Companies House Confirms Identity Verification Start Date – What Directors and PSCs Need to Do Now

In our July 2025 article, we explained that new identity verification rules for company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies were coming as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Companies House has now confirmed that these requirements will come into effect from 18 November 2025. This is a major change for every UK-registered company, and action will be needed well before your next annual confirmation statement.

Key Points from the Companies House Update

• From 18 November 2025: All company directors and PSCs must have their identity verified.
• The rules will apply to all UK-registered companies — from large PLCs to small owner-managed businesses.
• Verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors, corporate LLP members, and officers of corporate PSCs will be introduced later.

If You’re a Director

• The transition period starts on 18 November 2025.
• You must verify your identity before filing your company’s next confirmation statement.
• Example: If your confirmation statement is due on 31 March 2026, all directors must be verified before that date.
• When you file, you must provide:

1. Your personal code (issued after verification).
2. A verification statement for each director.

• You’ll need to repeat this for each company you’re a director of — using the same personal code.

If You’re a Person with Significant Control (PSC)

• 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 must 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.

How to Verify Your Identity

Two options:

1. GOV.UK One Login – Secure online verification (options depend on your device, photo ID availability, and ID type).
2. Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – An agent, such as RJP LLP, can verify your identity using approved documents. This option can be used from anywhere in the world.

Important: Do not post or email identity documents to Companies House.

What Happens Next

The verification process is two steps:

1. Verify your identity and receive your personal code.
2. Link your verified identity to each company role you hold by providing your personal code and verification statement.

Make sure your personal details match those on the Companies House register — especially your date of birth — or you won’t be able to complete the linking process.

Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute

From 18 November 2025, your company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all directors are verified. To avoid delays and ensure compliance:

• Start verification early.
• Give directors and PSCs outside the UK plenty of time to complete the process.
• Confirm your registered email address and company records are correct.

How RJP LLP Can Help

We will be acting as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider and can verify your identity quickly and securely. We can also ensure your company meets all the new Companies House requirements and manage the process for all directors and PSCs in your company.

If you’d like help preparing, contact partners@rjp.co.uk so we can ensure you’re ready well before the deadline.