The twelve-month transition period for Companies House identity verification is set to expire in mid-November 2026.
If you’re filing documents to Companies House on behalf of a business, time is running out to submit a mandatory identity verification.
Identity verification requirements are part of the Government’s broader strategy to boost corporate transparency and combat financial crime.
Who needs to verify their identity?
The first cohort of people needing to verify their identity were company directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and LLP members.
From Spring 2026, these requirements extended to authorised agents (ACSPs), such as solicitors or accountants who verify identities on behalf of others.
These new requirements are aimed at stopping criminals using fake names, which can lower the risk of financial fraud and keep company records accurate.
How do people verify?
You’re able to verify your identity using the free GOV.UK login or through an ACSP, including solicitors and accountants.
The types of ID that can be used to verify are:
This process links verified details to an 11-character personal code that is needed for company roles, which can be used for future filings like confirmation statements.
If you’re unable to use an ACSP or the GOV.UK portal, you might be able to verify your identity at a Post Office free of charge.
Individuals will need to ensure that the Post Office offers in branch verification, where they’ll take a photo of you.
What happens if the deadline is missed?
Failure to complete ID verification before the deadline means you cannot file mandatory documents like confirmation statements.
This might mean that late filing fees accumulate for accounts and statements left pending. Or operations might grind to a halt if directors are unable to verify their legal authority.
While Companies House will nudge businesses to comply with the new identity verification, failure to act will result in enforcement action.
This might mean your company faces financial penalties, prosecution through court or a referral to The Insolvency Service.
Speak to an accountant
If you’re eligible to verify your identity but are still yet to do so, the time is now to act.
Our accountants are registered ACSPs, which means we can carry out identity checks on an individual’s behalf.
This might be particularly valuable to directors or PSCs currently residing overseas, or anyone whose documentation doesn’t match Government requirements.
Speak to one of our accountants to avoid the sharp end of Companies House compliance.
