03/03/2026

New legal requirements for company directors relating to ID verification came into force on 18 November 2025.

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act directors and ‘persons of significant control’ (PSCs) face new ID checks in a bid to tackle fraud and scams.

How has Companies House ID verification changed?

  • New directors now need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company.
  • Existing directors need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period.
  • Existing PSCs will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of 18 November 2025.

How do I verify my identity with Companies House?

The ID verification process can be completed directly with Companies House via GOV.UK.

To do this, you will need either a:

  • biometric passport from any country,
  • UK photo driving licence (full or provisional),
  • UK biometric residence permit,
  • UK biometric residence card, or
  • UK frontier worker permit.

Along with:

  • Your current address and the year you moved in, and
  • A GOV.UK One login.

What happens next?

Once your identify is verified, you will receive a personal code from Companies House. The code is unique to you and will need to be linked to each role you hold with Companies House.

So, for example:

  • If you are a director, your next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025 will ask for your personal code, or
  • If you are a PSC, you’ll be asked to give the code within the required timeframe.

Verification is free when it is completed through GOV.UK. However, there may be a charge if it is carried out via an ‘Authorised Corporate Service Provider’ (ACSP), such as an accountant, company-formation agent, or solicitor authorised to perform the checks.

Important things to note about Companies House ID verification

  • Post-18 November 2025 the register will show due dates for each individuals’ verification for each role they hold.
  • It is a legal requirement for directors and PSCs to verify their identities and Companies House can enforce non-compliance. This may lead to penalties including fines, sanctions, such as disqualification, and criminal charges.

 What this means for you

  • If you are (or soon will be) a director of a UK company or a PSC, you should prepare now to verify your identity.
  • For companies: check the next confirmation statement filing date and ensure all directors (and PSCs where applicable) have their personal codes ready in time. If a company tries to file and some individuals aren’t verified, this may block the filing.
  • If someone cannot verify via the GOV.UK One Login route (for example, due to non-biometric passport or overseas status) they may need to use an ACSP.
  • Make sure all relevant individuals know about the personal code, and that your company’s internal records reflect who has been verified and who still needs to do so.

For advice on any aspect of corporate law, email enquiry@beswicks.com or phone our Stoke-on-Trent solicitors on 01782 205000 or our Altrincham solicitors on 0161 929 8494.