Companies House has introduced identity verification requirements for company directors and persons with significant control, marking a significant shift in UK company registration. The new regime, which commenced on 18 November 2025, forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
The New Verification Requirement
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement for directors and persons with significant control of UK companies. It is important to understand that this date marks the beginning of a 12-month transition period rather than an immediate deadline. The system is being phased in gradually to allow millions of individuals time to complete their verification.
The requirement affects anyone serving as a director of a UK limited company, members of limited liability partnerships, and persons with significant control. A person with significant control typically means someone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or exercises significant influence or control over the company.
How the Transition Period Works
For individuals newly appointed as directors or PSCs after 18 November 2025, verification must be completed before or at the time of appointment. This means anyone forming a new company or joining an existing board needs to verify their identity as part of the registration or appointment process.
Existing directors have a different timeline. They must confirm their identity verification status when filing their company’s next confirmation statement, which occurs annually. This creates individual deadlines for each director based on their company’s confirmation statement date, all falling within the 12-month period ending in November 2026.
The staggered approach means approximately 6 to 7 million individuals will need to verify their identities over the course of the year. Companies House is contacting all registered companies by email to inform them of the specific deadlines applicable to their directors and PSCs.
The Verification Process
There are two pathways for completing identity verification. The first is directly through Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system. This free digital service typically requires a valid passport or UK driving licence. The system uses biometric matching technology to confirm identity. For those unable to use the digital route, an in-person option is available at Post Office branches.
The second pathway involves using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. ACSPs are professional firms authorised by Companies House to conduct identity verification on behalf of clients. These are typically accountants, solicitors, or company formation agents who are registered with UK anti-money laundering supervisory bodies.
The Role of Authorised Corporate Service Providers
Not every professional firm can operate as an ACSP. Companies House maintains strict authorisation criteria covering professional qualifications, anti-money laundering procedures, data security standards, and insurance requirements. Firms must demonstrate robust systems for identity verification and record keeping.
FMY Chartered Accountants holds ACSP authorisation from Companies House. As an ICAEW-regulated firm with established anti-money laundering supervision, FMY can verify director identities and submit the verification directly to Companies House. This service is particularly valuable for clients who prefer professional assistance with the verification process or who are incorporating new companies where multiple steps need coordination.
When verifying through an ACSP, individuals present their original identity documents to the service provider. The ACSP conducts the necessary checks, maintains appropriate records, and submits the verification electronically to Companies House. Upon successful verification, the individual receives a personal code from Companies House.
Understanding Personal Codes
The personal code issued after successful verification is a unique identifier that must be provided to Companies House in various circumstances. Directors provide their code through their company’s confirmation statement. PSCs provide their code using a separate online service, with specific 14-day windows depending on their circumstances.
If an individual holds multiple roles across different companies, they may need to provide their personal code several times, though the actual verification process typically only needs to be completed once. The same verified identity can be used across all directorships and PSC positions.
Why These Changes Matter
The verification regime addresses longstanding concerns about the integrity of the Companies House register. For many years, Companies House operated on a relatively passive model where information was accepted with minimal checks. This created opportunities for fraud, including the registration of fictitious directors or the misuse of real individuals’ identities without their knowledge.
The new system makes it considerably more difficult to abuse the company registration process. Every director on the register will eventually be a verified individual whose identity has been confirmed against official documents. This enhances trust in UK company data and aligns the UK with international standards for corporate transparency.
Integration with Company Formation
For new company incorporations after 18 November 2025, director verification has become an integral part of the formation process. All proposed directors must verify their identities before the company can be registered. This adds a necessary step to company formation that must be factored into planning timelines.
Professional service providers offering company formation services alongside ACSP verification can streamline this process by coordinating both elements together. This integrated approach ensures new companies are established correctly from the outset with all directors properly verified and compliant.
Data Security Considerations
Identity verification necessarily involves handling sensitive personal information and documentation. Companies House and authorised ACSPs must comply with UK data protection regulations and maintain appropriate security standards. Information collected during verification is used solely for identity confirmation purposes and is protected through secure systems.
FMY Chartered Accountants maintains ISO 27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management Systems and ISO 27701:2019 certification for Privacy Information Management. These international standards demonstrate the firm’s commitment to protecting client data throughout the verification process and in all other services provided.
Compliance and Enforcement
Companies House takes the new verification requirements seriously. Failure to verify identity when required constitutes a criminal offence. Directors who do not comply face potential fines and may be prevented from acting as directors. Companies with unverified directors may also face sanctions, including potential removal from the register.
The enforcement approach recognises the transitional nature of the rollout. Companies House is focusing on supporting businesses and individuals through the process during the 12-month phase-in period. However, as the transition period concludes in November 2026, compliance checks will intensify.
Looking Ahead
Identity verification represents a permanent change to UK company administration. As the system matures and all directors on the register become verified, the quality and reliability of Companies House data will improve significantly. This benefits all stakeholders, from businesses conducting due diligence to investors assessing potential partners.
The transitional period provides an opportunity for directors and companies to become familiar with the new requirements without immediate pressure. Individuals are encouraged to verify their identities early rather than waiting until deadlines approach. Early verification avoids last-minute complications and ensures smooth handling of company filings when confirmation statements become due.
Further Information and Support
FMY Chartered Accountants provides director verification services as an authorised ACSP alongside comprehensive company formation, secretarial, and compliance support. The firm assists clients with understanding their specific verification deadlines, completing the verification process, and integrating identity verification into broader company administration activities.
For detailed guidance on the verification process and specific requirements, Companies House has published comprehensive information on the GOV.UK website. Directors can also check their individual verification deadlines by viewing their company’s details on the Companies House register.
The introduction of identity verification marks a significant step forward in UK corporate governance and transparency. Understanding the requirements and timelines ensures directors and companies remain compliant whilst benefiting from a more robust and trustworthy company register.
Get in Touch
FMY Chartered Accountants is an authorised ACSP providing director verification services alongside comprehensive accounting, tax, and business advisory support. If you need assistance with director verification, company formation, or have questions about your compliance obligations, our team is here to help.
Contact us to discuss your requirements:
Phone
+44 (0) 330 043 5088
Website
www.fmyaccountants.co.uk
Our partner-led service ensures you receive expert guidance throughout the verification process and beyond.
We handle director ID verification for you.
FMY is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). We can verify your directors and PSCs directly, file with Companies House, and maintain your verified status as appointments and ownership change.
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