Companies House identity verification: What directors and PSCs need to do now

New identity verification requirements for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) came into force on 18 November 2025 as part of reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The requirements are being phased in over 12 months, so existing directors and PSCs should now make sure they understand when they need to act.

By Carolina Brianezi‑Melchior, Trainee Solicitor in our Company and Commercial team.

At a glance

New directors must verify their identity as part of the process of incorporating a company or being appointed to an existing company.

Existing directors need to confirm that they have verified their identity when the company files its next annual confirmation statement during the 12-month transition period.

PSCs must also verify their identity, with different deadlines applying depending on their circumstances.

Identity can be verified directly through Companies House using GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Once successfully verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code, which you will need to use to confirm your verified status for each company role you hold.

What do new directors need to do?

Anyone becoming a company director from 18 November 2025 is required to verify their identity. New directors need to do this in connection with incorporating a new company or being appointed to an existing one.

Once successfully verified, Companies House provides the individual with a personal code.

What about existing directors?

Existing directors are being brought into the new system during a 12-month transition period which began on 18 November 2025.

They need to verify their identity and provide their personal code when the company files its next confirmation statement during the transition period.

If you are a director of more than one company, in most cases you only need to verify your identity once. However, your personal code will be required for each company role you hold.

What do PSCs need to do?

People with Significant Control are also required to verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code.

The deadline depends on the individual’s circumstances.

If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company, you only need to verify your identity once, but you need to provide your personal code separately for each role. The code for your director role is provided through the company’s confirmation statement, while the PSC requirement must be dealt with separately during the relevant 14-day period, which in most cases begins on the date after the company’s confirmation statement.

If you are an existing PSC but not a director of the same company, the relevant 14-day period generally falls within the first 14 days of your month of birth.

A new PSC can provide their personal code when they are first added to the Companies House register or within 14 days of being added.

How can I verify my identity?

There are two main routes:

1. Directly through Companies House

Individuals can verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login. The service is free and can use recognised forms of identification such as passports and driving licences.

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An ACSP is a business, such as an accountant or company formation agent, which is registered with Companies House and authorised to carry out identity verification.

Once your identity has been successfully verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code. This code belongs to you rather than an individual company, so it is important to keep it secure.

Why should businesses act now?

Identity verification is a legal requirement, not an optional administrative step. Companies House states that failing to comply with the requirements on time is an offence.

Companies should therefore review their directors and PSCs, identify the deadlines applying to each individual and make sure the necessary identity verification and personal codes are dealt with in good time.

How we can help

If you are a director, PSC or company officer and are unsure how the Companies House identity verification requirements affect you, our Corporate Commercial team can help you understand the new regime and prepare for the relevant deadlines.

For more information please contact Carolina in our Corporate Commercial team on 01228 516666 or click here to send her an email.

This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The position may vary depending on individual circumstances.