Since November 2025, it has become a mandatory requirement for all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House.
While the first affected were new directors and PSCs, any existing directors and PSCs need to verify their identity before they make their annual Confirmation Statement filings this year.
By November 2026, all directors and PSCs should have their identity verified or face being unable to make filings.
If you have not yet done this, it is worth understanding what the process entails and how to stay compliant.
How does Companies House identity verification work?
The introduction of mandatory identity verification with Companies House comes as a broader move towards cracking down on fraudulent activity, heralded by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
For most directors and PSCs, there are two options available for verifying identities.
The first is to manage the process yourself by creating or using your GOV.UK One Login account.
You will need to ensure that you have photo ID to hand and are ready to work through the process using the GOV.UK verification app, answering online security questions or attending your local Post Office so that you can complete your verification without issue.
The second option is to turn to an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Using an ACSP can give you the confidence that all of the necessary documents will be collated and submitted without the risk of something being overlooked.
This may especially be a compelling option for directors and PSCs of UK companies who reside in different parts of the world or where there are multiple directors and PSCs.
It can be challenging to coordinate a group of people to follow a single process and using an ACSP may help to get this organised.
It is worth noting that a specific restriction is set to apply for Limited Partnerships, where they will need to use an ACSP for identity verification and filings with Companies House.
The exact date when this is due to take effect is not yet confirmed, but as it is scheduled for spring 2026, those set to be affected should take note.
What happens if I do not verify my identity with Companies House?
If you are a director or PSC and have not yet verified your identity, you will need to do so as soon as possible.
It is not enough to wait until your annual Confirmation Statement filing is at hand to do it, as any issues or delays in the process could cause you to become non-compliant.
It is no longer possible to make a Confirmation Statement, new director or new PSC filing with Companies House unless every director and PSC has their identity verified.
Once your identity is verified, it remains verified, so will not need refreshing in the future.
If your company gains a new PSC, they will need to verify their identity within 14 days of being added.
New directors are not permitted to be appointed or act as such until they have been verified and their appointment and verification code notified to Companies House.
Our team are on hand to support you through the identity verification process.
Speak to our team today to find out more about your Companies House obligations.
