From 18 November 2025, company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity.

This is a requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and is part of wider reforms to help prevent the misuse of UK companies. It is expected that the requirements will be introduced at a later date for members of Limited Liability Partnerships and officers of corporate PSCs.

From 18 November 2025, all directors will have to verify their identity before the filing of their company’s following confirmation statement. PSCs will have a 14-day period to verify their identity, depending on whether they were registered as a PSC before 18 November 2025 and are also a director of the company.

From 18 November, it will be necessary to provide identity verification details to start a new company or be appointed as a director to an existing company.

Identities will be confirmed by entering a personal code, which will be issued by Companies House.

How to Verify Your Identity

People affected by these changes can verify their identity using the ‘verify your identity for Companies House’ service. This uses the GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity.

Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK.

You will need a biometric passport or a photo driving licence as well as your current address and the date you moved in. If you do not have a valid form of photo identification but live in the UK, you may be verified in person at a Post Office or with bank or building society details and by providing some other information, such as your National Insurance number.

If you are unable to verify online or in person at a Post Office, you will be able to verify your identity by asking an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as an accountant or solicitor. You will need to provide suitable documents, and you will likely be charged for the service.

The verification process is two steps:

  • Verify your identity and receive your unique Companies House personal code.
  • From 18 November 2025, link your verified identity to each company role by providing your personal code and verification statement.

What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?

Failure to verify your identity may result in:

  • Your appointment being rejected.
  • Your company being unable to file its confirmation statement.
  • You being prohibited from acting as a director or PSC.
  • Fines or other penalties.

Act Now

There is no need to wait until November to get started. In fact, it is probably a good idea to act now and get your identity verified. This will ensure you are verified in advance of a last-minute rush, which could result in problems either getting verified or being able to start the process.

Kass Verjee
Kass Verjee

Kass is not only a qualified bookkeeper/accountant but he is also a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has a full practising certificate.