Since 18 November 2025, Companies House identity verification has been mandatory for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). It was introduced to reduce fraud and money laundering activity involving private limited companies. The goal is to enhance trust within the UK small business community by making the Companies House public register more transparent.
This article explains what Companies House ID verification is, key dates, and why it’s important for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).
What is Companies House identity verification?
Companies House identity verification is a new legal requirement for UK company directors and PSCs. This is to verify their identity, and the requirement took effect on 18 November 2025.
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Following the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023), the UK’s registrar of companies, Companies House, now has a legal responsibility to verify the identity of all directors and PSCs on the Companies House registers. The goal is to improve transparency and reduce fraud.
Why did Companies House introduce identity verification?
The Companies House ID verification changes are aimed at protecting the reputation of legitimate business owners by boosting overall confidence in UK companies.
The Act aims to prevent the use of fake or ‘front’ limited companies from engaging in fraudulent and money laundering activities. It does so by requiring directors and PSCs to verify their identity. This can be accessed by law enforcement agencies as needed.
When did Companies House launch its identity verification?
The Companies House identity verification launch took place on 18 November 2025. It became a legal requirement for all directors and PSCs to verify their identity from that date.
To support this transition, the rollout of Companies House ID verification is being phased in over a 12-month period beginning 18 November 2025 and concluding by mid-November 2026. Deadlines depend on your role and the company’s incorporation date.
Who must verify and when?
When directors and PSCs must verify their identity depends on their role within the company and when the company was incorporated. On or after 18 November 2025, identities for the following roles must be verified.
New directors (appointed to an existing company or via a new incorporation) – At the time of appointment or incorporation. New directors will be required to provide their Companies House personal code during the incorporation process or when being appointed as a director to an existing company.
Existing directors – Before their company’s next annual confirmation statement is due. They must provide their Companies House personal code at the time of filing the confirmation statement. A company will not be able to file a confirmation statement until all directors of the company have been verified. If a confirmation statement is not filed on time, this could result in the company being struck off the Companies House register (i.e., forcibly closed down).
New Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) – When the company is being formed, or at the date when registering a new PSC with Companies House.
Existing PSCs who are also existing directors – Before the company’s next confirmation statement.
Existing PSCs who are not directors – Within 14 days of the start of their month of birth (as recorded on the Companies House public register).
How to verify your identity: The process
There are three ways in which directors and PSCs can verify their identity.
Option 1 – Using GOV.UK One Login
You can complete Companies House ID verification directly with Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system. The process is free, and you can use a smartphone or tablet to do it via the One Login:
- Visit the GOV.UK Verify Your Identity page and create a One Login account (if you don’t already have one).
- Follow the steps to verify your identity. You will be asked to provide a photo ID and take a selfie using the app.
This is the recommended method for existing directors or PSCs who wish to verify their identity.
Option 2 – Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An ACSP is a business authorised by Companies House to verify the identity of individuals. This is for Companies House’s identity verification rules, as well as file information relating to individuals and companies to update the Companies House registers. Examples of ACSPs include company formation agents, such as Quality Company Formations, as well as some accountants and solicitors.
When incorporating a new company, as of 18 November 2025, ACSPs verify your identity and inform Companies House of verified individuals. You will then receive your Companies House personal code at your chosen email address.
If you are an existing director or PSC, you would normally only use an ACSP if Companies House states that they can’t verify your identity via GOV.UK One Login – for example, because you have a non-biometric passport.
Option 3 – At a Post Office in the UK
To use a Post Office to verify your identity, you must start the process online via the GOV.UK website, enter your personal details from the photo ID you intend to use, then select the Post Office verification option.
Find a Post Office that provides an ‘in-branch verification’ service. Remember to bring the original photo ID document that you selected on the GOV.UK website to the Post Office branch. The staff will then scan your ID document and take a photo of you to complete the verification process.
You should then receive your personal code for your identity verification within one working day.
Can non-UK directors complete Companies House identity verification?
Yes, they can verify their identity using either GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP. However, GOV.UK One are unable to verify non-biometric passports. If you don’t have a biometric passport, GOV.UK One will inform you and ask you to contact an ACSP to verify your identity.
How long does identity verification take?
Identity verification with GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes per person, as the identity verification software used is generally able to verify your identity automatically.
What documents will you need?
To verify your identity using GOV.UK One Login, you will require one of the following ID documents:
- A current biometric passport from any country
- A UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- A UK biometric residence card or permit
- A UK Frontier Worker permit.
If you only possess a machine-readable passport or an EU/EEA biometric identity card, Companies House will inform you to contact an ACSP to verify your identity.
You will also need information regarding your current residential address and the year you moved in. You will not require proof of address documentation unless you are incorporating via an ASCP at the same time. In this case, the ACSP may require proof of your residential address for their own anti-money laundering reasons.
Understanding your Companies House personal code
Companies House personal codes are unique to an individual and not a company. Once a person completes identity verification, Companies House will send an 11-digit alphanumeric code unique to that individual by email. That person will not need to complete identity verification again in future.
How to use your Companies House personal code for filings
As of 18 November 2025, you need to use your Companies House personal code when incorporating a company, filing a confirmation statement, or appointing yourself as a director or PSC.
Keeping your personal code secure
Your personal code is your unique password that allows you to make important filings with Companies House for any company you are associated with. It also lets you incorporate new companies. As a result, you should only share this code with Companies House, any ACSP that you are a customer of, or your accountant.
How Companies House will use your verified data
Companies House will never make your proof of identity documents public, but will highlight that your identity has been verified on the Companies House public registers.
What happens if my identity isn’t verified in time?
There are serious consequences if you aren’t verified by the relevant deadline.
Consequences for individuals
You will be unable to act as a director or PSC if you do not verify in a timely manner, as this will constitute a criminal offence. You may also face director disqualification for a number of years.
Consequences for companies
Companies that do not have all directors and PSCs verified by the relevant deadlines will see filings, such as confirmation statements or director appointments, blocked by Companies House. Failure to file a confirmation statement can lead to your company being struck off the register (i.e. forcibly closed down).
It will also be apparent on your company’s entry on the Companies House public register that the relevant people have not verified in time. This could cause reputational damage with customers, suppliers, and may prevent access to finance and impact your company’s credit score.
How Quality Company Formations supports identity verification for customers
Quality Company Formations is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and verifies directors and PSCs on behalf of Companies House. Since 18 November 2025, all directors and PSCs who have passed our anti-money laundering checks during incorporation have automatically been verified by us with Companies House. This information appears on the Companies House public register.
Next steps for directors and PSCs
Since 18 November 2025, all directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) have been required to verify their identity by specific deadlines. The process to verify your identity is simple – it only takes a few minutes. The changes implemented by the UK Government are expected to lead to increased trust in limited companies, thanks to a reduction in fraud and inaccurate information on the Companies House register.
To make identity verification seamless, at Quality Company Formations, we can verify directors and PSCs directly with Companies House, helping you fulfil all ID verification obligations. For complete peace of mind and ongoing compliance, our Full Company Secretary Service ensures your company continues to meet Companies House requirements year-round.
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