Companies House has announced that from 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

This means that all new directors and PSCs will have to verify their identity in order to incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing company.

These requirements will also apply to existing directors and PSCs of companies, with identity verification to be completed before the company’s annual confirmation statement can be filed.

Why this is happening

According to Companies House, the introduction of identity verification will improve the accuracy of data on the Companies House register, reduce the risk of fraud and deter those looking to set up companies for illegal purposes.

What it means for you

These new rules are a legal requirement, so everyone who is a director or PSC in a UK company will need to comply. 

If you are a new company director or PSC – you must verify your identity at the point of appointment or incorporation of a new company.

If you are an existing director or PSC – you must verify your ID before your next confirmation statement – you will not be able to renew your confirmation statement without completing ID verification.

How to verify your ID

There are a few ways this can be done:
 
As an individual – you can create a GOV.UK One Login account to use the free online verification service.  To do this you will need to provide:

•   one of several accepted photo identification documents, such as a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, a biometric passport, a UK biometric residence permit or card, amongst others.

If you cannot use the GOV.UK One app, there are other options, such as answering security questions online or using a Post Office.

Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent.  This could be an accountant or solicitor who can verify your identity.  They must be registered and authorised by Companies House and also registered with a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.  To use this service you will need to provide:

•   one of several accepted photo identification documents, such as a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, a biometric passport, a UK biometric residence permit or card, amongst others
•   details of current and previous addresses, including proof of current address.

Once your identity has been verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code.  This number is personal to you and you will need to keep it safe as it will be required:

•   When you file your confirmation statement

•   If you are appointed a director

•   If you become a PSC.

If you are already a director or PSC, this code will connect your verified ID to Companies House records.

What happens if you do not verify your ID

If you do not complete the ID verification process, you will not be able to:

•   Set up a new company

•   Make any filings with Companies House (this includes the annual confirmation statement)

You may also face a penalty or fine.

Next steps

We will be in touch with all of our affected clients directly to explain in more detail how this change will affect you and how we can support you.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.

Internet link: Companies House guidance