November 18 Identity Verification Start Date: What You Should Do Now

Millions of individuals involved in running UK businesses, including company directors, members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and persons with significant control (PSCs), will soon be legally required to verify their identity with Companies House. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), these verification duties will come into effect from 18 November 2025 and enforcement will be phased in over a 12-month period into mid-November 2026.

While these new requirements aim to improve the accuracy, transparency, and reliability of company registries and help deter corporate fraud, they pose an immediate compliance challenge, especially for larger organisations with numerous individuals in scope. That’s why we at UK Property Accountants have developed this synopsis of what the new rules are, what the November 18 identity verification start date means and what immediate steps you need to take.

Who Does the November 18 Identity Verification Start Date Impact?

The identity verification requirements starting 18 November will apply to:

• Company directors and similar roles such as LLP members
• Persons with significant control (PSCs) or beneficial owners
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
• Individuals filing on behalf of a business, like company secretaries

The verification requirements will be implemented over a 12-month period, reaching mid-November 2026. Companies House expects that 6 to 7 million people will need to go through the process.

What Does the Identity Verification Process Involve

The identity verification process requires individuals to submit identification documents and complete an online verification directly with Companies House or through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP).

Using an ACSP, such as UK Property Accountants, can simplify and streamline the process, providing expert guidance and support to ensure timely and accurate completion.

Verification involves submitting a personal code alongside the confirmation statement. From the implementation date, directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) can also check identity verification due dates for all their registered roles via Companies House, helping them stay compliant with ease.

What Actions Must Your Business Take Now?

Businesses are urged to:

• Identify all the individuals within the identity verification scope as early as possible
• Determine if the verification will be carried out directly or by an ACSP
• Verify the due date of their next confirmation statement so that deadlines are not missed
• Properly communicate the requirements to all the relevant individuals

The ECCTA verification requirements for identity are included in a wider package of reforms that aim to improve transparency, accuracy and trust in the publicly available information of UK companies.

Conclusion

With the mandatory ID checks only a few of months away now, companies should treat preparation as a priority.

Acting early will not only ensure legal compliance but also minimise any kinds of operational disruption that could surface when the rules take effect.