⚠️ New Legal Requirement: Identity Verification for Directors from Autumn 2025
From autumn 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must complete a mandatory identity verification process with Companies House. This is a key part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at improving the accuracy of the company register and preventing misuse of UK companies.
What You Need to Know
All company directors and PSCs must prove their identity through an approved process. If you don’t complete this, you risk serious consequences, including:
Being unable to file confirmation statements or other Companies House submissions
Facing financial penalties
Being barred from forming a new company
We strongly recommend our clients take early action to avoid future disruption.
💡 How to Verify Your Identity
There are three ways to verify your identity:
Online – via the GOV.UK One Login (you’ll need a suitable ID)
In person – at select UK Post Offices (eligibility required)
Through an authorised agent – such as a solicitor registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Once verified, you will receive a personal Companies House code, which will later be used to link your identity to your company roles.
✅ If you’ve already verified your identity with Companies House, you don’t need to do it again.
Why Act Now?
Multiple directors? Each one must be verified separately.
Directors based overseas? Additional time may be required.
Details not up to date? Incorrect date of birth or name spelling on the Companies House register will block the verification process.
Please check your current Companies House records and make any necessary updates well in advance.
