From the 18th November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSC).
This change has been implemented with the intention of improving transparency and tackling fraudulent company activity, forming part of the UK government’s wider reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
What is changing?
Under the new rules, every director and PSC will need to verify their identity with Companies House. You can check your specific due dates on the Companies House register.
- New directors must complete the identity verification process before they can incorporate a company or be officially appointed. If you’re an existing director of a company, you must complete the verification process before the filing of the next confirmation statement.
- New PSCs must complete the identity verification process within 14 days of the incorporation of a company.
- If you’re an existing PSC but not a director of the company, you must complete identity verification within the first 14 days of your birth month.
From the 18th November onwards, Companies House will not accept confirmation statements if the directors have not been verified, so it is important to act early to avoid delays or potential penalties.
How do you complete the identity verification process?
Directors and PSCs can complete verification in one of two ways:
- Directly via the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house
- Via your company’s solicitors or accountants. If you are an existing Scott Bailey client, we are recognised as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can complete the necessary checks on your behalf and notify Companies House. We charge a fixed fee for this process.
Once you are verified, you will receive a personal code, which must then be used to link your verified identity to your company role.
What should directors do now?
- Check when your next confirmation statement is due.
- Complete verification before the due date set out on the Companies House register .
- Keep your personal verification code safe and share it securely with whomever files on your behalf at Companies House.
Whilst it is not overly complicated, there are a number of steps and requirements involved, so early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition when the new requirements come into force in November 2025.
How we can help
At Scott Bailey LLP, our Corporate and Commercial solicitors regularly guide company directors and business owners through new compliance obligations. If you’re looking for tailored legal business advice, please call us on 01590 676933 or send us a message and we’ll get back you.
