Companies House has begun rolling out mandatory identity checks for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs).

These checks are part of wider reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and reduce the misuse of UK companies.

If you are a director, PSC, or involved in filing company information, this is something you will need to deal with over the next year.

Here’s a straightforward explanation of what is changing and what to expect.

Why Companies House Is Introducing ID Checks

Historically, Companies House accepted much of the information submitted to it without verifying identities.

The reforms give Companies House stronger powers to check filings, question suspicious information, and remove incorrect entries from the register.

Identity verification is a central part of that change. The aim is simple: make it harder for people to set up companies or act as directors using false identities.

When the Rules Started

Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025.

However, Companies House has introduced a 12-month transition period, giving companies time to complete the process.

There isn’t a single deadline for everyone. Instead, the timing will depend on your role and when your company files its confirmation statement.

Companies House will also show relevant deadlines on the public register and may contact companies ahead of filing deadlines to explain what needs to be done.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity

You will need to complete identity verification if you are:

• a company director

• a person with significant control (PSC)

• a director of an overseas company registered in the UK

• an equivalent role such as an LLP member or managing officer

• an authorised corporate service provider acting for companies.

Companies House has indicated that the scope of identity verification may expand further over time.

How Identity Verification Works

There are two main steps to the process.

1. Verify your identity

You can do this in one of two ways:

Online through GOV.UK One Login

This is the free route and will guide you through the process using an app, security questions, or photo ID verification.

Through an authorised agent (ACSP)

Accountants, solicitors, or other authorised providers can complete the check for you, although they may charge for this service.

2. Receive and use your personal Companies House code

Once verified, you receive a unique Companies House personal code.

This code links your identity to the roles you hold and will need to be used when filing information at Companies House.

You generally only verify once, but you will need to use your personal code whenever it is required for filings such as confirmation statements.

Because the code effectively acts as your identifier, it should be stored securely and only shared with trusted people who file on your behalf.

What Directors Need to Do

For most directors, the process will involve three practical steps:

First, confirm the roles you hold. This may include directorships across several companies or PSC positions.

Second, complete identity verification using either the online route or through an authorised agent.

Third, ensure your personal code is provided when required, usually as part of the company’s next confirmation statement filing.

If you are both a director and a PSC, you may need to submit your personal code separately for each role.

What Happens If You Don’t Verify

The new rules carry legal obligations.

Companies House has made it clear that acting as a director without completing identity verification may be unlawful, and companies could face issues if their directors are not verified.

In practice this could lead to:

• confirmation statements being rejected

• financial penalties

• potential enforcement action in more serious cases.

  Final Thought

The new identity verification rules are part of a broader shift in how Companies House operates. The register is moving from a largely passive record to something that is more actively checked and enforced.

For most directors, the process should be relatively straightforward. The key is simply making sure it’s completed in time and that personal codes are handled properly when filings are made.

If you hold several roles across multiple companies, it’s worth keeping a simple list of deadlines so nothing is missed.