Companies House Identity Verification Explained for UK Businesses

If you're a director, business owner, or have significant control over a UK limited company, you might have heard about new identity verification requirements from Companies House. These changes are designed to make the UK's business environment more transparent and secure. Don't worry, we're here to break down what you need to know in a clear, straightforward way.

Why is Identity Verification Being Introduced?

The new identity verification is a legal requirement introduced to combat fraudulent activities and enhance the integrity of the Companies House register. By requiring individuals to confirm who they are, the aim is to:

• Reduce the risk of fraud.

• Improve transparency, trust, and accuracy of information held on the Companies House register.

• Deter those who might intend to use companies for illegal purposes.

This means a more secure and trustworthy environment for everyone involved in UK business.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

Identity verification is currently being rolled out for several key roles within a company. You will need to verify your identity if you are:

• A director (or equivalent role, such as a member, general partner, or managing officer).

• A Person with Significant Control (PSC), also known as a ‘beneficial owner’. This refers to someone who owns or controls your company, typically by holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or having the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors.

• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which is also known as a Companies House authorised agent (e.g., an accountant or solicitor filing on behalf of clients).

Coming Soon: Identity verification will be introduced at a later date for other roles, including:

• People who file at Companies House.

• Limited partnerships.

• Corporate directors of companies.

• Corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs).

• Officers of corporate PSCs.

In most cases, you will only need to verify your identity once.

Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar!

The identity verification process is becoming a mandatory requirement from 18 November 2025. However, you can voluntarily verify your identity from 8 April 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of the deadlines based on your role:

For Directors (or equivalent)

• Existing Directors: If you are currently a director, you will need to provide your unique Companies House personal code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement filing from 18 November 2025.

• New Directors: If you become a director or register a new company after 18 November 2025, you’ll need to provide your personal code as part of your appointment filing or when you incorporate a company.

• Multiple Companies: If you are a director of more than one company, you must provide your personal code for each company.

For People with Significant Control (PSCs)

• Upon successful verification, you'll receive a Companies House personal code. Every PSC will have a 14-day period to provide this code.

• If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company: You must provide your personal code separately for each role. As a director, include it in the company's confirmation statement. As a PSC, you must use a separate online service within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date, which will be available from 18 November 2025.

• If you are a PSC but not a director of the same company (and were registered before 18 November 2025): You must provide your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month. For example, if your birthday is 22 January, your 14-day period starts on 1 January.

• If you become a PSC after 18 November 2025: You must provide your personal code within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register.

For Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

• You will need to verify your identity and provide your Companies House personal code if you wish to register as an authorised agent.

How to Verify Your Identity?

There are two main ways to verify your identity for Companies House, and you should not post or email your identity documents.
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Option 1: The Free GOV.UK One Login Service

This is the recommended and free method. It's easiest to complete the entire process using a smartphone.

1. Create Your GOV.UK One Login Account: Go to gov.uk one login and create an account. It's crucial to use the email address associated with your Companies House account.

2. Guided Verification: The GOV.UK One Login service will ask you some questions to determine the best verification method for you. These methods include:

   • Using the GOV.UK One Login app: You'll need a smartphone (iPhone 6s/iOS 15 or newer, or Android 10 or higher for most IDs) and one of the following photo IDs: a UK photocard driving licence, UK passport, non-UK passport with a biometric chip, or a UK biometric residence permit/card/Frontier Worker permit (some expired versions are accepted). The process involves scanning your passport's photo page, its biometric chip, and your face with your selfie camera.

   • Answering security questions online: You'll need to answer questions about things like your mobile phone contract, bank accounts, credit cards, loans, or mortgages. You'll also need details from a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or a current account with a UK bank or building society.

   • Visiting a Post Office: You'll first enter details from your photo ID on GOV.UK. Then, you'll visit a participating Post Office offering 'in branch verification' where they will scan your photo ID and take a photo of you. You'll typically receive an email with the result within a day. Accepted IDs include UK/non-UK passports, UK/EU photocard driving licences, or a national identity photocard from an EU country, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

3. Receive Your Companies House Personal Code: Once your identity is successfully verified, you will be issued a unique Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you, not your company, and you’ll need it for future filings and appointments. Keep this code secure, just like your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for HMRC, and only share it with people you trust to file on your behalf.

Option 2: Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

You can ask an ACSP (like an accountant or solicitor) to verify your identity for you.

• Who they are: They are also known as Companies House authorised agents.

• Requirements: Your chosen agent must be registered with Companies House and a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.

• Process: You'll need to provide them with documents from an approved list as evidence of your identity.

• Cost: ACSPs may charge a fee for their services. This option can be used from any country.

Practical Advice for Company Owners

These new requirements are a significant step towards greater transparency. Here’s how you can prepare and ensure a smooth transition:

• Don't Delay, Verify Voluntarily: Since voluntary verification began on 8 April 2025, you can get ahead of the mandatory 18 November 2025 deadline. This gives you ample time to complete the process without last-minute stress.

• Gather Your Documents: Ensure you have readily accessible and valid photo ID, such as a UK passport or driving licence. If using a non-UK passport, check if it has a biometric chip. If opting for online security questions, be prepared to answer details about your financial history.

• Understand Your Roles: If you hold multiple roles (e.g., both a director and a PSC), be aware that you might have different deadlines or processes for each role.

• Beware of Non-Compliance: Failing to comply with identity verification requirements can lead to serious consequences. You may face financial penalties or fines, and you will not be able to make any filings, start a new company, or register as an ACSP. Directors who continue to act without verifying could be committing an offence and may even be disqualified. For PSCs, refusing to provide information or giving false details is a criminal offence, potentially leading to a 2-year prison sentence, a fine, or both.

• Choose Your Method Wisely: The GOV.UK One Login service is free. If you want to avoid extra costs, verifying directly through the government service is your best option. ACSPs will likely charge a fee for their services.

• Secure Your Companies House Personal Code: This code is unique to you and critical for future company interactions. Treat it like other sensitive personal identifiers.

The new Companies House identity verification requirements are a crucial step towards a more secure and transparent business landscape in the UK. By understanding the process, key dates, and potential implications, small business owners, contractors, and entrepreneurs can ensure they remain compliant and continue to operate smoothly.