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

Romanian 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 the code separately to each company role.

Important Point for Romanian Nationals

Romanian nationals usually have several suitable identity document options.

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

• a Romanian biometric passport;
• a Romanian Electronic Identity Card, known as a Carte Electronică de Identitate or CEI;
• a Romanian Simple Identity Card, known as a Carte de Identitate Simplă or CIS;
• an older Romanian identity card, known as a Carte de Identitate or CI;
• a Romanian EU photocard driving licence;
• a Romanian provisional identity card, subject to individual review;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic document; or
• one photographic document together with a Group B supporting document.

The exact rules depend on whether technology checks the document or a trained person completes the verification.

For a person-led remote video check, you will normally need 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.

Direct Answer for Romanian Directors and PSCs

A valid Romanian biometric passport normally provides the simplest starting point.

A current Romanian CEI also offers strong photographic evidence because it contains biometric information. A Romanian EU photocard driving licence can provide another Group A document.

The position differs for the Romanian CIS. This card has no chip and only confirms identity within Romania. However, PRADO lists it as a valid photographic Romanian identity document. It may therefore qualify under the Companies House Option 2 category for another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO, subject to successful document checks. It cannot qualify as a biometric EU identity card under Option 1.

Older Romanian identity cards may also qualify for a person-led check where:

• the card remains valid;
• PRADO lists the exact model;
• the card contains a clear photograph;
• the applicant has not replaced or cancelled it; and
• the verifier can validate its security features.

Romania allows holders of the older 1997-style CI to continue using it until it expires. PRADO lists several older Romanian identity card models.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Romanian 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. That date began a 12-month transition period. It did not create one deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ confirmation statements. New directors must provide the code during incorporation or when Companies House records their appointments.

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

How Can Romanian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Romanian 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 system may ask you to:

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

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

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

A Romanian 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 biodata page and electronic chip. You must also complete a facial comparison.

The app does not accept expired passports.

PRADO records the current Romanian ordinary passport under reference ROU-AO-04001. Romanian authorities first issued this version on 4 September 2024. PRADO also lists several earlier Romanian passport models.

A current Romanian biometric passport will therefore provide the clearest GOV.UK One Login route for many applicants.

Can You Use a Romanian Identity Card 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 Romanian CEI, CIS or older CI will work through the mobile app.

However, the Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard from an EU country. It also accepts an EU photocard driving licence. The applicant must first start the online process and receive instructions to attend a participating UK Post Office.

This route may suit Romanian nationals who live in the UK. It usually provides less convenience for someone who lives in Romania and does not plan to travel to the UK.

What About a Romanian Temporary Passport?

Romania also issues temporary passports without biometric chips.

A temporary Romanian passport will not meet the app requirement for a non-UK passport with a biometric chip. However, a valid temporary passport may still provide Group A evidence during a person-led ACSP check because Companies House includes passports in Group A. The verifier must review the exact document before accepting it.

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 solicitors, accountants and regulated company service providers.

An ACSP can complete the checks remotely or in person. However, the ACSP must follow every step in the Companies House identity verification standard. It must also decide whether the documents are genuine and whether the identity belongs to the applicant.

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

• lives in Romania or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• does not have a compatible phone;
• cannot scan the Romanian passport chip;
• wants to use a Romanian identity card or driving licence;
• holds an older Romanian identity card;
• only has a temporary passport;
• has changed their surname after marriage;
• has differences involving Romanian diacritics; 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 the document’s 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 from an EU country;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

For Romanian nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

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

The Romanian CIS cannot qualify under the biometric identity-card category because it does not contain a chip or electronic data.

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

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

Group A Photographic ID for Romanian Nationals

1. Romanian Passport

A Romanian passport normally provides the clearest Group A document.

Companies House allows a passport that expired within the previous 18 months under Option 2. However, the passport must not have been cancelled or replaced with a newer passport.

You cannot use a document with cancellation marks, such as a clipped corner. A current passport will usually make the process easier.

2. Romanian Electronic Identity Card

Romania calls its electronic identity card the Carte Electronică de Identitate, or CEI.

PRADO records the current national version under reference ROU-BO-05002. Romanian authorities first issued this model on 28 March 2025.

The CEI:

• contains electronic identity data;
• includes biometric information;
• acts as a travel document within the EU and associated Schengen countries;
• uses bank-card format;
• contains a facial image; and
• stores the holder’s Romanian address electronically.

A valid CEI can provide strong Group A evidence.

Technology may also accept it under Option 1 where the verification system can validate the chip and other security features.

The CEI Does Not Print the Home Address

The Romanian CEI does not show the holder’s home address on the physical card.

Instead, it stores the address electronically. The holder can access the information through the official card-reading tools or request an electronic certificate that confirms the address.

For Companies House verification, an ACSP may still ask for a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or another address document.

This extra evidence can help confirm:

• the current residential address;
• the previous 12 months of address history; and
• recent activity linked to the identity.

Companies House tells ACSPs to request extra evidence where the main identity documents do not confirm the address history.

3. Romanian Simple Identity Card

Romania calls its non-electronic card the Carte de Identitate Simplă, or CIS.

PRADO records the current CIS under reference ROU-BO-06001. Romanian authorities first issued this model on 17 June 2025.

The CIS:

• has the size of a bank card;
• contains a photograph;
• includes physical security features;
• shows the Romanian home address on the reverse;
• does not contain a chip;
• does not hold electronic data; and
• does not act as a travel document outside Romania.

The CIS does not qualify as a biometric EU identity card under Companies House Option 1.

However, it appears on PRADO as valid photographic identification. It may therefore qualify as Group A evidence under Option 2 through the separate PRADO-listed photographic ID category.

The ACSP must still inspect the exact card and complete all required checks.

4. Older Romanian Identity Cards

Several older Romanian identity card models remain in circulation.

PRADO lists models first issued in:

• 2021;
• 2017;
• 2009;
• 2006; and

Romania also confirms that holders can continue using a valid 1997-style CI until it expires.

An older Romanian CI may qualify as Group A evidence for a person-led check where:

• the card remains within its validity period;
• the photograph clearly matches the applicant;
• PRADO lists the exact model;
• the card remains undamaged;
• no one has cancelled or replaced it; and
• the verifier can examine its security features.

A newer CEI, current passport or EU photocard driving licence will usually provide a simpler remote verification route.

5. Romanian Provisional Identity Card

Romania issues a paper document called the Carte de Identitate Provizorie.

PRADO lists the current provisional model under reference ROU-BP-01002. It contains a colour photograph and normally remains valid for no more than one year.

A provisional card may potentially qualify under the PRADO-listed photographic ID category for Option 2.

However, the document uses paper, may contain handwritten personal data and has fewer modern security features. These features can make remote checking more difficult.

Applicants should not rely on a provisional identity card without a preliminary review. A passport plus another strong document will usually provide a better route.

6. Romanian Driving Licence

A valid Romanian 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.

PRADO records the current Romanian licence under reference ROU-FO-06001. Romanian authorities first issued this model on 19 January 2013.

The card contains the holder’s photograph and several security features, including a transparent window with a laser-engraved image.

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

Remember that a driving licence confirms identity but does not prove Romanian nationality. A passport or national identity card may therefore offer stronger evidence where the case requires nationality confirmation.

7. UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Romanian 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 work permit;
• a photographic immigration document; or
• a photographic visa.

The ACSP must confirm that the document fits the Companies House rules and remains suitable for verification.

Group B Supporting Documents

You can use one Group B document when 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 Romanian bank statement, mortgage statement or utility bill may work where the document:

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

The ACSP may ask for an English translation where important information only appears in Romanian.

Recommended Document Combinations

Romanian Passport and CEI

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic documents.

A current biometric passport and CEI will often provide the strongest person-led document set.

Romanian Passport and Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

Both documents should show consistent names and dates of birth.

CEI and Romanian Driving Licence

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

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

Romanian Passport and CIS

This combination may provide two Group A documents under Option 2.

The passport falls directly within Group A. The CIS may qualify through the PRADO-listed photographic ID category, subject to document review.

Romanian 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 address, the details should match the information supplied for verification.

Romanian Passport and Utility Bill

A utility bill may provide the second document where it clearly shows the current residential address.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and validate the document.

Romanian Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Romanian Passport and Marriage Certificate

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

It can explain differences between the passport, identity card, bank documents and Companies House register.

Romanian Names, Hyphens and Diacritics

Names normally contain:

• a surname;
• a forename; and
• sometimes a middle name.

Romanian records may hyphenate multiple forenames or surnames. Romania also allows formal name changes through its local authorities or consular system.

Romanian documents may contain letters such as:

• Ă;
• Â;
• Î;
• Ș; and
• Ț.

Companies House records may show the same name without Romanian diacritics. For example, a record may show STEFAN instead of ȘTEFAN or TUDOR instead of a version containing Ț.

A missing accent does not always mean that two records relate to different people. However, the verifier must review the full document set and confirm that the underlying identity remains consistent.

Before verification, check:

• the exact surname;
• every forename;
• any middle name;
• spaces and hyphens;
• Romanian diacritics;
• former or married surnames;
• the date of birth; and
• the Companies House record.

Companies House requires an ACSP to collect the applicant’s full name, former names, date of birth, current home address, previous 12 months of address history and email address.

A Romanian birth or marriage certificate may help where different documents show different surnames.

Check Your Date of Birth

Your date of birth must match the Companies House record.

You may have problems connecting the personal code where:

• someone enters the code incorrectly;
• Companies House holds the wrong date of birth; or
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information.

Correct any error before trying to connect the code to the company role.

Is the Romanian CNP the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A Romanian CNP forms part of Romania’s national identification system. The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code that Companies House creates after successful identity verification.

Do not enter your CNP when a Companies House service asks for your personal code.

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 identity verification by video call for Romanian directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required 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 details match; 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 biodata page.

For an identity card 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.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• the Romanian passport model;
• whether the identity card is a CEI, CIS, older CI or provisional card;
• the relevant PRADO entry;
• the expiry date;
• the document’s physical condition;
• the photograph;
• Romanian diacritics;
• former or married names;
• the current address; and
• the 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;
• display security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity questions.

The verifier must confirm that you are a real person and that the documents belong to you. Companies House also requires a clear facial comparison during remote checks.

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 document copies to Companies House. However, it must keep the documents and verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the email address that the ACSP provided.

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

How Romanian 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 during the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, each proposed director must provide a personal code as part of the incorporation process.

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

A company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors have verified their identities.

How Romanian 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 start on the day after the 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 new PSC may provide the code when Companies House first records the PSC or within 14 days of that date.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

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

• reviewing Romanian passports;
• checking CEI and CIS cards;
• reviewing older Romanian identity cards;
• assessing provisional identity cards;
• checking Romanian driving licences;
• matching document models against PRADO;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Romanian bank statements and address documents;
• checking former and married surnames;
• identifying differences involving Romanian diacritics;
• 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, appointment arrangements, document coordination and practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Romanian passport?

Yes. A Romanian passport provides Group A photographic evidence.

A valid biometric Romanian passport may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

Can I use my Romanian Electronic Identity Card?

Yes. A current CEI contains biometric information and can provide Group A evidence.

Suitable technology may also accept it as the single document under Option 1.

Can I use my Romanian Simple Identity Card?

Potentially.

The CIS does not contain biometric information, so it does not qualify through the biometric EU identity-card category. However, PRADO lists it as a valid photographic identity document. It may therefore qualify under Option 2, subject to successful review and validation.

Can I use an older Romanian identity card?

Possibly.

The card must remain valid, match a PRADO-listed model and pass the required document checks.

Can I use a Romanian provisional identity card?

Potentially, but the ACSP must review it first.

Its paper format and handwritten information can make remote validation more difficult. A passport or modern card will usually provide stronger evidence.

Can I use my Romanian driving licence?

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

Send clear images of both sides before the appointment.

Can I use my Romanian 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 EU photocard driving licences, and an ACSP can use a Romanian EU licence under the Companies House standard.

Can I use my Romanian identity card in the GOV.UK One Login app?

The app does not currently list EU national identity cards.

A Romanian identity card may work through the Post Office route where the online service offers that option. It may also work through an ACSP.

Can I use a Romanian temporary passport?

A valid temporary passport may provide Group A evidence during a person-led ACSP check.

However, an unchipped temporary passport will not work through the GOV.UK One Login app, which requires a biometric chip for non-UK passports.

Can I verify my identity while living in Romania?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely if 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 Romanian bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Does the CEI prove my address?

The CEI stores the Romanian address electronically rather than printing it on the card.

The ACSP may still ask for a bank statement, utility bill or another document that clearly shows the current address.

Do Romanian documents need an English translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

A translation may help where important information only appears in Romanian or where the verifier cannot fully understand the document.

Must I post my original Romanian passport?

Usually not.

For remote verification, 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 each director and PSC role.

Can you complete verification on the same day?

Same-day verification and 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 Romanian Director or PSC?

Romanian nationals often have several suitable identity documents, including a biometric passport, CEI, CIS and EU photocard driving licence.

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

• an older Romanian identity card;
• a provisional identity card;
• an unchipped temporary passport;
• a CEI without a printed address;
• a married or former surname;
• hyphenated forenames;
• Romanian diacritics; 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 verification by video call.

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