What is Companies House identity verification?
As part of changes introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House has introduced identity verification to help make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling UK companies are who they say they are.
Mandatory identity verification came into effect on 18 November 2025, although it is being introduced gradually over a 12-month transition period.
The important thing to understand is that this applies to existing directors as well as people becoming directors in the future.
I have been a director for years. Do I still need to verify my identity?
Yes.
This is one of the areas that has caused some confusion.
If you were already a director before 18 November 2025, you still need to complete identity verification.
For existing directors, the requirement is linked to the company’s next confirmation statement during the transition period.
In other words, you do not necessarily need to complete the process on 18 November 2025. Your individual deadline depends on your company’s filing timetable.
Companies House has been phasing the requirement in over 12 months to give existing companies time to comply.
How do I verify my identity?
There are two main routes.
1. Verify directly with Companies House
You can use the GOV.UK One Login service to complete your identity verification.
You will normally need suitable photographic identification, such as a biometric passport or UK photo driving licence.
The online service is free.
2. Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
You can also have your identity verified by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
These include certain accountants, solicitors and company formation agents who have registered with Companies House to carry out identity verification.
We are currently not registered as an ACSP (we’ve tried several times), watch this space as we will keep trying until we are authorised.
Don’t lose your personal code
Once you successfully complete the verification process, you will receive a Companies House personal code.
This is an 11-character code and it belongs to you personally, not to your company.
You will need this code to confirm your identity for each company where you are a director or PSC.
If you are a director of several companies, you only need to complete the identity verification process once. You then use the same personal code for your different appointments.
Think of the personal code as something you need to keep safe, much like your HMRC UTR.
If you are a client of Accountancy Solutions we will hold the codes on file and send them off to companies house when the filing window for your or your company is open.
What happens if you don’t do it?
This is where things become more serious.
Companies House has made it clear that failing to comply with the identity verification requirements can be an offence.
A director who continues to act as a director after their deadline without completing the required verification may be committing an offence. The company and other directors may also be affected.
Companies House also has powers to issue financial penalties and take other enforcement action.
Recent reports of directors being fined for failing to complete identity verification are a useful reminder that this is not simply an administrative exercise that can be ignored.
A few common pitfalls
There are some surprisingly easy ways to get caught out.
Assuming it doesn’t apply to you because you are an existing director
It does.
The fact that you have been a director for 10, 20 or even 30 years does not mean you are exempt.
Thinking the date of 18 November 2025 was your personal deadline
It wasn’t.
18 November 2025 was the date the legal requirement came into effect. Existing directors are being brought into the system during the 12-month transition period, with their requirement linked to their company’s confirmation statement.
Completing the verification but forgetting the personal code
Completing the identity check is only part of the process.
You then need to make sure your verified identity is connected to your Companies House roles using your personal code.
Assuming your accountant will automatically do everything
Your accountant may be able to help, particularly if they are an ACSP, but you should not assume that the process happens automatically.
You may still need to complete the verification yourself or provide your personal code.
Using someone else’s identity documents or allowing someone else to use yours
Companies House has specifically warned against allowing other people to use your identity.
Your verification is about proving that you are you, so never hand over your identity credentials to someone you do not trust.
What should you do now?
If you are a company director, we recommend taking a few minutes to check:
1. Have I completed my Companies House identity verification?
If not, don’t leave it until the last minute.
2. Have I received my personal code?
Keep it somewhere secure.
3. Do I know when my company’s next confirmation statement is due?
This is particularly important if you were already a director before the new rules came into force.
4. Do all the directors of my company know what they need to do?
Your company’s confirmation statement cannot be filed unless the directors have completed the required verification.
5. If I use an accountant, have I given them what they need?
If your accountant files your confirmation statement, make sure they have the information they need from you.
Don’t wait for Companies House to chase you
The introduction of identity verification is part of a much wider change to the way Companies House operates.
The aim is to improve the accuracy and reliability of the information on the register and make it harder for companies to be used for fraudulent or illegal purposes.
Companies House has also published quarterly statistics showing how many director and PSC appointments are complying with the new identity verification requirements, demonstrating that this is now an active part of the Companies House regime rather than a future change.
So if you are a director and haven’t completed your identity verification yet, now is a good time to check what you need to do.
And if you are not sure when your deadline is, speak to your accountant or check your Companies House record.
Need a hand?
At Accountancy Solutions, we help small businesses keep on top of their Companies House obligations as well as their accounts and tax.
If you’re a director and you’re unsure whether you’ve completed your identity verification, what your personal code is for, or what you need to provide for your next confirmation statement, get in touch.
We can help you navigate the process and make sure another Companies House deadline doesn’t get forgotten.
Contact Us today to see if we can help you.
Accountancy Solutions is an accountancy practice based in Portchester, Hampshire, providing bookkeeping, accounts, tax and business advisory services to small businesses across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville and the surrounding area.
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