7th November, 2025
At Keith Willis Associates, we are business tax and accounting specialists and we are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider or ACSP, this means we are able to carry out identity verification checks and work alongside Companies House to verify your identity.
Companies House: New Directors’ Identity Verification – What You Need to Know
From 18 November 2025, the identity verification requirements at Companies House will move from a voluntary to a mandatory regime.
For company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs) and others in senior roles, this marks a major change. It is designed to enhance transparency, improve data quality and reduce misuse of the UK companies register.
In this blog we’ll explain who is affected, when the rules apply, how to comply, and what happens if you don’t.
Who needs to verify their identity?
The identity verification requirement applies to:
Directors (or the equivalent of directors) of companies.
GOV.UK
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — individuals who own or control a company under the PSC regime.
The Association of Taxation Technicians
Members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in their capacity as member.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) who verify identities on behalf of others.
Note: Certain categories (corporate directors, limited partnerships, corporate PSCs) will follow in a subsequent phase.
Key dates & the transition timetable
Voluntary verification period: From 8 April 2025 individuals could verify their identity on a voluntary basis.
Mandatory start date: From 18 November 2025 identity verification becomes compulsory for new directors and new PSCs.
Transition for existing directors and PSCs: Existing directors will need to verify before their company’s next confirmation statement after 18 Nov 2025—within a 12-month transition period.
For existing PSCs who are not directors, there are special deadlines (for example 14 days beginning the first day of their birth month) for linking the personal code.
In short:
If you are appointed as a director after 18 Nov 2025 → you must verify your identity before the appointment/filing.
If you are an existing director appointed before that date → you must verify before your next confirmation statement.
The verification process - How it works
Verification- A step by step guide
Verify identity via the “Verify your identity for Companies House” service on GOV.UK (uses GOV.UK One Login).
You will be asked questions about yourself (not your company).
Verification may be through an app, by answering security questions online, or entering photo ID details and going to the Post Office (if needed).
Obtain your personal code: Once you successfully verify your identity you receive a unique personal code from Companies House. This code is personal to you (not your company) and will link your verified identity to any role(s) you hold.
Apply your personal code when required:
If you’re a director appointment (new role) – you must provide the code as part of the appointment/incorporation.
If you’re an existing director – you need to provide your code when filing your confirmation statement.
If you are a PSC – you must link your code in the PSC service/filing within the relevant window (e.g., 14 days).Route via Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
If you cannot verify yourself through the online service (e.g., you are overseas, or lack acceptable ID) you may use an ACSP (e.g., accountant, solicitor) who is registered and supervised under the UK AML regime. They will verify your identity (and may charge a fee).
What you need to prepare / Common pitfalls
Ensure your official photo ID (passport, driver’s licence etc) is valid and matches the information you provide. Mismatch of details (e.g., middle name missing) can cause problems.
Make sure you have access to the email and contact details associated with your company/director role, since the process uses GOV.UK One Login. Some users have reported technical issues.
For PSCs or directors in multiple companies: check each company’s confirmation statement due date, because the requirement is triggered per company.
Overseas directors may face extra steps or need to go via an ACSP.
What happens if you don’t comply
If you act as a director without verifying your identity once the requirement applies, you will be committing an offence.
You may be disqualified and the company may face inability to file further documents or be incorporated
Compliance is essential: Companies House has warned that filings will be blocked for those who do not have their identity verification linked.
Why is this change happening? The changes come under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The aim is to improve the reliability and transparency of the UK companies register, and to prevent misuse (false identities, fraud). Companies House has said that millions (6–7 million) individuals will need to verify by mid-November 2026.
Tips
Practical tips for directors and companies
Start early: Even though the deadline may be later in your case, verifying early reduces risk of backlog or delays.
Check company filing dates: Know when your next confirmation statement is due to ensure you meet the deadline.
Keep your personal code safe: That code links you to your verification. Only share with trusted agents (e.g., your company secretary/accountant) when filing.
Use the digital route if possible: The online verification is free. Relying on third-party agents may cost you more.
For non-UK resident directors: Engage an ACSP ahead of time, check what specific documentation is required for your nationality or status.
Update your detail: Make sure your name (including middle names) in the Companies House register matches your photo ID to avoid rejection.
How we can help
The upcoming identity verification requirement by Companies House is a significant change for company directors and PSCs. While it adds a compliance step, it is a one-off process in most cases and can be completed fairly quickly. By understanding who is affected, when it applies, how to verify identity and the consequences of non-compliance, companies and individuals can ensure they meet the new requirements smoothly.
If you cannot complete the process on your own, as an ACSP we can carry out the ID verification on your behalf (there is a fee).
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