New ID Verification Rules for Directors at Companies House
Companies House has recently made changes aimed at improving transparency, enhancing the accuracy of its register, and giving those searching for company information greater confidence. It also aims to reduce the risk of fraud and deter people from using companies for illegal purposes.
These changes will include mandatory ID checks for directors and persons of significant control (PSC)
When will this happen?
Currently, this is a voluntary process; however, it will become mandatory for all new directors as of November 18, 2025. For existing directors, a 12-month transition period will be in effect, during which you will need to verify your details as your annual confirmation statement becomes due.
When you need to provide the data will depend on your role:
Directors (or equivalent)
You will need to provide your Companies House personal code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement from 18 November 2025.
If you are a director of more than one company, you will need to do this for each company.
If you’re registering a new company, you’ll be asked to provide the Companies House personal code for each director as part of the registration filing.
People with significant control (PSCs)
PSCs must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code. The period for doing this depends on your situation.
If you’re both a director and a PSC of the same company
You’ll need to provide your personal code separately for each role.
As a director, you are required to provide the code in the company’s confirmation statement.
As a PSC, you must provide it using a separate service within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date. This service will be available when the requirement comes into force on 18 November 2025.
If you’re a PSC but not a director of the same company
You must provide your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month. For example, if your date of birth is 22 January, your 14-day period will begin 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.
What happens when you verify with Companies House
When you have successfully verified, you’ll get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. The code is personal to you, not your company or a company you work for. You need to keep this number safe and use it when filing your next confirmation statement (after 18 November) or supply it to us so that we can continue to file documents on your behalf.
From 18 November 2025, you’ll need it for various reasons. For example:
- When you file your confirmation statement
- If you are appointed as a director
- If you become a person with significant control (PSC)
How to verify with Companies House
You can only verify your identity for Companies House using the following options.
Using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service
This service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity. It is free of charge.
GOV.UK One Login will ask you some simple questions to find the best way for you to verify your identity. Depending on your answers, you’ll then be guided to verify:
- With an app
- By answering security questions online
- By entering your details from your photo ID on GOV.UK One Login first, then go to a participating Post Office.
Find out more about proving your identity with GOV.UK One Login.
You can verify yourself online with GOV.UK if you have one of the following types of photo ID:
- A biometric passport from any country
- UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
You’ll also need:
- Your current address and the year you moved in
- To sign in to or create a GOV.UK One Login ( this will be possible as part of the verification process)
What a biometric passport is
Biometric passports have a small rectangular symbol on the front cover. You can use them to go through electronic gates at airports and international train stations.
All UK passports issued after 2006 are biometric.
How to verify if you do not have these types of photo ID
If you do not have any of these types of photo ID but live in the UK, use this GOV.UK service to find out if you can verify in one of the following ways:
- In person at the Post Office
- With bank or building society details, you’ll then need to provide your National Insurance number and answer some security questions
Read the guidance about verifying your identity.
What happens if you do not verify with Companies House
You will not be able to:
- Make any filings
- Start a new company or entity
If you do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you may be committing an offence and may have to pay a financial penalty or fine.
Directors
If you continue to act as a director without verifying after it becomes a legal requirement, you will be committing an offence and could be disqualified. The company (or entity) and all directors may also be committing an offence.
People with significant control (PSCs)
If you are (or were) a PSC without verifying after it becomes a legal requirement, you may be committing an offence.
What do I have to do now?
We recommend completing this step as soon as possible so that you have the necessary code in place when the confirmation statement is due. It takes about 10 minutes if you have everything to hand. Once you have the code, pass it on to your chosen accountant.