New Companies House identity verification requirements
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification for all individual directors, persons with significant control (PSCs) and individual members of LLPs, as part of the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
What does the change involve?
The upcoming changes mean that directors, PSCs, and anyone who files documents on behalf of a company, such as a company secretary, must verify their identity in the timescales set out below:
- Directors and PSCs: identity verification will become a legal requirement from 18 November 2025 for new directors and PSCs on their appointment. Existing directors and PSCs will have to verify their identity before or as part of their next annual confirmation statement filing.
- Other filers: from spring 2026, identity verification will also be required for anyone else who submits filings to Companies House on behalf of a company, for example, a company secretary.
Importantly, the responsibility to verify lies with the individual, not the company or organisation. You cannot rely on your company or organisation to complete this process on your behalf. We are not able to verify on your behalf either.
Why is it happening?
The identity verification process is being implemented to improve transparency, combat fraud, increase security around company ownership, and ensure the accuracy of information provided on the Register of Companies.
How you complete the identity verification process
The identity verification process can be completed by:
- Using the GOV.UK One Login ID Check app if you have a biometric passport or a UK driving licence.
- Using the GOV.UK One Login website and answering security questions.
- Attending an appointment at a Post Office, booked in advance via the GOV.UK One website.
You can follow this link and select “verify your identity” highlighted green to complete the identity verification via GOV.UK One.
What happens once identity verification is complete?
Each user will receive a unique identifier called a Companies House personal code. This personal code applies to all roles a person holds (director and/or PSC) and to all companies for which they are a director and/or PSC.
Any directors and PSCs appointed after 18 November 2025 will need to provide their personal code as part of their appointment filing. Current directors and PSCs will need to provide their personal code as part of the company’s next confirmation statement filing.
Identity verification is intended to be a one-time requirement and, therefore, you should not need to repeat the process unless notified to do so by Companies House.
How to get ahead?
The verification process can be completed now. We recommend that all directors, PSCs and any other persons who meet the criteria complete the identity verification as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your usual contact at Muckle LLP.