Companies house identity verification: How directors and PSCs can prepare for the new requirements
Identity verification is now a legal requirement at Companies House for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs).
From 18 November 2025, Companies House introduced mandatory identity verification as part of wider reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. A 12-month transition period is now underway, giving affected individuals until their specific deadlines before November 2026 to comply. Companies House estimates that between six and seven million individuals will need to complete verification.
For businesses already managing annual filings, confirmation statements and governance responsibilities, understanding the new process early can help avoid unnecessary delays and administrative pressure.
What is Companies House identity verification?
Identity verification has been introduced to confirm that individuals setting up, running, owning or controlling UK companies are who they claim to be.
The changes are intended to:
• Improve trust in Companies House data
• Reduce the risk of fraud and misuse of company structures
• Increase transparency and accountability
• Strengthen confidence in the UK business environment
For most people, identity verification is expected to be a one-off process. Once completed, Companies House issues an individual personal code to the individual. That same code must then be used for all company roles and any filings related to that person.
Who needs to verify their identity?
Identity verification may apply if you are:
• A company director
• A Person with Significant Control (PSC)
• A director of an overseas company registered in the UK
• Someone submitting filings on behalf of a company
• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) themselves
Existing directors will generally complete verification alongside their next confirmation statement during the transition period, while new directors and appointments are subject to verification requirements from appointment. In addition, the verification date for any PSCs who are not company officers is determined on an individual basis according to the month of their birth.
Please be aware, the “Someone submitting filings on behalf of a company” element is not yet fully in scope and will be introduced at a later date.
How can identity verification be completed?
There are several routes available.
Verify directly with Companies House
Many individuals can complete verification online using GOV.UK One Login.
Accepted identification may include:
• Passport
• UK driving licence
• Biometric residence documentation
Use alternative verification methods
Alternative options may include:
• In-person verification through selected Post Office locations
• Verification using financial and personal information, such as bank details and National Insurance information.
Verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Businesses or individuals who prefer professional support, have multiple directors, operate complex structures or experience difficulties with standard routes may choose to verify through an ACSP.
How Moore South can help
Moore South is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and we support directors and PSCs of our existing clients, as required, with completing Companies House identity verification requirements.
Working with an ACSP may help to:
• Reduce administration for directors and company officers
• Support businesses with multiple directors or entities
• Assist where verification issues arise
• Provide confidence that the process is completed correctly
• Integrate identity verification with wider compliance and company secretarial support
For businesses already managing year-end filings and governance obligations, combining these activities can help reduce disruption.
What happens if you do not comply?
Failure to complete identity verification may result in criminal offences for both the entity and the individual and for the company may result in:
• Restrictions on company filings
• Delays to confirmation statements
• Compliance issues for directors and companies
• Potential penalties and enforcement action
Companies House has confirmed that companies will be contacted directly with guidance and deadlines, but businesses should not wait until the end of the transition period to prepare.
A failure by an individual PSC to comply with the requirements is determined to be an offence by that individual rather than an offence by the entity.
Act early to avoid disruption
Identity verification is one of the biggest changes to Companies House requirements in recent years. The initial verification can be undertaken at any time to obtain the code, therefore it is recommended this is done as early as possible. However, dealing with the verification for a relevant company has to wait until the relevant submission window for that entity (i.e. the Confirmation Statement for any Director/Secretary and the 14th day of the month of birth for any non-Director PSC).
If you are unsure whether you need to act, or would prefer support completing the process, speaking to our team early can help reduce compliance risk and ensure your business remains on track.