It will be mandatory for all company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing information on behalf of a company to verify their identity with Companies House.

From 18th November 2025 this will become a legal requirement before a company can file its next confirmation statement.

This is part of the new reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, designed to make the company register more secure, accurate and transparent.

Why identity verification is being introduced

These changes are part of the UK government’s wider efforts to improve trust in business information. By confirming the identity of the people running and controlling companies, Companies House aims to prevent the misuse of UK companies for criminal activity, money laundering, and fraud.

Who needs to verify

Identity verification will apply to anyone involved in forming, managing, or controlling a UK company, including:

• Company directors (existing and new appointments)

• People with Significant Control (PSCs)

• Individuals who file information on behalf of a company, such as agents or accountants

When the new rules apply

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement. New directors will need to verify their identity before a company can be incorporated, while existing directors will need to complete verification before filing their company’s next confirmation statement.

Anyone acting as a director without a verified identity after that date may be committing an offence.

How to verify your identity

There are two main ways to complete identity verification with Companies House:

1. Through Companies House directly –
You can verify your identity using one of several no-cost GOV.UK options:
• The GOV.UK One Login app, using your phone’s camera to scan your photo ID and take a selfie
• The GOV.UK website, by answering questions about your bank account and other security checks
• At a Post Office, after entering your ID details online first

2. Through an authorised agent –
Agents supervised for anti-money laundering purposes can complete the verification process on your behalf as part of company formation or filing services. Once verified, you’ll receive a Companies House personal code, which links your verified identity with any companies you’re connected to.

For full guidance, visit the official GOV.UK page:
👉 Companies House personal codes for identity verification   

What happens if you don’t verify?

If a director or PSC doesn’t verify their identity, they won’t be able to act in their role. Companies with unverified directors may be committing an offence, and Companies House could add a public note to the register or take enforcement action.

How this links to wider Companies House reforms

Identity verification is one of several reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Other key updates include:

• Stricter checks on company names and registered addresses

• New powers for Companies House to query or reject suspicious filings

• Greater data sharing with law enforcement agencies

Together, these changes aim to make it easier to spot fraudulent activity and improve the reliability of company information across the UK.

What directors should do now

Directors and PSCs should ensure their personal and company details held by Companies House are correct. Keep an eye on official Companies House updates as further information is published about how to complete the verification process. Preparing early will help make the transition smooth once the new system is live.

Useful links

• Companies House personal codes

• Companies House reforms overview

• Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act