After months of uncertainty, Companies House has confirmed that from 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments of directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs).
Existing directors and PSCs will have up to 12 months from this date to complete verification, which means 18 November 2026 is the latest possible date to verify yourself.
In addition, from Spring 2026, third-party providers will need to be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to make any filings on behalf of other companies.
The announcement outlined the following points:
- new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company;
- existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period;
- new PSCs will have a 14-day period after they have registered with Companies House to submit a statement confirming they have verified their identity, and
- existing PSCs who are not directors will have to submit a statement confirming that they have verified their identity within a 14-day period starting from the first day of their month of birth.
Verification of identity is intended to prevent the misuse of UK companies, and is part of wider measures introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
How should directors prepare?
Whether you are a new director looking to form a company or have an existing directorship(s) it is advisable to complete the ID verification process well ahead of any filings being due.
When filing documents you will need to supply Companies House with your personal code or pass this to your accountant if they are filing on your behalf.
If your organisation has any directors or PSCs that are based overseas it would be sensible to start the verification process sooner rather than later.
Directors with multiple companies only need to verify themselves once as their personal code will be able to be used for all directorships.
Be mindful of your next confirmation statement deadline, which you can check on the Companies House website, and seek advice proactively if you need support.
How should PSCs prepare?
PSCs must provide their personal code via an online service, within a prescribed 14-day window. This will depend upon when the PSC was registered and whether they are also a director.
If you have already verified your identity you still need to supply your personal code and a verification statement for each role.
How do you verify your identity?
Put simply, there are two options available to you; you can verify yourself directly with Companies House via GOV.UK One Login, using photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, or you can opt to use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
ACSP’s can manage the process on your behalf, and would effectively complete their own ID checks to be able to submit a verification submission to Companies House. This process would be very similar to option one.
Only registered ACSPs can verify identities outside of Companies House, so it is paramount that you avoid unregistered third parties.
We are here to help you navigate this process and will have resources shortly available to help you complete the verification journey. Should you have concerns about what you need to do, or would like to speak to one of our team about the requirements, please contact us today.
