Companies House Identity Verification: New Rules from 18 November 2025 🆔


From 18 November 2025, every company director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) in the UK must legally verify their identity with Companies House. This landmark change under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) transforms how UK companies operate, creating unprecedented transparency and fraud protection measures.



Understanding the New Identity Verification Requirements 🔍

The identity verification process represents the most significant change to UK company law in decades. Under these new rules, anyone setting up, running, owning, or controlling a company must prove they are who they claim to be through an official verification process.

This requirement applies to:

  • All company directors (new and existing)
  • People with Significant Control (PSCs)
  • LLP members and designated members
  • Directors of overseas companies with UK establishments
  • Anyone filing documents with Companies House (from Spring 2026)

The verification process results in a unique Companies House personal code that acts as your digital identity proof for all future company-related activities.

Key Dates and Deadlines 📅

18 November 2025: Mandatory Implementation From this date, new directors and PSCs cannot be appointed without completing identity verification first. New company incorporations also require all initial directors to be verified.

12-Month Transition Period Existing directors have until their company's next confirmation statement deadline (within 12 months of 18 November 2025) to complete verification.

PSC Deadlines (14-Day Windows) PSCs must verify within specific 14-day periods:

  • If also a director: 14 days from the company's confirmation statement date
  • If not a director: 14 days from the first day of their birth month as recorded at Companies House
  • If newly registered after 18 November 2025: 14 days from PSC registration date

How to Verify Your Identity ✅

There are three official methods for completing identity verification:

1. Direct with Companies House (Free) Use GOV.UK One Login service through:

  • ID Check app: Upload photo ID and complete facial scan (most common method)
  • Web portal: Answer security questions online
  • Post Office: In-person verification at participating branches

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) Professional service providers like accountants, solicitors, or specialist compliance services from MA & CO can verify your identity. ACSPs may charge fees for this service.

3. Acceptable Documents

  • UK passport
  • UK driving licence
  • Overseas passport with biometric chip
  • Bank account details (UK residents without photo ID)

The Verification Process: Step-by-Step 📋

  1. Choose your verification method (direct or via ACSP)
  2. Gather required documents from the approved list
  3. Complete the verification process online, at Post Office, or through your agent
  4. Receive your personal code via email from Companies House
  5. Use the code in confirmation statements and future filings
Verification MethodCostTime RequiredBest For
GOV.UK One LoginFree2-3 minutesUK residents with photo ID
Post OfficeFree10-15 minutesThose preferring in-person service
ACSP AgentVariesDepends on agentNon-UK residents or complex cases

Serious Consequences of Non-Compliance ⚠️

The penalties for failing to verify your identity are severe and include:

Criminal Offences

  • Unlimited fines for individuals and companies
  • Up to 7 years imprisonment for concealing applications
  • Criminal record affecting future business activities

Director Disqualification

  • Up to 15 years banned from holding directorships
  • Immediate removal from all current director positions
  • Prohibition on company formation or management

Company Consequences

  • Unable to file confirmation statements or accounts
  • Striking off from the Companies House register
  • Company dissolution and assets becoming Crown property
  • Blocked from opening bank accounts or securing finance

Worked Example: Timeline for a Typical Company 📊

ABC Limited has a confirmation statement due on 31 March 2026. Here's how the deadlines work:

Current Director (Sarah)

  • Must verify by 31 March 2026 (her company's next confirmation statement)
  • If she verifies on 1 December 2025, she'll receive her personal code immediately
  • Must include this code in the March 2026 confirmation statement

PSC Who's Also a Director (John)

  • Same deadline as Sarah: 31 March 2026
  • Must submit PSC verification statement within 14 days of 31 March 2026

PSC Who's Not a Director (Mary, DOB 15 August)

  • Must verify by 14 days from 1 August (first day of birth month)
  • Deadline: 15 August each year

Cost Calculation:

  • Direct verification: £0
  • ACSP verification: £150-£500 (typical range)
  • Non-compliance penalty: Unlimited fine + disqualification

Special Considerations for Different Business Types 🏢

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) All LLP members must verify their identity with the same deadlines as company directors. Designated members are responsible for ensuring compliance across the partnership.

Overseas Companies Directors of overseas companies with UK establishments must verify during a transition period starting 18 November 2025 and ending on the first anniversary of the UK establishment opening.

Complex Corporate Structures For companies with multiple subsidiaries or international operations, verification must be completed separately for each UK entity role. A single personal code covers all your UK company positions.

How MA & CO Can Help You Navigate These Changes 💼

The new identity verification requirements create significant administrative burdens for businesses. Our specialist team at MA & CO provides comprehensive support including:

  • Verification assistance as a registered ACSP
  • Deadline tracking for all your company roles
  • Confirmation statement filing with integrated verification codes
  • Compliance monitoring to prevent penalties

We understand these changes can feel overwhelming, especially for businesses managing multiple entities or international structures. Contact our expert team for a consultation on how these requirements affect your specific circumstances.

The Broader Impact on UK Business 🌍

This identity verification system represents a fundamental shift towards greater corporate transparency in the UK. The measures aim to:

  • Prevent criminal misuse of company structures
  • Enhance trust in the UK business environment
  • Align with international anti-money laundering standards
  • Protect legitimate businesses from fraudulent competition

Over 300,000 people have already completed voluntary verification since April 2025, demonstrating significant early adoption. The average completion time using the GOV.UK ID Check app is just 2.4 minutes, making the process more straightforward than many initially expected.

Preparing Your Business for Compliance 📋

Immediate Actions Required:

  1. Audit all company roles: Identify every director, PSC, and LLP member across your business structure
  2. Prioritise verification: Consider completing verification early to avoid system congestion
  3. Update contact details: Ensure Companies House has current email addresses for personal code delivery
  4. Plan for deadlines: Mark confirmation statement dates and PSC verification windows in your calendar
  5. Consider professional support: Engage with accounting specialists to manage the process efficiently

Documentation Checklist:

  • Valid photo ID for each individual
  • Current email addresses (one per person)
  • Access to GOV.UK One Login accounts
  • Company confirmation statement dates
  • PSC birth month information

Future Developments and Extended Requirements 🔮

The current phase focuses on individual directors and PSCs, but future phases will extend verification to:

  • Corporate directors and corporate PSCs
  • Limited partnership members
  • Other company officers as determined by ongoing policy development

From Spring 2026, anyone filing documents with Companies House must have completed identity verification, significantly expanding the scope beyond directors and PSCs.

Companies should prepare for these extended requirements by establishing robust verification processes now, ensuring they can adapt quickly as the system evolves.

Frequently Asked Questions 💭

Q: Do I need to verify again if I'm already a director of multiple companies? A: No, verification is a one-time process. Your Companies House personal code works for all your UK company roles, though you must provide it separately for each company's filings.

Q: What happens if I can't complete verification by the deadline? A: You'll be committing a criminal offence and face unlimited fines, potential imprisonment, and disqualification from holding directorships for up to 15 years. You also won't be able to file any company documents.

Q: Can I still be a company director if I live overseas? A: Yes, but verification may be more complex. You can use an ACSP (like an accountant or solicitor) to verify your identity, or use GOV.UK One Login if you have acceptable biometric documents.

Q: How much does identity verification cost? A: Direct verification through GOV.UK One Login is completely free. ACSP verification fees vary but typically range from £150-£500 depending on the complexity and provider.

Q: What if Companies House rejects my verification application? A: You'll receive specific guidance on what additional information or documents are needed. You can reapply immediately once you've addressed the issues, and there's no limit on reapplication attempts.

Take Action Today 🚀

Don't wait until the deadline approaches. The new identity verification requirements are mandatory, and the consequences of non-compliance are severe.

Get expert help navigating these changes:

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