Introduction

Companies House is introducing important changes to improve the accuracy and reliability of the UK company register. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identities to help prevent fraudulent company formations and misuse of business information.

The new requirements affect limited companies across the UK, including small businesses, family-run companies and organisations with multiple directors. Existing directors and PSCs need to understand when their verification is due and how to complete the process.

Understanding Companies House identity checks can help company officers meet their legal responsibilities, avoid compliance problems and prepare for the transition period ending on 18 November 2026.

1. What Is Companies House Identity Verification?

Identity verification is a process designed to confirm that individuals listed as company directors or people with significant control are who they claim to be.

The requirement forms part of wider reforms introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These changes aim to make the Companies House register more trustworthy and reduce the risk of companies being used for fraud, money laundering and other illegal activities.

Under the new system, individuals must complete an identity check and receive a unique Companies House personal code. They must then provide that code to Companies House when required for their relevant company role.

Identity verification is generally a one-time process for an individual, although the personal code must be supplied separately for each relevant company role.

2. Why Is 18 November 2026 an Important Date?

Mandatory identity verification began on 18 November 2025. This date marked the start of a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs to complete the requirements according to their individual filing dates.

The transition period is expected to conclude on 18 November 2026. However, this should not be treated as one universal deadline that applies to every individual on the same day.

For existing directors, verification details are generally required when the company files its next confirmation statement during the transition period. PSCs have separate requirements, including specific 14-day periods for submitting their personal codes.

New directors appointed after the rules began must verify their identities as part of the appointment process. Therefore, businesses should check the relevant dates for each individual rather than waiting until the final day of the transition period.

Companies House guidance explains how these dates depend on an individual's role and circumstances.

3. Who Needs to Complete Identity Verification?

The new requirements primarily apply to the following individuals:

Company directors: Existing and newly appointed directors must complete identity verification. This applies to directors of private limited companies and other companies within scope of the legislation.

People with significant control (PSCs): Individuals who have significant influence or control over a company must also verify their identities. This may include people who hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights, depending on the applicable PSC conditions.

Individuals with multiple company roles: Someone who is both a director and a PSC must meet the requirements for each role. Although they generally only need to complete the identity check once, they must provide their personal code separately for the relevant roles.

The requirements also cover equivalent roles in certain organisations. Other categories, such as corporate directors and some corporate PSC arrangements, have separate implementation considerations.

Businesses should review their company structure and identify every individual who needs to complete verification.

4. How Can Directors Verify Their Identity?

Companies House provides different ways to complete identity verification. Individuals can generally choose the method that suits their circumstances.

Option 1: Verify Online Through GOV.UK One Login

Directors can complete the process online using GOV.UK One Login. Depending on the verification route available to them, they may need an accepted identity document, such as:

• A biometric passport

• A UK photocard driving licence

• A biometric residence permit

• A biometric residence card

• An eligible Frontier Worker permit

Individuals will also need to provide relevant personal information and follow the instructions in the online service. The documents accepted depend on the verification route and the individual's circumstances.

Option 2: Verify at a Post Office

Some individuals can complete identity verification in person through a participating Post Office. They will generally need to enter their identity document details through the online service before attending.

This option may be useful for people who prefer an in-person verification process.

Option 3: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

Directors can also ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an eligible accountant or solicitor, to verify their identity.

An ACSP must be registered with Companies House and meet the relevant anti-money laundering supervision requirements. Individuals should check that their chosen professional is authorised before using this route.

Once verification is successful, the individual receives a Companies House personal code. This code should be stored securely and used when submitting the required information for their company roles.

5. What Is a Companies House Personal Code?

A Companies House personal code is a unique identifier issued after an individual successfully verifies their identity.

The code connects the verified identity to the person's Companies House record. It is used to confirm that the individual has completed the required verification process.

Directors should keep their personal codes secure and avoid sharing them with people they do not trust. They should also make sure that the code is entered correctly when submitting company information.

If a director holds appointments in several companies, the same personal code can generally be used for each relevant directorship. However, it must be provided separately for every company appointment when required.

6. What Must Existing Directors Do Before the Transition Period Ends?

Existing directors should take practical steps to ensure that their company meets the new requirements.

First, each director should complete identity verification using one of the accepted routes. It is sensible to do this early rather than waiting until the company's next confirmation statement is due.

Second, directors should obtain and securely retain their Companies House personal codes. They should ensure that the information is available when the company prepares its next confirmation statement.

Third, the company should review its confirmation statement date and identify when the personal codes must be provided. If there are several directors, each person's verification status should be checked.

Finally, directors should confirm that the company's registered details and officer information are accurate. Keeping company records up to date can make it easier to manage the new requirements.

Taking these steps early can help avoid last-minute administrative difficulties.

7. What Must People With Significant Control Do?

PSCs have their own identity verification responsibilities, which differ from the process for directors.

An existing PSC who is also a director of the same company generally needs to provide their personal code separately for their PSC role within the relevant 14-day period following the company's confirmation statement date.

A PSC who is not a director generally has a 14-day period beginning on the first day of their month of birth, as recorded on the Companies House register.

Individuals who become PSCs after 18 November 2025 must follow the applicable deadline after being added to the register.

These requirements mean that companies should not assume that completing a director's verification automatically satisfies the individual's PSC obligations. Each role must be checked separately.

8. What Happens If a Director Does Not Verify Their Identity?

Failing to complete identity verification can create legal and compliance problems for both individuals and companies.

Under the legislation, an individual must not act as a director unless their identity has been verified. A company must also ensure that its directors meet this requirement.

Non-compliance may lead to enforcement action. Depending on the circumstances, Companies House has powers that include financial penalties, prosecution and referrals to other authorities. A company may also be in breach if one of its directors is not verified when required.

PSCs who fail to meet their verification obligations may also face enforcement consequences.

Companies House has stated that it will use a proportionate approach to non-compliance, including providing information and guidance. However, businesses should not rely on receiving additional reminders before taking action.

9. Common Identity Verification Mistakes to Avoid

Directors and company administrators should watch out for several common errors.

Waiting until the last minute: Delaying verification can create unnecessary pressure, particularly if an individual experiences problems with their identity documents or online account.

Confusing verification with providing the personal code: Completing the identity check is only one part of the process. The personal code must also be submitted to Companies House when required.

Forgetting separate company appointments: Directors with multiple directorships must provide their personal code for each relevant company role.

Ignoring PSC responsibilities: An individual who is both a director and a PSC has separate obligations for each role.

Using an unauthorised agent: Anyone choosing professional verification should confirm that the provider is registered as an ACSP.

Sharing personal codes carelessly: Verification details should be handled securely to reduce the risk of identity misuse.

Reviewing these points can help companies organise their compliance work and avoid preventable problems.

10. How Can Businesses Prepare for the New Requirements?

Businesses should treat identity verification as part of their regular company administration rather than a one-off task to address at the last moment.

A practical preparation process includes:

• Creating a list of all directors and PSCs.

• Checking which individuals have already verified their identities.

• Confirming that every person has received their personal code.

• Reviewing the company's next confirmation statement date.

• Checking the separate deadlines for PSCs.

• Keeping company officer information accurate.

• Storing verification records securely.

Companies with several directors or complex ownership arrangements may benefit from reviewing their records with an accountant or company administration professional.

Good organisation can make it easier to identify outstanding tasks and ensure that the right information is available when filings are due.

11. When Should Directors Seek Professional Support?

Although the identity verification process is designed to be straightforward, some businesses may need additional help understanding their responsibilities.

This can be particularly relevant where a company has several directors, overseas officers, complicated ownership arrangements or individuals who hold multiple roles. Professional guidance may also help directors understand how identity verification fits into their wider company compliance responsibilities.

Businesses should also maintain accurate financial records and meet their tax filing obligations alongside Companies House requirements. Directors who need help with Self Assessment registration, tax returns or ongoing financial administration may benefit from reviewing Self Assessment registration guidance.

When comparing professional accounting support, businesses can also explore affordable UK tax return providers to understand the services available and consider which level of assistance suits their needs.

MyIVA provides tax and accounting support to help businesses manage their financial responsibilities. Companies can also consider professional tax planning support when reviewing their wider tax position and planning ahead.

Conclusion

Companies House identity verification is an important legal requirement for UK company directors and people with significant control. The transition period began on 18 November 2025 and is expected to conclude on 18 November 2026, but individual obligations are linked to specific company filing dates and PSC deadlines.

Directors should complete their identity checks early, obtain their personal codes and ensure that the codes are submitted when required. PSCs must also review their separate responsibilities rather than assuming that director verification covers every role.

By keeping company information accurate, tracking important dates and seeking professional guidance where necessary, businesses can prepare for the new requirements and reduce the risk of non-compliance. With appropriate support from MyIVA, directors can also stay organised with their wider accounting and tax responsibilities.