New Companies House identity verification rules: what company directors need to do
Major reforms to UK company law are now being implemented, bringing new identity verification requirements for individuals involved in limited companies. These changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to improve transparency and reduce fraud within the UK’s corporate register.
For company directors and business owners, understanding these new rules is key to remain compliant and avoid possible penalties.
What Has Changed?
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement for individuals involved in UK companies. This includes company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). The changes are being introduced gradually, with a 12-month transition period running until November 2026 to allow existing companies time to comply.
The purpose of these reforms is to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and prevent the misuse of UK companies for fraudulent or illegal activities.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
The new rules apply to several individuals connected with UK companies, including:
Company directors (new and existing)
People with Significant Control (PSCs)
LLP members and certain company officers
Individuals filing documents with Companies House on behalf of companies
Key Deadlines for Limited Companies
The timing of identity verification depends on the individual’s role and when they were appointed:
New directors appointed on or after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity before their appointment can be registered.
Existing directors must verify their identity before their company’s next confirmation statement due date during the transition period.
PSCs must also complete identity verification before their details can be recorded or updated.
If you’re both a PSC and a director of the same company, your 14-day period starts from the day after the company’s confirmation statement date. For example, if your confirmation statement date is 31 March 2026, your 14-day verification period as a PSC would run from 1 April to 14 April 2026.
How Identity Verification Works
There are several ways individuals can verify their identity with Companies House:
Online or via the app using GOV.UK One Login
In person at selected Post Office branches
Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent
Once verified, individuals receive a personal Companies House code which will need to be used when making filings or taking on new company roles, and if we are filing your returns for you, you will need to give us the personal code for each director.
What Happens If You Do Not Verify?
Failure to complete identity verification when required could lead to significant consequences. Individuals who act as directors without being verified may be committing an offence, and companies could face penalties or difficulties making filings with Companies House.
In some cases, filings may be rejected or companies could risk further enforcement action if compliance requirements are not met.
What Company Directors Should Do Now
Rollout has already started and is being phased in over a year. Recommended steps include:
Checking who in the company must complete identity verification
Ensuring directors and PSCs have appropriate photo identification available
Responding promptly when contacted by us regarding identity verification
If you would like further guidance on this or another subject, please get in touch - we would love to hear from you.