Companies House ID verification has become one of the key corporate compliance updates for UK companies, directors and persons with significant control in recent years.
On 18 November 2025, ID verification was made compulsory for UK directors and people with significant control, referred to as PSCs. That date was not the end of a process but the beginning of a phased transition period to allow all directors and PSCs to complete ID verification on time.
While for some companies it might be a routine process, others may face difficulties with compliance. The failure to comply will result in filing problems, possible penalties and additional compliance risks. This article explains the requirements in detail and highlights important steps to take.
Why the new identity verification regime was introduced?
ID verification is part of broader corporate reformations introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
In practical terms, the requirement is designed to enhance the reliability of the register of UK companies and make it more difficult to misappropriate and abuse companies by making false appointments, using stolen identities or hiding behind opaque control structures.
The new requirement aims to give Companies House more certainty regarding the individuals who create, manage, control and are associated with UK companies.
Who must verify their identity?
Several categories of people need to verify their identity with respect to UK companies and similar bodies.
These categories include:
UK company directors;
persons with significant control over the company (PSC);
members of LLPs;
foreign directors of UK incorporated companies;
authorised corporate service providers, or ACSPs; and
eventually, individuals making filings at Companies House on behalf of companies.
In relation to private limited companies, ID verification will primarily apply to directors and PSCs.
PSCs typically are persons who exercise or have a right to exercise significant control over the company, e.g., through share ownership, voting power, ability to appoint and remove directors or influence decisions affecting the company. In many cases, founder-managers of private limited companies are both directors and PSCs.
How identity verification takes place?
There are essentially two options available for people to verify their identity.
The first one involves direct verification of identity with Companies House via GOV.UK One Login. This process is free and can be accomplished online. People may be eligible to use biometric passports issued in any country, UK photocard driving licences, or some other UK biometric documents to verify their identity.
The alternative option is verification via an authorised corporate service provider, or ACSP, i.e., a third-party service provider approved by Companies House and supervised by an appropriate UK anti-money laundering body.
As soon as the verification process is completed, a personal code will be generated and assigned to the individual. The code links the verified identity to roles assigned to an individual on the Companies House register.
The code must be stored confidentially. At times, it may need to be given to professional advisers or company administrators who prepare corporate filings. However, the code is considered very sensitive information.
What directors need to do now?
Directors need to verify their identity and obtain a Companies House personal code.
If the individual is a director of a company, he or she must provide a personal code with respect to that role. Where the director serves on more than one board, the code must be provided for each role.
If an individual has been appointed as a director of the company after 18 November 2025, the code must be provided upon the appointment or company incorporation.
The important implication is that if all directors have not verified their IDs or did not provide the code, the company will be unable to file its confirmation statement correctly. According to Companies House guidelines, a company will be unable to file a confirmation statement if any of the directors is not verified.
For companies with multiple directors, directors living abroad or complex group structures, it is prudent to organise the process ahead of the filing deadline.
What PSCs need to do?
Like directors, PSCs need to verify their identity and submit a Companies House personal code.
Depending on the role and position of the individual, there are specific deadlines.
If a PSC serves also as a director, two codes must be submitted separately, one for each role. For directors, the code is provided when filing the confirmation statement, while the code related to the PSC role is filed using the Companies House online form for PSC verification details within 14 days following the confirmation statement date.
Where the person is a PSC only, the deadline depends on the individual's date of birth and runs from the first day of his or her birth month. For example, if an individual was born in January, the deadline is 14 days from 1 January.
If an individual became a PSC after 18 November 2025, the code can be submitted either at the first submission of his or her PSC information or within 14 days following such submission.
When there are multiple shareholders, investors or complicated ownership arrangements, PSCs are often overlooked. Businesses should review their registers, verify that the relevant individuals are recorded correctly as PSCs and inform them of their responsibilities.
Consequences of non-compliance
Failure to meet the ID verification requirements may have serious consequences, including criminal proceedings, sanctions and restrictions on future appointments or filings.
According to Companies House, failure to comply may amount to an offence under the legislation. The consequences may involve penalties, investigation, reporting to the Insolvency Service and prohibitions related to appointments and filings.
Moreover, continuing to act as a director without having met identity verification requirements constitutes an offence under the legislation.
Beyond legal consequences, failure to comply with the ID verification obligations may lead to practical complications. First, it may affect the timely completion of filings. Second, it may create further difficulties when selling, merging, transferring funds or obtaining financing. Finally, non-compliance may have reputational consequences.
Therefore, the new requirement should be seen as part of effective corporate governance rather than just one more filing task.
Action companies should take immediately
It is necessary to proceed systematically and in an orderly manner.
First, identify directors and PSCs whose verification status needs to be confirmed. Make sure that the information on the Companies House register matches the reality.
Second, establish whether the relevant individuals are already verified and find out the relevant deadlines. Since 18 November 2025, individuals have been able to visit the Companies House website to check their deadlines.
Third, encourage directors and PSCs to complete verification in advance, especially if they reside abroad, serve on the boards of multiple companies, have recently changed personal details or need help with GOV.UK One Login.
Fourth, collect personal codes from directors and PSCs confidentially and make sure you know whose responsibility is to file documents on behalf of the company.
Fifth, check all personal data, dates of birth and information on the PSC register to make sure that nothing needs correction before completing a filing.
Finally, consider arranging ongoing company administration services as required. This is especially important for businesses with investors, cross-border ownership, complex group structures and third parties helping with filing documents at Companies House. If you require assistance with confirmation statements and Companies House compliance in general, Corporate Services may be something you might want to consider.
Relevance of the new requirement for entrepreneurs and international companies
The introduction of ID verification affects founders and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in a way because UK company compliance requirements become more rigorous and transparent.
The requirement is relevant to investors too, because ID verification of persons who invest or control UK companies and participate in their management will be an important element of corporate due diligence in the coming years.
For foreign founders and owners of UK companies, it is important to act in good time, as ID verification can be completed abroad through an ACSP. Foreign directors and PSCs should be aware that there is no room for postponing verification.
Where the company plans a transaction such as investment, acquisition, restructuring, transfer to new investors or bank borrowing, it is vital to have the ID verification of directors and PSCs along with correct records and timely filings.
For businesses that plan to undergo an investor due diligence checkup, our Corporate Legal Advisory Services is helpful as part of a corporate due diligence exercise and overall company preparation for transactions.
Things to Avoid
The most widespread mistake is thinking that 18 November 2025 was the deadline for all people to complete verification. This date was rather the beginning of the transitional phase during which people were expected to verify themselves individually based on personal codes.
Another error is believing that completing verification once is sufficient for all purposes regardless of the role played by the person in relation to the company. An individual may need only one verification, but he or she may need to provide a personal code to confirm it with respect to multiple roles in the company.
Companies should also avoid neglecting PSC verification. The failure to verify may have implications for corporate records, so it is advisable to monitor whether all PSCs have completed verification in a timely manner.
Finally, avoid separating ID verification from corporate governance. This is a convenient time to review and update the company's records and plan future actions with respect to filings and ongoing company administration.
Key Takeaways
Identity verification of directors and persons with significant control became compulsory as of 18 November 2025, according to the phased transition schedule.
Directors, PSCs and other specified individuals must verify their identities and link them to the relevant company roles by providing Companies House personal codes.
Verification deadlines differ depending on whether a person is a director or a PSC, and whether or not a director serves as a PSC, etc.
Where directors or PSCs are newly appointed, the verification obligation must be addressed along with the appointment.
Businesses should make sure their directors, PSCs and other relevant individuals complete the verification before the deadline to avoid compliance failures and problems with filings.
Founders, investors and international founders of UK companies should treat the new verification obligation as an element of corporate governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all directors have to complete verification?
Yes. Directors have become one of the groups of individuals subject to ID verification at Companies House. Existing directors must provide their personal code when filing confirmation statements, while new directors must submit it together with the information about their appointments.
Is a PSC obliged to verify even if he or she is not a director?
Yes. PSCs need to verify regardless of the positions they hold. If a PSC does not serve as a director, he or she must verify within 14 days following the first day of his or her birth month.
Can an overseas director verify his or her identity?
Yes. Companies House guidelines state that individuals residing outside the UK can verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login using the documents they are eligible to use. Alternatively, they can use an ACSP located anywhere in the world, provided that the service is supervised by a relevant UK body.
Is the personal code the same as the company authentication code?
No. The Companies House personal code confirms that the individual's identity has been successfully verified. It must not be confused with the company authentication code.
What happens if the company misses the deadline?
The failure to verify the individuals' identities may amount to an offence under the legislation. The consequences include fines, investigations and other penalties, and possibly prosecution and reporting to the Insolvency Service.
Should companies take action immediately or later?
While a company may act later if a deadline is not immediate, acting in good time is essential to avoid future delays.
Disclaimer
This article contains general information only and is not intended as compliance, tax, legal or accounting advice. There may be differences in applying the Companies House ID verification requirements depending on the company structure, individual role and appointment date. Consultation should be sought with regards to particular situations.
How We Can Help
At STERLING LEGAL SOLUTIONS, we assist founders, directors, investors, SMEs and international businesses in corporate governance, compliance and UK company administration.
We can:
review directors' and PSCs' data;
advise on Companies House compliance;
assist with company incorporation and company filings;
provide corporate advisory services;
inform foreign founders about UK company compliance; and
organise ongoing company administration.
If your company has directors, PSCs or foreign stakeholders affected by the new ID verification obligations, it makes sense to address this issue in good time.