From 18 November 2025, the way Companies House will manage details of UK companies and people behind those companies will change in a major way. That is because it is rolling out mandatory identity verification for all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) in an effort to strengthen the integrity of company data, combat economic crime and improve business transparency.
And at the heart of this identity verification is a new and mandatory Companies House personal code that will be issued to every director and PSC. So, let's explore what this Companies House personal code is, why it matters, how to obtain it and when you’ll need to use it.
What is the Companies House Personal Code?
The Companies House personal code is an 11-character unique identifier (for example, XY7-27NE-9MK5) issued to every individual who successfully completes identity verification through Companies House.
This code serves as a secure link between your verified identity and any companies or roles you hold within the Companies House system. Its purpose is to ensure that only genuine and legally verified individuals can take on key company responsibilities.
Why is the Personal Code Important?
The introduction of the personal code underpins the UK’s new corporate transparency framework. It is central to the new Companies House identity verification regime and its importance can be summarised in the following three aspects:
- Proof of Identity - The personal code is evidence that you have passed identity verification, now a legal requirement for directors and PSCs under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
- Business Integrity - Linking each company appointment to a unique, verified individual helps prevent fraud, stop “ghost” directors and improve public trust in the UK’s company register.
- One Code for All Roles - You only need one code, no matter how many companies you are involved with or in how many capacities.
How Do You Obtain Your Personal Code?
The process to obtain your Companies House personal is pretty straightforward. You just have to follow the following steps:
Complete Your Identity Verification
- Verify online using the GOV.UK One Login with a UK or international biometric passport (or another accepted document)
- If available, complete verification in person at a participating UK Post Office
- Alternatively, use a regulated Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a UK accountant or solicitor, to verify on your behalf
Receive Your Code
After approval, Companies House emails your personal code to the email address provided during verification.
Keep It Secure
The code is not published publicly, but it is used to prove your verified status within Companies House filings. This code is personal and should only be shared with trusted agents (e.g., accountants filing on your behalf).
Delve into our complete guide to learn "Identity Verification in UK" Read Now!
When Must You Use Your Personal Code?
Not all Companies House filings will require your personal code, but for certain key events, it will be mandatory. The table below provides a clear overview
Event | Personal Code |
|---|---|
Filing a Confirmation Statement | Yes (for all directors & PSCs) |
Forming a New Company | Yes (for all proposed directors & PSCs) |
Appointing a New Director | Yes (prior to appointment) |
Registering a New PSC | Yes (within 14 days of appointment) |
You cannot be appointed as a director or registered as a PSC without having your identity verified and providing your personal code.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the personal code is not required for filing company accounts or completing routine forms such as changing the registered office address.
In summary, your personal code is required whenever identity verification is legally triggered by key company changes or filings, but not for every single Companies House form.
The Companies House Personal Code Process: Step-By-Step
To ensure smoothness and compliance, Companies House has set out a logical sequence for obtaining and using your personal code. The steps are as follows:
01
Initiate Verification - Begin when prompted by your company’s formation, a change of director/PSC or when preparing your next annual confirmation statement after 18 November 2025.
02
Provide Documentation - Submit accepted forms of ID, such as a biometric passport.
03
Verification by Companies House/ACSP - Companies House will review your submission, which may involve photographs, a short video or due diligence checks carried out by an ACSP.
04
Personal Code Issued - Receive your 11-character personal code via email.
05
Use the Code for Major Filings - Present your code when completing relevant filings such as confirmation statements, new appointments or new company formations.
Security Measures & Best Practices for Personal Code
Your personal code is a security credential that should be handled with care. To minimise risk and ensure compliance, we recommend the following best practices:
- Keep your code private. Treat your Companies House personal code like a password
- Share only with trusted agents who help file on your behalf
- If your code is lost or compromised, contact Companies House immediately for recovery or change
What Happens if You Do Not Verify?
Failing to verify your identity and obtain your personal code constitutes a criminal offence. This can undermine your eligibility to act in senior company positions and may put you at risk of severe penalties, like:
- Financial penalties
- Criminal prosecution
- Disqualification from company roles
Are there Any Additional Requirements for Overseas Directors & PSCs?
The system applies equally to directors and PSCs outside the UK. Overseas individuals must complete the same verification process, using a biometric passport or recognised international ID. Verification may be completed online or with the assistance of an ACSP.
At the same time, it must be understood that there are no exemptions for overseas directors and PSCs too. They are required to verify their identities and obtain a Companies House personal code just like directors and PSCs inside the UK.
Conclusion
The Companies House personal code represents a fundamental step in driving corporate transparency and deterring economic crime in the UK. By preparing early, updating documents, informing all relevant stakeholders and securing safe storage for your code, directors and PSCs can ensure a smooth transition to the new regime when it takes effect from 18 November 2025.
If you require support in understanding or implementing these changes, you can reach out to UK Property Accountants. We are Authorised Corporate Service Provider with unmatched expertise in identity verification requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your Companies House personal code is unique to you. Use it for all companies and appointments linked to your identity.
They must complete identity verification before the appointment is legally valid and provide their personal code to Companies House.
Contact Companies House via their support channels. For security reasons, only they can issue a new code after appropriate checks.
No. It is private, only visible to Companies House and you (and any authorised agent filing on your behalf).
Plan ahead. Start your identity verification early, ensure all company stakeholders complete the process, and store your personal code securely.
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