Companies House Identity Verification: What Directors & PSCs Must Know by November 2025

From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) will be required to complete Companies House identity verification. This new measure, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, is designed to make the UK’s company register more transparent, reduce the risk of fraud and strengthen trust in the corporate framework.

For many businesses, this will be one of the most significant compliance changes in recent years. Companies that fail to meet the new requirements may face penalties, directors may be disqualified and companies themselves risk being struck off the register.

What is Companies House Identity Verification?

Companies House identity verification is the process through which individuals prove who they are before being officially registered as a director or recognised as a PSC. The aim is to prevent fraudulent activity, such as companies being used to conceal illegal activity or launder money.

Verification is done via the GOV.UK One Login system or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as accountants or corporate administrators. Once verified, directors and PSCs receive a unique identifier, which must be included in all future filings. This identifier acts as proof that Companies House has confirmed their identity.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

The new rules affect two main groups:

• Directors – These are individuals officially appointed to manage and run the company.
• PSCs –  Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) are individuals who hold substantial influence over the company in one or more of the following ways: 
  1. They hold more than 25% of the company’s shares
  2. They hold more than 25% of the company’s voting rights
  3. They have the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors
  4. They exercise significant influence or control over the company

Companies with complex ownership structures, multiple shareholders or international stakeholders should take care to correctly identify all PSCs to avoid compliance issues.

How the Verification Process Works

The verification process is designed to be straightforward, but there are steps companies can follow:

• GOV.UK One Login – Individuals can verify themselves online using official identity documents, such as passports or driver’s licences.
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – Companies can use a professional service provider to handle verification on behalf of directors and PSCs. This is particularly useful for businesses with overseas stakeholders or directors unfamiliar with the GOV.UK system.

Once verified, the individual will receive a unique personal code. This code is required for future filings with Companies House and ensures that the individual’s verified status is recognised.

What are the Deadlines to Remember?

The identity verification deadline differs slightly depending on whether the individual is a new or existing director or PSC:

• New Directors & PSCs - Must verify their identity before their appointment or company incorporation.
• Existing Directors - Must complete identity verification within 12 months, typically aligned with the company’s next confirmation statement.
• Existing PSCs - Must verify within 14 days, either relative to the company’s confirmation statement or, in some cases, their birth month.

Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, disqualification or the striking-off of a company.

Challenges Directors & PSCs May Face When Verifying Identities

Implementing Companies House identity verification may present directors and PSCs with several practical difficulties like:

• International Directors or PSCs – Individuals outside the UK may not have documents recognised by GOV.UK or may struggle with the login process.
• Complex Corporate Structures – Groups with multiple entities or layered ownership may need careful mapping to identify all PSCs.
• Timing Issues – PSC verification deadlines may not align neatly with confirmation statement schedules.
• Data Protection – Collecting sensitive personal information requires careful handling to comply with UK GDPR.

By understanding these challenges early, businesses can prepare and avoid last-minute compliance issues.

Preparing for Companies House Identity Verification

Companies can take proactive steps to begin preparing for the identity verification requirements. Some of the steps they can take are as follows:

• Identify all Directors & PSCs – Make sure all individuals are correctly recorded on the company register.
• Check Documents – Ensure all directors and PSCs have valid identity documents recognised by GOV.UK.
• Plan Around Confirmation Statements – Map deadlines to ensure compliance without rushed filings.
• Communicate with Stakeholders – Make sure all directors and PSCs, including those overseas, understand the process and deadlines.
• Engage Professionals – Authorised Corporate Service Providers like UK Property Accountants can help navigate the verification process, particularly for complex cases.

Conclusion

Companies House identity verification will be one of the most significant corporate compliance changes in the UK in recent years.

By preparing early and working closely with professional advisers, companies can avoid penalties and ensure a smooth transition when the rules come into force.