Beginning 18 November 2025, significant new identity verification requirements will come into effect for UK company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and certain other company officers.
These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at improving accuracy, transparency, and accountability on the Companies House register while helping to prevent fraud and misuse of corporate entities.
This guide outlines what you need to do, how to verify your identity, and what happens if you don’t comply.
Why Identity Verification Is Being Introduced
The new rules are designed to:
· Confirm that individuals listed on the Companies House register are who they claim to be.
· Reduce the risk of fraud, identity theft, and false filings.
· Improve trust and the quality of information available to regulators, businesses, and the public.
From November 2025, identity verification will be mandatory for all new and existing company directors and PSCs, as well as those filing on behalf of a company.
Who Must Verify Their Identity
You will need to complete identity verification if you are:
· A director of a UK-registered company.
· The equivalent of a director, such as a generalpartner, managing officer, or member of an LLP.
· A Person with Significant Control (PSC).
· An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)(e.g., accountants, solicitors, or formation agents registered with a UK AMLsupervisory body).
· A company secretary or other individual who files information on behalf of a company.
In most cases, you will only need to verify once, unless Companies House requires you to reverify in the future.
When and How to Verify
The timing of your verification depends on your role:
· Current directors and PSCs:
You must verify your identity and connect it to your Companies House recordsbefore filing your company’s next confirmation statement on or after 18November 2025.
· New directors or PSCs appointed after 18November 2025:
You will need to verify your identity as part of your appointment process or during incorporation.
Ways to Verify Your Identity
There are two main ways to verify your identity for Companies House:
1. Verify Online UsingGOV.UK One Login
The fastest and free method is to use the “Verify your identity for Companies House” service throughGOV.UK One Login.
You’ll need:
· A valid photo ID such as a biometric passport, driving licence, biometric residence permit/card, or Frontier Worker permit.
· Your current address and year of residence.
· Access to your GOV.UK One Login account (you can create one via the GOV.UK ID Check App if you don’t already have an account).
Verification methods include:
📱 Using the GOV.UK One Login app (available for iPhone 8/iOS 16.7+ or Android 10+).
💻 Answering security questions online, using information linked to your UK financial accounts or credit history if you do not have a compatible smartphone.
🏤 Verifying in person at a UK Post Office —where your ID will be scanned, and your photo taken.
Once verified, youridentity is linked to your GOV.UK One Login, so you won’t need to verify againfor other services.
2. Verify Through anAuthorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
If you prefer, a UK accountant,UK solicitor, or other AML-supervised UK agent registered with Companies Houseas an ACSP can verify your identity on your behalf.
You will need to provide them with suitable identity documents, and they may charge a verification fee.
Once verified, Companies House will issue you a personal code — a unique identifier linked to your verified identity.
Your Companies House Personal Code
After successful verification, you will receive a Companies House personal code, which serves as proof of your verified identity.
You’ll need this code:
· When filing a confirmation statement.
· When being appointed as a director or PSC.
· When registering as an ACSP or filing on behalf of others.
🔒 Keep this code secure — it should only be shared with trusted individuals (for example, your accountant or company secretary). It functions similarly to your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for HMRC.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify
Failure to verify your identity within the required timeframe could result in:
· Inability to form or manage a company.
· Rejection of filings by Companies House.
· Financial penalties or criminal prosecution.
· Disqualification as a company director (for continuing to act without verification).
For PSCs, failure to comply will also constitute an offence and may result in penalties.
Fraud Prevention Warning
Do not share or sell your identity to others to create or manage companies. Doing so could lead to serious legal consequences and financial liability if your identity is misused.
How Your Information Is Used
Information provided during verification is handled securely under the GOV.UK One Login privacy policy. Your identity details are stored only for verification purposes and linked to your GOV.UK account for future authentication.
Final Thoughts
The new identity verification system marks a major step toward enhancing corporate transparency and preventing misuse of UK company structures.
While the process is straightforward, preparation is key — ensuring directors, PSCs, and agents complete verification before the filing deadline will help businesses remain compliant and avoid penalties.
At PKF Brenson Lawlor, our Company Secretarial team is available to support clients through this transition, including guidance on verification requirements, timelines, and ACSP registration.
📩 For assistance, please contact cosec@pkfbl.ie.
