The Companies House Identity Verifcation Launch is on November 18, 2025, and is a significant new rule that will affect every company director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) in the UK. Failure to comply with the new director ID verification requirements can lead to fines, penalties, and a company being struck off the register. This new initiative is a key part of the government’s crackdown on economic crime and fraud.
In this article, we’ll ensure you understand whether these changes affect you, what the requirements are, and provide you with steps to ensure you are compliant.
Why is the Companies House identity verification coming into force?
This change is part of the government’s wider efforts to increase corporate transparency and combat fraud by ensuring everyone on the Companies House register is who they say they are. This year, 11,500 companies were struck off the Companies House register following a crackdown by the National Economic Crime Centre, which revealed many companies were falsely registered and were involved in criminal activity including fraud and money laundering.
The Companies House identity verification launch marks the start of this new initiative, which serves as a preventative legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
When is the Companies House Identity Verification Launch and What Is The Deadline for Compliance?
While the Companies House Identity Verification launch takes place on November 18, 2025, there is a 12-month period by which all Directors and PSCs of any company will be required to have verified their identity. However, there are different expectations depending on whether you are a new or existing director or PSC.
Director ID verification
New Directors
Starting from November 18, 2025, any new director must have their identity verified before they can be appointed to an existing company or before a new company can be incorporated.
Existing Directors
A 12-month transition period begins on November 18, 2025. Existing directors need to provide confirmation that their identity has been verified as part of their company’s first annual confirmation statement filed after this date.
People with Significant Control (PSCs)
New People with Significant Control (PSCs)
New PSCs will have a 14-day window to verify their identity from the date they are added to the Companies House register.
Existing People with Significant Control (PSCs)
Existing PSCs have a slightly different process. Their deadline to provide their Companies House personal code is within 14 days of either:
- The company’s next confirmation statement date (if they are also a director).
- The first day of their birth month (if they are not also a director).
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines and restrictions on your company. It is a criminal offense for individuals to act as unverified directors.
COMPANIES HOUSE IDENTITY VERIFICATION LAUNCH CHECKLIST
Don’t get caught out and risk penalties, fines or deregistration.
Companies House identity verification guidance – The Key Details
The Companies House identity verification launch marks the start of a new era of corporate compliance. All directors and PSCs will have a 12-month window to verify their identity, but from November 18, 2025, both directors and PSCs will be required to verify their identity when being added to an existing company or before a new company is incorporated.
- Verification is per person, not per company. If you hold multiple directorships or PSC roles, you only need to complete the verification process once to receive your unique identifier, known as a Companies House Personal Code.
- A new requirement for new appointments. From November 18, 2025, Companies House will not accept new director or PSC appointments unless the individual’s identity has already been verified.
- Stay compliant to avoid restrictions. Failure to complete your Companies House identity verification within the 12-month deadline may lead to restrictions on your company at Companies House.
Your Companies House Personal Code: A New Essential
Once your identity is verified, you will be issued a personal verification code. This code is your new key to compliance and will be essential for various future filings.
- Filing your confirmation statement: You’ll need to use your code to link your verified identity to your company’s records.
- New appointments: The code will be required when you are appointed as a director or become a PSC.
Treat this code with the same care as other sensitive financial information, like your HMRC Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). While identity verification significantly reduces the risk of fraud, safeguarding your code is a crucial step in protecting your personal identity and your business.
How to Meet the Companies House Identity Verification Standard
Now that you understand the key details regarding the Companies House Identity Verification Standard, let’s look at how you can go through the Companies House identity verification process. You have two straightforward options for verifying your identity:
Verify directly with Companies House
You can complete the process yourself using the free Companies House online system. To do this, you will need one of the following forms of photo ID:
- Biometric passport from any country
- UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
You will also need to sign in to (or create) a http://GOV.UK.
Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Accountants are able to act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This means we can verify your identity on your behalf and deal directly with Companies House to update your records.
As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can manage this process for you. By choosing this route, you can be sure that the verification is completed to the required standard, saving you time and stress. We will handle the direct communication with Companies House and ensure your records are updated correctly.
Once verified, we will provide you with your personal verification code and ensure that your company’s records remain compliant.
Next Steps: Stay Ahead of the Deadline
With the Companies House identity verification launch approaching, we strongly recommend that you make arrangements to verify your identity well in advance of the deadline. Proactive compliance is the best way to avoid future complications and ensure your business records remain accurate and up-to-date.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about these new rules or to discuss how we can help you with your verification. We are here to help you navigate this important change smoothly.
COMPANIES HOUSE IDENTITY VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
Don’t get caught out and risk penalties, fines or deregistration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Companies House Identity Verification
What is the main purpose of the new Companies House identity verification?
The new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Their main purpose is to prevent fraud and money laundering by ensuring that all company directors and PSCs are who they claim to be, thus increasing transparency and trust in the UK business register.
When does the mandatory identity verification come into effect?
The mandatory identity verification process officially begins on November 18, 2025. While the verification is a legal requirement from this date, there is a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs.
Are the requirements different for new and existing directors and PSCs?
Yes, the requirements differ.
New directors must have their identity verified before they can be appointed to a company or before a new company can be incorporated.
Existing directors must complete their verification as part of their company’s first annual confirmation statement filed after November 18, 2025.
PSCs (both new and existing) have specific 14-day deadlines to provide their personal code, which depends on their role and whether they are also a director.
What is the Companies House personal code?
The Companies House personal code is a unique identifier you receive after successfully verifying your identity. This code is personal to you and will be used to link your verified identity to all your company roles. You only need to verify your identity once, even if you hold multiple directorships or PSC roles.
What are the two main ways to verify my identity?
ou have two main options:
Directly with Companies House: You can verify your identity for free using the GOV.UK One Login service via an app, a web browser, or at a Post Office.
Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP): You can use a registered ACSP, such as an accountant, to verify your identity on your behalf.
We, at Palmers Accounting, are happy to help you with this. Please get in touch with our team.
