Usually not in the old-fashioned sense. Identity is generally verified digitally as part of the application, drawing on the company record and secure checks, so most applicants never post or scan a passport. Occasionally we may ask for a specific document to confirm something — but that is the exception, not the norm.
Verification, done digitally
As part of responsible lending and fraud prevention we confirm director identity, but modern checks handle this behind the scenes for most people. The company itself is verified at Companies House — why we check Companies House — and the bank connection confirms the account is genuinely the company's.
Where an extra check is needed — say an overseas director or an unclear match — we will request a specific document securely. How to send it is in how to send us a document we asked for, and the wider list in what documents we might ask you to provide.
Never by insecure means
We would only ever collect a document through a secure route, never a random email link — how do i know a message about my application is really from you. Your data is protected throughout — is my data safe when i apply.
Apply — most people need no paperwork at all.
We lend only to UK limited companies and LLPs, the loan is to the company with no director personal guarantee, and this is business finance outside the consumer-credit regime — as an exempt lender under Article 60B of the Regulated Activities Order we sit outside FCA consumer-credit regulation, so the Financial Ombudsman Service and FSCS do not apply.
See also: What documents we might ask you to provide?, How to send us a document we asked for?, Why we check Companies House?.