The UK’s corporate landscape is undergoing a significant shake-up, bringing a new focus on transparency and fraud prevention. Companies House is introducing a mandatory identity verification process for those setting up, running, owning, or controlling a UK company. This change is a legal requirement designed to make it much harder for criminals to use companies for illicit purposes, improving the accuracy and trust in the public register.
As your trusted accountant and adviser, it’s vital that you understand these changes, who they apply to, and the key deadlines to ensure your compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
The new rules apply to a broad range of individuals involved in UK corporate life. If you hold any of the following roles, you will eventually need to verify your identity:
- Directors (new and existing).
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) (new and existing).
- Members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
- The equivalents of a director, such as general partners or managing officers.
Please note that identity verification for people who file at Companies House, corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs, and officers of corporate PSCs will be introduced at a later date.
When is the deadline?
On 18 November 2025 identity verification becomes mandatory for new and existing directors and PSCs and members of LLPs. However this does not necessarily mean you must have your verification in place by this date. We will contact our clients with further details in due course, so don’t worry. If you do not comply with the identity verification requirements by the necessary deadline, we will be unable to submit your confirmation statements and financial penalties will be charged. Furthermore, your company will be prevented from making any new filings, and you will be unable to start a new company.
How do you verify your identity?
Companies House offers two distinct routes to complete your identity verification.
You can verify your identity for free using the GOV.UK One Login service. This secure process guides you through a number of questions to determine the best method for you, which may involve: using an app with photo ID like a passport; answering security questions online, entering ID details online and then finalising the process at a participating Post Office.
Alternatively you can verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). As your accountants, we have registered to become an ACSP, meaning we can verify your identity on your behalf. Since ACSPs are AML-supervised firms, the checks we carry out must meet the same rigorous level of assurance as those completed directly with Companies House.
We are currently assessing the best route for you to take as the processes and procedures have not yet been finalised. If you choose this option, we will provide you with a list of approved documents for evidence of your identity. Please be aware that we will need to charge a fee for this service.
The Companies House Personal Code
Once you successfully verify your identity, you will be issued a unique Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you, not your company, and is crucial for maintaining compliance. You must not share this code with anyone unless you trust them to file on your behalf, as it is a sensitive piece of personal identification, much like your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for HMRC.
From 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs will need to use this code:
- Directors will need to provide their personal code in the company’s next confirmation statement filing or as part of any new appointment/incorporation filing after the deadline.
- PSCs will have a 14-day period to provide their personal code to Companies House, using a dedicated online service that will launch on the 18th of November 2025. We will notify our clients in advance if this applies to you.
If you are currently a director or PSC, this code will be used to connect your verified identity to the existing records—a mandatory step to link the correct identity to all roles you hold.
Next Steps
The introduction of mandatory identity verification marks a significant legislative shift aimed at tackling corporate crime. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the process and prepare for the upcoming deadlines. We will contact our clients direct in due course to confirm the best course of action.