From 18 November 2025, identity verification through Companies House will become mandatory for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). This new requirement aims to improve the accuracy of the UK’s company register and strengthen measures to combat economic crime.

The identity verification system was first introduced on a voluntary basis in April 2025. Since then, more than one million individuals have completed the process, according to Companies House.

Companies House Chief Executive, Andy King, described the milestone as an important step forward, stating:
“Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up and running companies are who they say they are. This will make our data more reliable and less open to misuse, supporting a more transparent and trusted business environment.”

When to Verify

The deadline for identity verification will vary depending on each individual’s circumstances. Companies House has confirmed that it will contact companies directly with details. Broadly, the requirements will be as follows:

Directors

  • Existing company directors will need to verify their identity in line with their company’s next confirmation statement from 18 November 2025. If you are a director of multiple companies, you will need to complete the verification process for each one.

  • Anyone registering a new company from this date will be required to verify their identity as part of the registration process.

People with Significant Control (PSCs)

  • If you are both a PSC and a director of the same company, you will need to verify your identity separately for each role. Verification for your PSC role must be completed within 14 days of the company’s confirmation statement date.

  • PSCs who are not also directors must verify within the first 14 days of their birth month. For instance, if your date of birth is 20 December, your 14-day period will begin on 1 December.

  • Anyone becoming a PSC after 18 November 2025 will need to verify within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register.

How to Verify

Identity verification can be completed in two ways:

  1. Directly through Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login service.

  2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as our firm.

Once verified, individuals will receive a personal code via the service. This code, together with a verification statement, must then be provided for each company role held.

Other Roles

Companies House has confirmed that identity verification will later be extended to include other roles, such as limited partnerships and corporate directors.

If you need support with verifying your identity or assisting others within your company, please get in touch — we’ll be happy to help.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/one-million-people-verify-identity-early-ahead-of-companies-house-changes