New Companies House Identity Verification Requirements: What You Need to Know

The UK government has been implementing significant changes to company registration and governance through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The most recent change that went live from 17th November was the identity verification requirement for new and existing company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).

What's changed?

Companies House has introduced mandatory identity verification for all directors and PSCs as part of broader efforts to combat economic crime and improve corporate transparency. If you're a company director or PSC, you may have already received correspondence from Companies House about this new requirement.

All existing directors will need to verify their identities and report their Personal Codes through the next cycle of annual Confirmation Statements. Whilst existing PSCs must verify their identities and report their Personal Codes through the PSC Verification Statement service.

For all new director or PSC appointments, including company incorporations, the Personal Code must be included as part of the filing with Companies House.

What is the ID verification process?

The good news is that the verification process is free and designed to be straightforward, once completed you will be issued with a Personal Code to report to Companies House. Here's what you need to know:

Online verification

All methods of verification require you to setup a personal GOV.UK One Login. The online verification methods require:

• A current UK passport or UK photo driving licence (biometric permits are also accepted)

• A smartphone

• The ability to complete facial recognition matching against your photo ID

The process involves allowing the software to match your likeness to your official photo identification, creating a secure digital verification of your identity.

Alternative options

If you don't have the required photographic identification, you may still be able to verify online using bank or building society details. To check if this option is available to you, visit the official guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

For those who cannot complete the online verification, in-person verification at participating Post Offices may be possible. You must progress through the One Login process to obtain a verification letter to utilise this service. Again, refer to the official guidance to confirm this route is available for your circumstances.

What happens after verification?

Once you've successfully completed the verification process, Companies House will provide you with a personal verification code. This code is important for several reasons:

• It confirms your verified status with Companies House

• It may be required for future company filings and registrations

• You should keep it secure, treating it like any other personal identification code

If you work with accountants, solicitors, or other professional advisers who handle company filings on your behalf, they will need a copy of your verification code for their records. If you're a client of ours, please do share your code with your account manager. Once we've received your personal code, we can submit your confirmation statement will all director identifiers on.

When do you need to report your Personal Code?

For directors the personal codes are reported through the next annual Confirmation Statement, all active director codes must be included for the filing to be accepted.

For PSCs the personal codes are reported by way of a PSC verification statement, the reporting deadline will be either the 14th day of your birth month or inline with your company’s Confirmation Statement. You should refer to your company overview at Companies House to confirm your deadline.

To complete the PSC verification statement you will require:

-            A One Login account

-            The company registration number

-            Your personal code

Why is this important?

This new requirement is part of the government's broader strategy to:

• Reduce corporate fraud and economic crime

• Improve transparency in company ownership and control

• Strengthen the integrity of the UK's corporate register

• Align with international best practices for corporate governance

The verification process is mandatory for all relevant individuals, after 18th November.

Getting help

As this is a new process, some users may encounter technical difficulties or have questions about the requirements. If you experience issues:

• First, consult the official guidance at GOV.UK

• Contact Companies House directly for technical support

• Seek advice from your professional advisers if you're unsure about the requirements. Our team are happy to support on this process

Key takeaways

• Identity verification is mandatory for all company directors and PSCs as of18th November 2025

• Directors report their ID verification through their company’s annual Confirmation Statement.

• PSCs report their ID verification through a PSC Verification Statement.

• The process is free and primarily conducted online

• You'll receive a personal verification code that should be kept secure

• This is part of important anti-fraud and transparency measures

The UK government's commitment to tackling economic crime through improved corporate transparency represents a significant step forward in business regulation. While the new verification requirements may seem like an additional administrative burden, they play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the UK's business environment.

For the most up-to-date information and detailed guidance, always refer to the official Companies House resources and GOV.UK guidance pages, or contact our expert team for support.