New Companies House requirement to verify your identity
New Companies House requirement to verify your identity 2025 Company Regulations
1. What the New Requirement Is
From 18 November 2025, Companies House introduced a statutory identity verification (IDV) requirement for key individuals associated with UK-registered companies and LLPs. This means certain people must prove their identity to Companies House before they can act in specified company roles.
This requirement stems from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), part of the UK government’s broader effort to reduce economic crime, fraud and misuse of corporate structures and ensure the public register contains reliable information.
2. Who Must Verify Their Identity
The requirement applies to individuals in the following roles:
- Directors of UK companies
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) (i.e., beneficial owners/people who control the company)
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) (equivalent to directors for LLPs)
- In some cases, people who file information on behalf of others (including authorised agents)
There is no exemption for nationality or residence—all affected individuals must verify their identity regardless of where they live.
3. When Verification Is Required
Mandatory Start Date
- 18 November 2025 marked the date when identity verification became legally required.
New Appointments After 18 Nov 2025
- New directors, PSCs and LLP members must verify their identity before their appointment or within short deadlines after appointment.
- For PSCs, this is typically within 14 days of being registered as a PSC.
Existing Directors and PSCs
- For existing directors and PSCs appointed before 18 November 2025, the requirement is phased in.
- They must have verified their identity **before the due date of the next company confirmation statement (the annual statutory filing).
This means the exact deadline varies by entity, but Companies House will contact companies with details of when each person needs to complete verification.
4. How the Identity Verification Process Works
Step 1: Complete the Verification Check
You can verify your identity in one of three main ways:
- GOV.UK One Login
- This is a free government service that allows you to prove your identity online using a photo ID and security checks.
- Once complete, you receive a personal code from Companies House.
- Post Office Identity Check
- You can verify in person at a Post Office if you prefer or if online verification isn’t possible.
- Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
- You can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (e.g., an accountant, solicitor, company secretary or formation agent registered with Companies House) to verify your identity for you.
- ACSPs perform the same checks and submit results to Companies House.
Once verification is complete, you receive a unique personal identifier code that links your verified identity to your roles across Companies House filings.
5. What You Must Do After Verifying
- Provide your personal code along with an identity verification statement when making relevant filings (e.g., confirmation statements, appointment notifications).
- This links your verified identity to your current roles on the public register.
6. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to verify your identity or provide the required verification details can have serious consequences:
- It may be unlawful to act as a director, PSC, or equivalent if not verified.
- Companies and individuals can face penalties, fines, or restrictions on filing documents.
- Unverified individuals may also have a note added to the public register indicating non-compliance.
7. Key Points for Businesses
- The system affects millions of directors and PSCs across UK companies.
- Most people only need to verify once; you then use the same personal code for all relevant roles and filings.
- Plan ahead to ensure verification is completed before your next statutory filing or appointment date.
Follow the link now to verify your ID Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UKor if you need more advice contact t J&J Accountants office@jandjaccountants.com
