New Identity Verification Requirements for UK Company Directors: What You Need to Know

You can find the original article on the Mitchell Charlesworth site here.

In August, Companies House announced that mandatory identification requirements will apply from 18th November 2025, for directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). Individuals have been able to verify their announced identity voluntarily since 8th April 2025, but this will become mandatory. 

Louise Smyth, CEO of Companies House said “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.”,

What is changing and why?

Identity verification represents one of the most significant changes to UK company law in recent years. As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, these reforms aim to tackle fraudulent business registrations and improve corporate transparency across the UK register.

The changes are being introduced in phases, with 18th November 2025 marking the beginning of a 12 month transition period. This is not a final deadline but rather the start of when you will need to provide your verification code depending on your specific circumstances.

Companies House estimates that 6 to 7 million individuals will need to verify their identity by November 2026. Over 300,000 people have already completed the process during the voluntary period.

As Companies House states in their official guidance: “After 18 November, people will commit an offence if they act as a company director without verifying their identity with Companies House.” Failure to comply with these requirements may result in financial penalties or fines, so it is essential to act promptly.

Key deadlines at a glance

• 8 April 2025 – Voluntary identity verification opened
• 18 November 2025 – Mandatory identity verification begins for new directors
• Spring 2026 – Identity verification required for all document presenters
• November 2026 – End of transition period for existing directors and PSCs

Who needs to do this?

This requirement applies to all individual company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone holding both roles.

If you are a director of multiple companies, the good news is you only need to verify your identity once. However you will need to provide your personal code for each role and each company you are involved with.

For Directors: You’ll need to include your personal verification code on your company’s next confirmation statement filed after 18th November 2025. Without this code, you will not be able to file the confirmation statement.

For PSCs who are also Directors: You verify once but provide your code twice – once in the confirmation statement (as a director) and once through a separate online service within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date (as a PSC).

For PSCs who are not Directors: You must provide your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month each year.

The verification process

The verification process requires you to have valid photo identification ready, such as a passport or driving licence. There are two ways to verify your identity:

Option 1: Direct verification via GOV.UK One Login 

You will need to sign in to your GOV.UK One Login account, download the Companies House ID verification app on your smartphone, and follow the instructions to verify your identity. 

However, there are some limitations. The web portal is only available to individuals with UK documentation, and all verification channels require at least one form of biometric evidence.

Option 2: Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

If you are unable to verify directly (for example, if you do not have UK documentation or cannot provide biometric evidence), you can engage an ACSP such as an accountant or legal professional to verify your identity on your behalf.

Once verification is complete, you will receive a unique personal code from Companies House. This code is linked to all your roles across different businesses and should be kept secure.

Further information from Companies House can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-confirms-identity-verification-rollout-from-18-november-2025