individual review. In most cases, the applicant should prepare a passport and another accepted document.

Digital Government Screens

A government-portal screen, mobile-wallet record, QR code or online identity result does not replace an accepted physical document.

An ACSP may use an official electronic source to support wider verification. However, the person-led Companies House route still requires the relevant documentary combination.

Iranian Military or Service Cards

Do not rely on military service cards, exemption cards, professional membership cards or employee cards as one of the required documents.

They do not appear in the current published Group A or Group B lists.

Group B Supporting Documents

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

Companies House Group B documents include:

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

An Iranian bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth document or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

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

Iranian Bank Statements

An Iranian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

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

A complete PDF or statement issued directly by the bank will normally provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

The ACSP may need additional checks to confirm the bank, payment route and source of funds. Sanctions restrictions may also affect whether the ACSP can accept funds connected with a particular bank or intermediary.

Iranian Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

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

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

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

Mortgage Statements and Insurance Policies

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

An insurance policy may also qualify where it identifies the applicant and shows the current address.

The document should come from an identifiable lender or insurer and remain capable of validation.

Iranian Shenasnameh

The Shenasnameh, or شناسنامه, is Iran’s birth and civil-registration book. Iranian authorities issue it following the registration of a birth. It can contain core civil-status information about the holder.

A Shenasnameh may potentially fit the Companies House Group B birth-certificate category. However, acceptance is not automatic.

The ACSP should review:

• the complete document;
• the issuing authority;
• the holder’s full registered name;
• date and place of birth;
• document number;
• amendments;
• replacement status; and
• consistency with the passport.

Provide all relevant pages rather than only the cover or one cropped image.

Where the document contains material information only in Persian, the ACSP may request a full English translation.

Iranian Marriage Certificate or Marriage Book

Iran records marriages through its civil-registration system. The official Iranian marriage book can contain multiple pages and detailed information about the spouses and registered marriage.

An official marriage book may potentially provide Group B marriage-certificate evidence.

The applicant should provide:

• the complete relevant pages;
• both spouses’ identifying details;
• date of marriage;
• registration information;
• any name-related entries; and
• an English translation where required.

Do not rely only on:

• a wedding photograph;
• religious ceremony record without civil registration;
• informal translation;
• partial scan;
• handwritten summary; or
• screenshot from an online account.

Recommended Document Combinations

Iranian Passport and PRADO-Listed Driving Licence

This combination may provide two Group A photographic documents for a person-led Option 2 check.

The passport confirms identity and Iranian nationality. The driving licence provides a second photographic document where it matches IRN-FO-02001 or another current PRADO-listed model.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs;
• document status; and
• other personal information.

Iranian Passport and Bank Statement

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

It may offer the clearest route where the applicant:

• does not drive;
• only holds a Kart-e Melli as their second photographic document;
• has an expired or unlisted driving licence; or
• wants to provide evidence of genuine financial activity.

The ACSP may request additional source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information, especially where the applicant lives in Iran.

Iranian Passport and Utility Bill

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

The issuer and account information must remain capable of validation.

Iranian Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Iranian Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Iranian Passport and Shenasnameh

A complete Shenasnameh may provide Group B birth-certificate evidence after document-specific review.

This combination can help where:

• the passport and Companies House record use different spellings;
• the applicant has changed their name;
• the date of birth requires stronger support;
• the Persian record contains more complete civil-status information; or
• the verifier needs to connect separate records.

Iranian Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Iranian marriage book or marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help explain:

• a marriage-related record;
• a former surname;
• a difference between personal records;
• a relationship between supporting documents; or
• another change in civil status.

Iranian Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

An Iranian national living in the UK may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This combination can provide two strong photographic identity documents.

Iranian Passport and UK Immigration Document or eVisa

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

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

Iranian Names, Transliteration and Dates

Iranian identity records require careful name checks.

Persian and Latin Name Spellings

Iranian passports show names in Persian and Latin script. Separate records may use different English spellings or spacing.

Differences can arise because of:

• Persian-to-Latin transliteration;
• joined or separated compound names;
• optional hyphens;
• different vowels in English spellings;
• a shortened business name;
• omitted middle elements;
• an older passport spelling; or
• clerical differences between Iranian and UK records.

The current passport’s Latin spelling will normally provide the clearest reference point for a UK Companies House check.

Before verification, compare:

• every forename;
• the exact surname;
• spaces and hyphens;
• Persian and Latin spellings;
• former names;
• the full date of birth; and
• the Companies House record.

Birth and Married Surnames

Iranian names generally consist of a forename and surname. Iranian women normally retain their birth surname after marriage rather than automatically adopting their husband’s surname.

This can create differences where:

• a UK bank account uses a spouse’s surname;
• Companies House records a married surname;
• an informal business name differs from the passport;
• an earlier UK document uses another surname; or
• the Iranian passport remains in the birth surname.

Provide the official marriage evidence and any other name-linking documents where different records use different surnames.

Persian Calendar and Gregorian Dates

Iranian civil documents may use the Persian or Solar Hijri calendar, while Companies House uses Gregorian dates.

The ACSP should check the date conversion carefully and confirm that the Gregorian date of birth matches the Companies House record.

A one-day, one-month or one-year conversion error can prevent the personal code from connecting to the director or PSC role.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

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

Problems can arise where:

• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• the Persian-to-Gregorian conversion is wrong;
• an incorporation filing contains an error;
• the passport and Shenasnameh contain inconsistent details;
• someone enters the personal code incorrectly; or
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information.

Companies House may prevent the code from connecting to the role where the details do not match. Correct an inaccurate date of birth before trying to provide the verification details.

Is a Code Melli the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A Code Melli belongs to Iran’s national identity system.

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

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

• Code Melli;
• National Identity Card number;
• passport number;
• driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• tax identification number; or
• immigration application reference.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Through our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Iranian directors and PSCs.

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

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant provides all required personal information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches;
• sanctions screening produces no unresolved match;
• the ownership and control checks are complete;
• the payment route is lawful;
• any required source-of-funds and source-of-wealth checks are complete; and
• no other identity, AML or compliance concerns arise.

An Iranian-resident case may require additional time because the ACSP must complete mandatory enhanced due diligence. Same-day service should therefore never be assumed before the full compliance review.

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

After an ACSP completes a successful submission, Companies House states that the personal-code email should normally arrive within a few hours. This timing is not guaranteed.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For a passport, provide the complete personal-details page.

For an Iranian driving licence or UK photographic card, send both the front and reverse.

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

You must also provide:

• your full name;
• all former names;
• your date of birth;
• your current home address;
• your address history for the previous 12 months;
• your individual email address;
• your country of residence;
• information about the UK company and your role; and
• any additional sanctions or source-of-funds information requested.

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect the applicant’s identity details and suitable evidence supporting the claimed identity.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• the Iranian passport model;
• whether the passport has a working biometric chip;
• whether the driving licence matches a PRADO-listed model;
• whether the applicant proposes to use a Kart-e Melli;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the physical condition of every document;
• Persian and Latin name spellings;
• former names;
• Persian-to-Gregorian date conversion;
• the current residential address;
• the previous 12 months of address history;
• sanctions-list screening;
• company ownership and control; and
• source-of-funds or source-of-wealth requirements.

Where the proposed evidence does not meet the standard, we identify a stronger combination before arranging the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt the documents when requested;
• display their physical security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity or compliance questions.

The verifier must confirm that you are a real person, the documents appear genuine and the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

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

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

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

The ACSP must retain the Companies House identity-verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

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

Make sure that the email address is correct and that you can access it.

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

How Iranian Directors Use the Personal Code

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

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

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

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

How Iranian PSCs Use the Personal Code

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

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

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

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

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles. You must still connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

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

• reviewing current and older Iranian passports;
• checking whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• checking whether the passport has a readable biometric chip;
• reviewing Iranian driving licences;
• matching driving-licence cards against PRADO;
• explaining why a Kart-e Melli should not replace an accepted document;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Iranian bank statements and address documents;
• checking Shenasnameh documents;
• reviewing Iranian marriage books and certificates;
• comparing Persian and Latin name spellings;
• checking Persian-to-Gregorian date conversions;
• connecting former and current names;
• completing sanctions-list screening;
• reviewing company ownership and control;
• requesting source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information where required;
• arranging a remote video call;
• completing the required Companies House checks;
• submitting the verification through the ACSP service; 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;
• compliance-information collection; and
• practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Iranian passport?

Yes.

An Iranian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence. PRADO lists the current ordinary Iranian passport under reference IRN-AO-04001.

Can I use my Iranian passport through GOV.UK One Login?

Potentially.

The individual passport must contain a working biometric chip. The applicant must also use a compatible phone and complete the facial comparison successfully.

Where the app cannot read the passport, an ACSP may still be able to use the passport under Option 1 or Option 2.

Can I use an expired Iranian passport?

Potentially, depending on the route.

GOV.UK One Login does not accept an expired passport.

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

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

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my Iranian National Identity Card?

Do not rely on it as one of the required documents under the current published route.

PRADO does not currently list an Iranian identity-card category. The card also does not fall within the Companies House Group B list.

Can I use my Smart National Card?

Not as a replacement for a required Group A or Group B document under the current published rules.

The ACSP may review it as additional evidence, but prepare a passport and another accepted document.

Can I use my Code Melli?

No.

A Code Melli is a personal identification number. It is not photographic identity evidence and is not the Companies House personal code.

Can I use my Iranian driving licence?

Potentially.

PRADO lists the Iranian driving-licence models IRN-FO-02001 and IRN-FO-01001. A physical card that matches a listed model, remains valid and passes the required checks may provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

Does every Iranian driving licence qualify?

No.

The exact card must match a PRADO-listed model. Send clear images of both sides for review before relying on it.

Can I use a digital Iranian driving licence?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical card so the verifier can inspect its photograph and security features.

Can I use my Iranian driving licence through GOV.UK One Login?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The mobile app accepts a UK photocard driving licence. An Iranian driving licence may still work through an ACSP under the PRADO route.

Can I use my Shenasnameh?

Potentially.

A Shenasnameh may provide Group B birth-certificate evidence. The ACSP must review the complete document, issuing information, amendments and translation.

Can I use an Iranian marriage book?

Potentially.

An official Iranian marriage book may provide Group B marriage-certificate evidence. Provide all relevant pages and an English translation where required.

Can I use an Iranian bank statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B. The document must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation. Additional sanctions, payment-route and source-of-funds checks may apply.

Can I use an Iranian utility bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I use an Iranian mortgage statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use an Iranian insurance policy?

Potentially.

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

Do Iranian documents need an English translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

Passports and driving licences contain Latin-script information. A Shenasnameh, marriage book, bank statement or utility bill may contain important information only in Persian.

Provide both the original document and the translation where requested.

What if Companies House uses a different English spelling of my name?

Send the current passport, Companies House record and supporting documents for review.

The ACSP should compare the official Latin passport spelling, Persian name and any earlier UK records. Additional evidence may be needed where the difference goes beyond a simple transliteration variation.

What if the Iranian document uses the Persian calendar?

The ACSP should convert the date carefully and compare the correct Gregorian equivalent with the Companies House record.

A conversion error can prevent the personal code from linking successfully.

Does Iranian nationality mean I am sanctioned?

No.

Iranian nationality alone does not mean that a person is designated under UK sanctions. However, the ACSP must screen the applicant, companies, beneficial owners and related parties against the UK Sanctions List and apply the ownership-and-control rules.

Why do you need extra information from an applicant living in Iran?

From 30 June 2026, regulated firms must apply enhanced due diligence to business relationships involving people established in FATF call-for-action countries. Iran appears on that list.

The ACSP may therefore request source-of-funds, source-of-wealth, ownership, purpose and transaction information before accepting the case.

Does this enhanced due diligence apply to every Iranian national?

Not solely because of nationality.

For an individual, the country-based “established in” test generally refers to residence. An Iranian national living outside Iran is not automatically within that mandatory country trigger only because they are Iranian. Other sanctions and risk checks still apply.

Can I verify my identity while living in Iran?

Potentially, yes.

An ACSP can conduct the identity check remotely where the documents meet the Companies House standard. However, the ACSP must also complete all sanctions, enhanced due diligence, ownership, source-of-funds and payment-route checks before accepting and submitting the case.

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.

Must I post my original Iranian passport?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

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

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

Yes.

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

Can You Complete the Verification on the Same Day?

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

• the document set is complete;
• the documents pass all checks;
• the Companies House record matches;
• sanctions screening is clear;
• ownership and control are understood;
• required enhanced due diligence is complete;
• the source of funds and source of wealth are satisfactory;
• the payment route is lawful; and
• no unresolved compliance concern remains.

An Iranian-resident case may take longer because of mandatory enhanced due diligence. Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

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

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

• an Iranian passport plus a PRADO-listed Iranian driving licence;
• an Iranian passport plus an accepted Group B supporting document;
• an Iranian passport plus a valid UK photocard driving licence;
• an Iranian passport plus an eligible UK immigration document; or
• one Iranian biometric or machine-readable passport under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

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

• only a Kart-e Melli as the second photographic document;
• only a Code Melli or digital identity screen;
• a passport that the GOV.UK One Login app cannot read;
• an expired, damaged or replaced passport;
• an unlisted or expired driving licence;
• only a digital driving licence;
• a partial Shenasnameh scan;
• an incomplete Iranian marriage book;
• different Persian and Latin name spellings;
• a married or former surname;
• a Persian-to-Gregorian date conversion issue;
• an incorrect date of birth at Companies House;
• residence in Iran;
• a payment route involving a sanctioned institution;
• incomplete source-of-funds or source-of-wealth information; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

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

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available for suitable cases after we complete all identity, sanctions, anti-money laundering and enhanced due diligence checks.