Companies House ID Verification Guide

From 18 November 2025, Companies House identity verification (IDV) became mandatory, with a transition period to bring existing directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) onto the new system. This is designed to improve trust in the UK companies register by ensuring the people running and controlling companies are genuine, identifiable individuals.

For businesses, the practical impact is simple but significant: verification is step 1, and using the Companies House personal code correctly is step 2. If you miss step 2, you can still get stuck when filing (especially at confirmation statement time).

Why identity verification is being introduced

Identity verification is part of the wider Companies House reforms to improve the accuracy and integrity of the UK corporate register. The goal is to reduce misuse of UK companies and make it harder to hide behind false or stolen identities. Once verified, the system links your identity to your Companies House roles via a personal code.

Who needs to verify?

Identity verification applies to a wide range of roles, including:

• Directors of UK limited companies
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Individuals in director-equivalent roles (e.g., managing officers in certain entities)
• Directors of some overseas companies registered in the UK
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) (authorised agents who can verify and file for clients)

Additional groups are introduced in phases (for example, some people who file at Companies House, certain partnership structures, corporate officers of corporate PSCs, etc.). If you operate a group structure or have corporate PSC chains, it’s worth mapping roles early.

Key dates and timeline (2025–2026)

How to verify: two routes

You can verify your identity in one of two ways:

1. Directly via GOV.UK One Login (usually free).
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (authorised agent; may charge a fee).

What you need for online verification (GOV.UK One Login)

Online verification requires eligible photo ID and supporting details. Companies House guidance lists these common accepted photo IDs:

You’ll also typically need your current address and the year you moved in, plus a unique email address for GOV.UK One Login. If you cannot complete the online route, an authorised agent (ACSP) may be able to support verification under the rules.

The Companies House personal code

After verifying, you receive a Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you (not your company). You use it to link your verified identity to Companies House roles and filings. Keep it secure and only share it with trusted people responsible for filings.

When must you provide the personal code? (Directors vs PSCs)

Directors (and equivalent roles)

• Existing directors: the personal code is typically provided in the company’s next confirmation statement. If directors are not verified/linked correctly, the confirmation statement may not be accepted.
• New incorporations: you may need to provide directors’ personal codes during incorporation as the regime embeds fully.
• Overseas entities registered in the UK: requirements may align with the entity’s filing cycle/anniversary obligations.

PSCs (People with Significant Control)

PSC timing can be more nuanced than director timing because it can involve a 14-day submission window depending on the scenario. If you have multiple PSCs (or corporate PSC chains), it’s wise to add reminders to your compliance calendar.

What happens if you don’t verify (or miss the due date)?

Failing to comply can result in enforcement action, including penalties. In practice, the immediate business risk is often filing disruption—especially for confirmation statements—because the system may require verified roles and valid personal codes before it will accept certain submissions.

Practical checklist: what to do now (especially for non-UK resident directors)

• Map roles: list every director and PSC (including overseas directors and corporate PSC structures).
• Verify early: don’t wait for the confirmation statement deadline—avoid last-minute ID, access, or admin issues.
• Confirm ID options: ensure each person has eligible photo ID for the online route, or plan for an ACSP route.
• Secure personal codes: store safely and define who can use them for filings (and when).
• Update your filing workflow: ensure your next confirmation statement captures directors’ personal codes correctly.
• Diarise PSC steps: set reminders for PSC windows and PSC updates (especially where roles overlap).

Need help keeping everything compliant?

If you’re an overseas founder, you manage multiple directors/PSCs, or you want to avoid confirmation statement issues, Accusolve can help you map your obligations, align your filings, and keep your UK company compliant without overcomplicating the process.