Companies House introduce a new identity verification framework
From 18th November 2025, all new and existing company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity with Companies House.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Once verified, the relevant director or PSC will receive a Companies House 11-character unique identifier, which will become the individual’s ‘personal code’. Individuals will generally only need to verify once. The personal code should be kept safe, as it can be applied to various roles within different companies.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO VERIFY?
The requirement to verify will depend on your role(s) within the company and whether verification is triggered. The table below sets out further information.
WHY?
The objective is to improve the accuracy and reliability of the register and deter misuse of UK corporate vehicles.
WHEN WILL IT APPLY?
The rollout timetable will differ for respective roles within the company. Companies House will phase the policy in over 12 months. This commercial update will focus on the mandatory requirements implemented from 18th November 2025 for directors and PSCs.
| New Directors | Must be verified to be appointed. Personal code provided on incorporation. |
| Existing Directors | Verification is linked to the company’s confirmation statement. Personal code is provided within the company’s next confirmation statement. |
| New PSCs | Personal code and verification statement must be submitted within 14 days from the date that the PSC is registered. |
| Existing PSCs that are Directors | Verification is linked to the company’s confirmation statement. Personal code must be provided within 14 days of the company’s confirmation statement date, using a separate service. |
| Existing PSCs that are not Directors | Personal code must be provided within 14 days of the PSC’s birth month (as shown on the public register). Example: If you were born in March, your 14-day window will begin on 1st March. |
HOW CAN I VERIFY MY IDENTITY?
There are two ways to verify your identity:
- Directly with Companies House:
Individuals can use their Gov.UK Login to verify their identity directly, free of charge. You will answer questions and be guided to verify:
- by answering questions online,
- through the smartphone app, or
- at a participating Post Office.
2. By using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
These are individuals or organisations that have been authorised by Companies House to undertake anti-money laundering supervised activity. Examples include:
- Company formation agents,
- Solicitors,
- Accountants, and
- Chartered secretaries and governance professionals
ACSPs must meet Companies House’s identity verification standard and keep records for 7 years. There may be a fee involved.
WHAT IF I DO NOT COMPLY?
- It will be an offence to act as a director without being verified once duties commence. If you are a director and fail to verify when required, you could be disqualified.
- The company and other directors may also be committing an offence.
- Unverified individuals cannot incorporate or be appointed.
- If you are a PSC and fail to verify, you may be committing an offence.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT
- Expect some disruption from 18th November 2025, when the changes are introduced. There is expected to be a high volume of activity during this period.
- Ensure that your name on Companies House:
(a) Matches your name as it appears on your identification documents, including any middle names, and
(b) Matches your other appointments (if any) on Companies House. - Check Companies House for the relevant identity verification dates, if you are an existing company.
- Create a Gov.Uk login, if you have not already, and take steps to verify your identification.
CONTACT US
If you would like further information or advice on how to comply with these changes, please feel free to contact our team here: https://gamlins.com/business/company-solicitor/ or on 01745 343500
