What the “Companies House identity verification standard” means and who it applies to?
Companies House identity verification is introducing a new compliance requirement that fundamentally affects how UK companies operate. This requirement adds an identity verification step to routine company filings and appointments, creating new obligations for directors and people with significant control (PSCs).
From 18 November 2025, Companies House requires individuals to verify their identity before filing confirmation statements or taking on new roles.
Companies House identity verification is emerging as a key risk area, particularly where there is uncertainty around personal codes, overseas directors and the role of professional advisers. This lack of clarity is already causing disruption, making it essential for businesses to understand the rules properly and take informed action at an early stage.
Who needs to verify (and who does not)
Identity verification applies to individuals who sit behind the company, not the company itself. In particular, it applies to:
A common misunderstanding is that “only new companies need to do this”. In reality, the regime is being introduced in phases, and Companies House is clear that people must be verified to act lawfully in the relevant roles.
Do all directors and PSCs have to complete Companies House identity verification, even if the company already files accounts and confirmation statements correctly?
Yes. Identity verification applies to the individual, not to the company’s past compliance record. Even if a company has always filed its accounts and confirmation statements on time, each director and PSC still has to verify their own identity.
When you need to verify your identity for Companies House
Identity verification is required before a director or person with significant control can act and before any relevant Companies House filing is made. Filings will not be accepted unless one’s identity has been verified.
Two routes to verification
There are two accepted routes, and the rules differ depending on the route chosen.
Route 1: Verify directly with Companies House
This route is designed for individuals to complete the verification themselves. GOV.UK One Login guides the user to the most suitable method, which can include:
The exact route is determined by GOV.UK during the process. Not everyone will be asked to use the app or attend a Post Office.
Route 2: Verify through an ACSP (authorised agent)
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a firm or individual permitted to act on behalf of clients when filing information with Companies House.
This route is often used for overseas directors, complex cases, or where the company prefers a professional to manage the process. Companies House confirms an ACSP can verify someone “from any country”, provided the agent is registered as authorised.
How an ACSP meets the standard
Companies House sets out six mandatory steps that an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) must follow.
In practical terms, a compliant ACSP process would typically operate as follows:
Documents and evidence
Depending on the method used, individuals may need to provide:
For overseas individuals, at least one government-issued document is required. Where there are name changes or address gaps, additional evidence must be requested.
Is this just the same as AML checks?
No. While the process looks similar, identity verification is a separate statutory requirement. Existing AML checks do not automatically satisfy Companies House rules.
When Verification is complete
Once the verification is complete, the individual receives a personal code. This is a unique reference number that links your verified identity to your roles at Companies House.
The personal code is used after identity verification has been completed and whenever a verified individual needs to be linked to a role at Companies House.
In practice, the code is required:
The code is not a one-off submission. It is used each time Companies House needs to recognise that a specific role is held by a verified individual.
Is my personal information going to be visible on the public register?
No. Companies House’s own guidance makes clear that the personal code itself is not published on the public register and is used only to link your verified identity to your roles (director/PSC). It is personal to you, not to the company, and is not shown publicly.
Why this matters in practice
Without the personal code:
For this reason, the code should be obtained early and kept securely. Companies and advisers should build its use into their normal appointment and compliance processes, rather than leaving it until filing deadlines.
What are the Consequences of Non-Compliance
Consequences of non-compliance can be serious. Companies House may reject or delay statutory filings, which can prevent appointments, confirmations and other required updates from being completed.
Individuals who have not verified their identity may be treated as acting without meeting a legal requirement, which can affect the validity of their role. Ongoing non-compliance may also lead to civil penalties and further enforcement action by the authorities.
Companies House's published enforcement approach makes it clear that ongoing non-compliance can lead to escalations and referrals in more serious cases.
Conclusion
Companies House identity verification represents a real shift in how UK companies are regulated and how responsibility is placed on directors and people with significant control. It affects both new appointments and those already in place, and the consequences of getting it wrong are practical as well as legal. Delays to filings, uncertainty around personal codes and challenges for overseas individuals are already being felt in practice.
For many businesses, having clear, experienced guidance makes a material difference. UK Property Accountants (UKPA) supports companies through this process with practical advice, detailed analysis and a clear understanding of how the rules apply in real situations, helping businesses remain compliant without unnecessary disruption.
FAQs
Yes, you do. Identity verification for directors, people with significant control and members of LLP is now a legal requirement. Without verification, Companies House may reject or delay filings, including confirmation statements and appointments. Many businesses only discover this when filings cannot be completed, so it is essential to understand and comply with the rules in advance.
Companies House’s published enforcement approach makes it clear that individuals must verify their identity to act lawfully, and that ongoing non-compliance can lead to escalations and referrals in more serious cases.
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