Identity verification is a topic increasingly in the spotlight in the UK as regulators, businesses and government seek to tighten up on fraud, corporate transparency and digital‑security risks. In this article we look at the background to identity verification in the UK; what the process is; why it matters; where it currently stands; and what steps individuals and companies need to take.
About one million people (or more) have already undertaken verification in a voluntary window while over six million are still to complete the process under the new mandatory regime for certain roles (especially company directors and persons with significant control).
Background: Why Companies House Identity Verification Matters
Fraud, Corporate Misuse & Weak Registers
Historically the UK’s corporate registry administered by Companies House allowed companies to be incorporated and managed with relatively little formal verification of the identities of directors and owners. That gap has been exploited: fake names, shell companies, nominee directors, false addresses all of which facilitate money‑laundering, hidden ownership, fraud and misuse.
Legal & Regulatory Response
In response, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduced a framework to tighten identity verification for individuals who run, own or control UK companies.
Separately, guidance from the government outlines how any individual or organisation should check identity documents and persons, whether customers, employees or agents, in the UK context.
The Digital Shift
The shift from purely paper‑based checks to digital, automated identity verification is also significant. UK government services such as GOV.UK One Login allow individuals to prove who they are online (or via apps) using identity documents, face recognition, and address history.
In short: in a world where much of business and public service access is online, verifying who someone is and that they are who they claim to be is critical.
What Is Identity Verification in the UK?
Definition & Purpose
Identity verification means the process of using evidence (documents, biometric data, digital checks) to confirm that a person is who they say they are, and that the identity‐document they present is genuine and belongs to them.
The Core Elements
At a high level, verification involves two broad elements:
- Proof of identity (“you say you are X”): e.g., name, date of birth, address history
- Proof that you are that person (“you are the person X”): e.g., photo ID, match face with identity document, check document authenticity
Methods & Evidence Accepted
The kinds of evidence and methods vary. For UK government identity verification via One Login:
- You may be asked for a passport, driving licence, or other approved ID.
- You may be asked to take a selfie or live facial check to match with your ID
- Answer security questions or present recent address history
- Once verified you will receive a unique personal code once verified, which you then supply when filing for your role
Channels & Verification Routes
- Directly through the GOV.UK online service (One Login) free of charge in many cases
- Face‑to‑face or in‑person options may also exist, for example via the Post Office for those unable to verify online
- Through approved intermediaries: e.g., accountants or solicitors registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) who can verify on your behalf (for Companies House purposes)
Standards & Regulation
Verification must operate in compliance with UK data‑protection laws, anti‐money laundering (AML) obligations, and government standards. The Government’s “Identity proofing and verification of an individual” guidance outlines steps to check identity across different channels.
The Current Rollout: Who Has Verified, Who Still Needs To
Voluntary Phase & Uptake
For the Companies House reform, from 8 April 2025 the voluntary window opened for directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and agents to verify their identity ahead of the mandatory requirement.
The Mandatory Phase
From 18 November 2025, new legal requirements take effect:
- New directors appointed after that date must verify their identity before incorporation or appointment
- Existing directors will need to provide a personal code as part of their next confirmation statement (within a transition window) to show they have been verified
- Persons with significant control (PSCs) also fall within scope, with deadlines to ensure compliance
Scale: Over 6 Million Yet to Verify
It is estimated 7 million individuals will need to verify their identity. Companies House provided an update on 3 November 2025, stating that one million people have already verified their identity ahead of the upcoming changes. However, six million people still need to complete the verification, with the mandatory deadline for verification approaching on 18 November 2025.
Why Verification Matters in Practical Terms
For Companies & Directors
For Individuals
For the Business Ecosystem
Step‑by‑Step: How to Verify Identity (for Directors/PSCs)
Here’s a guide to what an individual should do if they are a UK company director or PSC and fall within the scope of the identity verification regime.
Determine If You Are in Scope
- Are you a director of a UK company (or equivalent role in LLP)?
- Are you a person with significant control (PSC) of a company?
- Are you making filings on behalf of a company (company secretary, agent) or an intermediary (ACSP) who will file for clients?
If the answer to any of the above questions is “Yes”, you are in scope and need to verify.
Decide How You Will Verify
- Directly via the GOV.UK One Login route which is free without any charges. Prepare a valid passport, UK driving licence, or other acceptable ID. You may need to take a selfie or do live facial match. Use a smartphone or compatible device.
- Via an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider): if you prefer an intermediary (accountant, solicitor) to verify your identity and handle filings. This may incur a fee. The intermediary must be registered and supervised under AML rules. UKPA is registered with the companies house and is officially approved to carry out identity checks as a regulated ACSP.
- In‑person/Post Office: If you cannot do the online route, some provisions may allow identity verification in person or via document check at the Post Office in conjunction with online step.
Gather Documentation & Information Prepare
- Your full legal name and any former names
- Date of birth
- Home address and, if you have been at the current address less than 12 months, address history for previous 12 months
- Valid identity document (passport, UK driving licence, UK biometric residence permit) as per list
- A personal email address not previously used for this purpose (in many cases)
Complete the Verification Process
- Access the service (via GOV.UK or ACSP route)
- Provide the details requested
- Upload or present your identity document
- Complete any live selfie/facial match or security questions as requested
- On success, you will be issued a Companies House personal code
Use the Personal Code When Required
- For new appointments or company incorporations after 18 November 2025, you must provide your personal code when being appointed as director or filing
- For existing roles, when you next file a confirmation statement you must supply your personal code (within transition period).
- If you have multiple roles (e.g., director of more than one company) you may need to use the code for each relevant filing.
Keep Your Code Secure
- The personal code is like a unique identifier. You should treat it with similar care to other sensitive codes (e.g., your tax reference). Do not share it indiscriminately
- If you lose the code or believe it has been compromised, follow the service guidance
Record‑Keeping & Monitoring
- If you used an ACSP, that provider must keep records of the verification for a prescribed time
- You should monitor your status on the register: Companies House may display whether your identity has been verified, or you can check deadlines
Common Questions & Issues
Is this the same as a national identity card?
No. The verification is not the same as issuing a national identity card. In the UK there is no compulsory national ID card for all citizens. The process described here is about verifying a person’s identity for company‐filing purposes (and other regulated contexts) not issuing a broad citizen identity credential.
Once I’ve verified, do I need to do it again?
In most cases one verification gives you a personal code which should be valid across roles, unless you are asked to verify again (e.g., if your details change or you take on new role categories).
What happens if I don’t verify by the deadline?
If you are in scope (director or PSC) and you fail to verify when required: you may not be able to file necessary documents or may incur penalties; in the worst case acting as a director without verification may be an offence.
How long does the verification take and how much does it cost?
The online route (GOV.UK One Login) is free of charge for individuals. The time taken may be just a few minutes (if documents are ready and you have no issues). Some intermediaries (ACSPs) may charge a fee for their service. Waiting until the last minute may result in delays.
What if I don’t have appropriate ID or live overseas?
If you don’t have the required identity documents (passport, UK driving licence, etc.) or you are overseas, you may need to use the ACSP route or face additional verification steps.
Will my personal data be safe?
The verification service is designed to comply with UK data‑protection laws. For example, the GOV.UK One Login privacy notice outlines how data is stored and used.
Need expert advice on Identity Verification in the UK?
Contact us today for efficient and
hassle-free assistance.
- Best MTD Accountants for Landlords Who Specialise in Property - 11 June 2026
- Tax on Foreign Income UK: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Residents - 28 January 2026
- Identity Verification for PSCs: Your Questions Answered - 19 November 2025
