UK Identity Verification Document Standards

To reduce requests for replacement documents and unnecessary back-and-forth, prepare the three types of evidence below before submitting your application. Make sure every file is clear, complete and valid.

1. Passport photo

Photograph your passport opened as shown below. The image must include both the upper page and the complete personal-information page. Every detail must be clear and readable, with no blur, glare, obstruction or cropping.

This example has been redacted for privacy. Your submitted photograph must show the original passport details clearly.

2. Proof of address

You may use a bank statement, credit-card statement, or a gas, electricity, water or other utility bill. A PDF is acceptable, but the document must be clear and meet all the following requirements:

1. It was issued by the relevant organisation and shows an identifiable organisation name, logo or official stamp.
2. It shows the account holder's name.
3. It shows the complete residential address.
4. It was issued within the last three months.

A document older than three months cannot be used as proof of address, so download or request the latest version. We will also check the file for signs of alteration or tampering.

3. Photo holding your passport

The applicant must hold the passport and take a photograph that clearly shows:

• the applicant's face and passport in the same image;
• the face without any obstruction; and
• the main passport details in a readable form.

This step helps confirm that the applicant is personally participating in the verification and prevents a document from being used without the holder's permission.

4. Online identity verification

In addition to the documents above, the applicant must complete the online identity check. Use the verification link sent to you to complete the passport and facial verification.

How to provide a clearer or updated document

If a passport, proof of address or other document is unclear, expired or incomplete, reply to the email used for your Personal Code application or email support@verifydirectors.com.

Attach a clear passport photograph and any other document that needs to be replaced or supplemented. If the new evidence meets the requirements, we can update your application and continue the review without waiting to ask you for the same file again.

Before submitting, check that:

• the passport photograph is complete and clear;
• the proof of address was issued within the last three months;
• the name and residential address match the application information; and
• the photograph holding the passport clearly shows both the applicant's face and the document.