Companies House Identity Verification: What UK Directors Need to Know

In 2025, one of the biggest changes in UK company law will take effect, Companies House identity verification. Every company director, person with significant control (PSC), and authorised agent will soon need to prove their identity before they can set up, manage, or file information for a company.

This new requirement isn’t just another admin step.  It’s part of a major government effort to make the UK’s business register more transparent, accurate, and trustworthy. By confirming who’s really behind every company, Companies House aims to prevent fraud and strengthen confidence in the corporate system.

 

Whether you’re a director, shareholder, or business owner abroad planning to incorporate in the UK, understanding how to complete this verification early will save you time, stress, and possible penalties later.

Let’s break down exactly what’s changing, who needs to act, and how you can verify your identity using either the GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP).

 

What Is the Companies House Identity Verification Requirement?

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will begin requiring all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and authorised agents to verify their identity before they can act on behalf of a UK company.

This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, introduced to improve accuracy on the Companies House register and reduce fraudulent activity.

In simple terms, it means every person involved in managing, owning, or registering a company must prove they are who they claim to be before Companies House accepts filings from them.

The goal is straightforward: create a transparent, trustworthy register where fake identities or shell companies cannot hide behind false information.

 

When and Why Companies House Identity Verification is Happening

The new requirement for identity verification is a crucial change driven by recent UK legislation to combat financial crime. Understanding the timing and the purpose is key to ensuring your company remains compliant.

The “When”: The Key Launch Date

The mandatory requirement for Companies House identity verification is set to begin on 18 November 2025.

From this date forward, all individuals involved in managing or registering a UK company must be verified. While this is the launch date, the deadline for existing directors and PSCs is typically tied to your company’s next Confirmation Statement after the launch date, meaning the requirement will phase in over the following 12 months.

 

The “Why”: The Purpose of the Legislation

This is not just another administrative hurdle. The change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and serves two primary goals:

• Combat Fraud and Financial Crime: Currently, it is too easy for individuals to register companies using false names or “shell companies” to launder money or hide illicit activities. The government estimates this costs the UK billions annually.

• Create a Trustworthy Register: By requiring every company director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), and authorised agent to prove they are who they claim to be, Companies House is moving from a passive register to a verified, trustworthy register where information is accurate and reliable.

 

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

Identity verification applies to several groups connected to UK companies. Each individual who holds a role below will need to complete the verification process through an approved method:

• Company Directors: Every director of a limited company or LLP must verify their identity before they can be appointed or act officially. 
• People with Significant Control (PSCs): Anyone who owns or controls more than 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights. 
• Authorised Agents or Intermediaries: Accountants, formation agents, and corporate service providers who file information on behalf of clients. 
• Company Secretaries (if appointed): Those responsible for maintaining company records and compliance filings.

This process ensures all key individuals linked to UK companies can be verified through a secure digital identity system.

 

How to Verify Your Identity 

There are two main routes you can take to complete the mandatory identity verification:

1. Verify Your Identity via GOV.UK One Login
2. Verify Your Identity via an Authorised Service Provider (ACSP) – The Expert Option

Option 1: Verify Your Identity via GOV.UK One Login

Companies House uses GOV.UK One Login, a secure government system for identity verification. You must verify your identity before forming a company or filing documents.

 

1. Create Your Account

• Go to GOV.UK One Login
• create a One Login account and set up two-step verification
  
• Use this login for multiple services like HMRC and DVLA

2. Verify Your ID

• Upload a passport or UK driving licence
  
• Complete a facial recognition check using your phone or webcam
  
• Verification usually takes only a few minutes

3. Link to Companies House

• New users: Linked automatically during registration
  
• Existing users: Follow Companies House instructions to connect your verified ID
  
• Receive your 11-digit Companies House Personal Code (CHPC) for future filings

Option 2: Verify Your Identity via an Authorised Service Provider (ACSP) – The Expert Option

The second route is to use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as 121CompanyFormation.co.uk. This is often the preferred method for individuals who want an efficient, hands-off solution.

ACSPs are legally registered agents (e.g., company formation agents, accountants, solicitors) who are supervised under strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.

• The Key Benefits:
  • Ideal for Non-UK Residents: ACSPs often have streamlined processes that accept a wider range of international ID documents, solving the issue for overseas directors who may struggle with the GOV.UK app.
  • Guaranteed Compliance: The agent manages the entire verification process, ensuring the check meets Companies House standards and reducing your risk of non-compliance.
  • Simplicity: You provide the documents to your agent; they submit the confirmation to Companies House and manage the receipt of your Personal Code.

 

Deadline and Compliance Timeline

The rollout begins in November 2025. From that point onward:

• New company directors must verify their identity before appointment.
  
• Existing directors and PSCs will be required to verify within a set transition period (expected to last several months).
  
• Companies House will not accept filings from unverified individuals after the grace period ends.
  

Companies that fail to ensure all directors are verified may face restrictions or compliance penalties.

 

Consequences of Not Verifying Your Identity

Ignoring the new verification rules can have serious consequences. If a director or PSC fails to verify:

• They may be prevented from forming new companies.
  
• Existing companies may not be able to submit filings or updates.
  
• Persistent non-compliance can result in financial penalties or criminal prosecution under UK company law.
  

Directors are advised to act early and confirm their identity well before the enforcement date to avoid operational disruptions.

 

What Companies Should Do Now

While the verification system is not fully live yet, every UK company should begin preparing now. Here’s what you can do to stay ahead:

 

1. Update Your Company Details

Make sure your registered information on the Companies House register is accurate names, dates of birth, and service addresses should match your official ID documents.
If any changes are needed, update them as soon as possible.

2. File Your Confirmation Statement

If you haven’t filed your annual confirmation yet, it’s the perfect time to review your company details. You can file your confirmation statement directly with 121 Company Formation.
We’ll ensure your records are up to date and reflect the correct director and shareholder information ahead of verification checks.

3. Keep Your Team Informed

Let your directors, PSCs, and agents know about the upcoming changes so that everyone can be ready when verification becomes mandatory. Early preparation will help you avoid last-minute delays or filing issues.

 

Verification Made Certain: How 121CompanyFormation Supports You

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), 121CompanyFormation acts as your trusted compliance partner, making the new identity verification process simple, secure, and stress-free.

How We Help You Meet the Requirement

• The GOV.UK app can struggle with non-UK documents. We use accredited systems to verify a wider range of international passports and IDs,  perfect for overseas directors and PSCs.
•  For all new company formations, we include ID verification as part of our Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, saving you time and ensuring everything is correct before your company is registered.
• Our team manages the entire process in line with Companies House standards, guaranteeing accuracy and avoiding delays or penalties caused by technical errors.
• We ensure your Companies House Personal Code (CHPC) is properly linked to your company records and maintain all compliance documentation for you.

In short, choosing 121CompanyFormation.co.uk as your ACSP means convenience, accuracy, and guaranteed compliance, the simplest way to meet the new legal verification rules.

 

Let Us Handle Your Companies House Verification

The new identity verification rules mark a significant step toward greater transparency and security in UK business registration. By preparing early, verifying your identity, and ensuring your company details are accurate, you’ll stay compliant and avoid unnecessary disruptions once the new system takes effect.

If you need assistance managing your company filings or staying up to date with Companies House changes, 121 Company Formation is here to help.

 

FAQs About Companies House Identity Verification

1. When will identity verification start?
   The new system is expected to begin from 18 November 2025, with a transition period for existing companies.
2. Who needs to complete the verification process?
   All company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and authorised agents will need to verify their identity.
3. How will I prove my identity?
   You’ll verify through GOV.UK One Login using your passport or driving licence and a live facial recognition check.
4. What happens if I don’t verify?
   Your company filings may be rejected, and you could face penalties or restrictions on company activities.
5. How can 121 Company Formation help?
   We can guide you through the compliance process and help you file your confirmation statement so your company remains compliant with Companies House rules.