Here you will find a list of Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
1. If someone changes their name after an ID check has been completed, will they need to redo the check?
- We understand currently that the Companies House verification process is only needed to be completed once. You will not need to verify them again if they change their name after.
2. If the ID used expires, will they need to redo the check?
- As the ID checks are onetime only verifications. A new check is not needed if ID expires after a passed check.
3. If someone lives abroad(Non-Uk resident), do they have to go through the same procedure and obtain a personal code?
- Every Director and PSC will need to obtain a personal code, regardless of where they currently live. Any ID document can be used to complete the check.
4. If a company is the PSC of another company, do they need to allocate an individual from the PSC company for their code, or is nothing required?
- Verification is not required for corporate PSCs right now, but it will be in the future. Companies House will let us know further details nearer the time.
5. What reminders are sent for the ID checks
- Chaser emails are sent by Credas if the check remains incomplete at 2, 5 & 10 days from being sent. These reminders are sent to the email address of the person needing to complete the check.
6. Which check should I complete?
- You can complete two types of checks, one is for the Identity only and the other can be for the address. Overseas residential addresses cannot be checked, so are not acceptable for the address check option. Please do review our blog on are address checks required?
7. What information do I need to complete a check?
- The below information must be correct for a check to pass;
- Forename
- Surname
- DOB
8. Can I run a report or export personal code entries?
- You can run any of the person reports found in Inform Direct, those with a person codes entered will be shown with the last two digits only. You cannot export the full codes for those issued with them. Reports are found in the Documents & Reports section of Inform Direct.
9. Why can't I complete an ID check?
- You must first have added your ACSP code to Inform Direct, in the account section.
10. How much do the Credas/ID checks cost?
Our Identity checks via Inform Direct/Bright Checks.
- The Identity check will cost £4 + Vat
- The Identity check with an address included will be £5 + Vat
You can also purchase checks in bulk at a reduced rate. Click here for more info.
11. How does a Director or PSC get a personal code?
Companies House will email the Director or PSC containing the Companies House personal code. This is an 11 character code. Sent once they have been verified by an ACSP or completed the IDV with Companies House.
12. How do I access the ACSP portal?
- Companies House ACSP portal is located here
13. Can a non-biometric passport be used for Identity checks?
- Yes, you can use any type of passport to complete the identity check
14. Can any type of driving licence be used for the Identity checks?
- UK and EU licences are both valid to use with the Identity checking service.
15. If someone changes their address after an ID check has been completed, will they need to redo the check?
- We understand currently that the Companies House verification process is only needed to be completed once. You will not need to verify them again if they move address after.
16. Will the Identity check link expire?
- The links sent for the Identity checks currently do not expire.
17. How do I report or add/record a personal code for a company secretary
- Currently, even though secretaries can receive a personal code, there is no way of reporting this to Companies House. It is not possible to add the personal codes for secretaries on Inform Direct at this time.
18. Can I use the same email address again, when verifying a Director or PSC.
- Companies House requires that a unique email address is used when a Director or PSC. This is so that the email goes to the individual the code is for.
19. Are guidance resources updated after regulatory changes?
- Yes. Our team reviews and updates existing guides regularly, and in particular ahead of known regulatory or system changes, so that the content remains accurate and reflects the latest requirements. We also publish new guides where needed and provide technical blogs that explain wider industry and regulatory developments in more depth.
20. Are FAQs updated based on user feedback?
Yes, our FAQs are regularly reviewed and updated based on user feedback. If you have suggestions or notice something missing, please let us know—we value your input and use it to improve our support resources.
21. Can I add a trading name or address to a company on Inform Direct?
Companies House does not store this information, and it is not something we have enabled users to store by default. You could create a company custom field to store this information if you need it for reporting, this can also be displayed on the portfolio screen.