Following the introduction of voluntary identity checks earlier this year, Companies House will make ID verification mandatory from 18 November 2025. These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and are designed to improve transparency and reduce the risk of fraud in UK company records.
Who needs to verify their identity
The following individuals must complete ID verification with Companies House:
- All existing and newly appointed directors, LLP members, general partners and managing officers and those appointed to equivalent roles
- All existing and new persons of significant control (PSCs), including relevant officers of a Relevant Legal Entity (RLE)
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company, such as a company secretary
Additionally, third-party agents such as Solicitors and accountants are required to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) if they intend to verify identities on their clients’ behalf.
In Spring 2026 third-party agents will also be required to register as an ACSP if they make Companies House filings for their clients.
When verification is required
When you need to verify your identity will depend on your role and when you started in that role. Please note that Companies House treat verification as a director and PSC separately. There are different timescales for submission of your ID depending on whether you are an existing or newly appointed director, director/PSC or solely a PSC. Please refer to the Companies House link set out below for further information on when you need to verify and provide your personal code to Companies House.
How to verify your identity
There are two ways to complete verification:
1. Direct verification (free)
This process is carried out through a GOV.UK One Login account. Users can verify by:
- Using the GOV.UK ID Check app
- Uploading documents and answering security questions online
- Visiting the Post Office, where staff can upload photo ID on your behalf
2. Indirect verification (via an ACSP)
If you need help or lack the required documents, an ACSP (such as a solicitor or accountant) can verify your identity.
There will be a charge for this service, and not all ACSPs will offer it.
Once verified, you’ll only need to repeat the process if Companies House later requests re-verification.
Documents required
You’ll typically need one of the following:
- UK photocard driving licence
- UK or non-UK biometric passport
- UK biometric residence permit or card
- Frontier Worker permit
- EU photocard driving licence or national ID card
- UK bank or building society account
Different forms of ID may apply for those resident overseas without biometric identification.
After verification
Each verified individual will be issued a personal code, linking their identity to all company roles held at Companies House.
This code must be kept securely and will be required for:
- Filing confirmation statements
- Future appointments as a director or PSC
- Authorising advisers to act on your behalf
Consequences of non-verification
From 18 November 2025:
- Companies will be unable to file confirmation statements if relevant individuals are not verified
- Fines of up to £2,000 per offence may apply
- Public annotations may appear on company records showing non-compliance
- Decisions made by unverified directors will still be valid, but companies that allow them to continue in post may also commit an offence.
For full guidance, visit:
Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
Making identity verification simple, secure and trusted – Companies House Blog
If you have questions about how these changes affect your company or your role as a director or PSC, please get in touch with the Corporate team at BPE Solicitors.
