Companies House Now Requires Identity Verification – Act Before 18 November
06/11/2025
Companies House Identity Verification: What You Need to Know
If you’re a company director or someone with significant control (PSC), there’s an important change you need to know about — Companies House is introducing identity verification for all directors and PSCs.
This is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to make UK companies more transparent and help prevent fraud and illegal activity.
Although identity verification will become mandatory in autumn 2025, Companies House is encouraging all directors to act now and verify their identity by 18 November 2025 to avoid last-minute delays.
Why You Need to Verify Your Identity
All company directors and people with significant control must prove who they are. This ensures that only real, verified individuals are listed on the public company register.
If your company has multiple directors, make sure everyone completes the process. And if you have directors based outside the UK, they may need extra time to verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a registered accountant or solicitor.
If you’ve already verified your identity with Companies House, you don’t need to do it again.
How to Verify Your Identity
You have three ways to verify your identity with Companies House:
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Online using GOV.UK One Login – The simplest method if you have the required ID documents.
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In person at selected Post Offices – For UK residents. You’ll first need to use the online ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service to check if you’re eligible.
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Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – For example, your accountant or solicitor, if they’re registered as a Companies House authorised agent.
👉 Start the process here:
Verify your identity for Companies House
What Happens When You Verify
The verification process happens in two steps:
Step 1: Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code.
This code is unique to you — not your company — and you’ll need it for future filings.
Step 2: From autumn 2025, you’ll link your verified identity to your company record using your personal code and a verification statement.
Companies House will release more guidance on Step 2 closer to the date.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify
Failing to verify your identity could have serious consequences:
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You won’t be able to file your company’s confirmation statement or other key filings.
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You could face financial penalties or even be committing an offence.
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You may be prevented from forming new companies in the future.
To stay compliant and avoid disruption, act now and complete the verification process before it becomes mandatory.
Check Your Details Before You Verify
Before verifying, make sure the information Companies House holds matches your identity documents — such as your date of birth, name, and address.
If anything doesn’t match, update your company records first. Some changes can be made online, but others (like fixing PSC or director details) may require a paper form.
Below is a step by step guide to verifying your identity with Companies House
