If your business is registered with Companies House, all your directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity. This requirement applies from 18 November 2025, when a 12-month transition period begins.
Identity verification will help strengthen the integrity of the UK company register and help tackle misuse of company information. This is good news for business, users of the register and efforts to tackle economic crime.
Companies House has designed the identity verification processes to be simple, secure and robust using existing forms of identification, such as a passport or driving licence.
From 18 November 2025, all directors need to verify their identity before filing their company’s confirmation statement. The filing will be rejected if it doesn’t include the personal code of each director within it.
You can complete verification now to avoid delays or filing disruptions later.
Why complete verification early
Completing verification early provides several advantages:
- provides time to check that your details on the register match those on your ID
- allows time to make sure you have the appropriate ID documents ready
- prevents last minute complications during busy filing periods
- ensures you’ll be able to file your company’s confirmation statement on time.
Step-by-step identity verification process
- Check your details
Check that your personal information on the Companies House register, such as your date of birth, matches your ID documents.
Any incorrect details will need to be updated before you verify your identity.
- Choose a route to verify your identity
Route 1: Using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service
This free online service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity.
GOV. UK One Login will ask you a few simple questions to workout the best way for you to verify your identity online. The options available may depend on your device, whether you have photo ID, and the type of ID you have.
Route 2: Authorised Corporate Service Providers
You can also have your identity verified by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
ACSPs are third-party individuals or organisations that undertake Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervised activity, such as:
- company formation agents
- solicitors
- accountants
- chartered secretaries and governance professionals
If you wish to have your identity verified by a third-party provider, ask them if they have registered as an ACSP with Companies House.
Get your documents ready
If you are using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service, you’ll need a form of ID such as:
- a UK passport
- a non-UK passport with a biometric chip
- a UK photocard driving licence
If you are using a form of photo ID you should make sure that your current appearance resembles the photo in your ID document to ensure successful verification during the identity checking process.
Find a full list of the documents you can use with this service.
If you are using an ACSP, they will advise you of what documents you can use.
Understand the 2-step process
Identity verification is a 2-step process. You can complete step one now and step 2 from 18 November.
Step 1: Verify your identity via your chosen route. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive your personal code. Make a note of your code and keep it safe. You’ll also be able to find your code in your Companies House account.
Step 2: Link your personal code to each company role you hold.
As a director, you’ll need to include your personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November. As a PSC, you’ll need to provide the code using a separate service from 18 November.
If you’re both a director and a PSC, or involved with multiple companies, you’ll need to complete this step for each role you hold. From 18 November, you’ll be able to check the Companies House register to see your verification due dates.
If you use an agent or an accountant to file on your behalf, you can share your personal code with them so they can complete the process for you.
Find out more about when you need to verify your identity for Companies House.
Checklist
- Choose how you’re going to verify your identity and do it now to avoid delays later
- Keep your personal code safe and remember to share it with your agent/accountant if they file on your behalf
- Check when your company’s next confirmation statement is due to make sure you’re prepared
- Check all the company roles you hold, so you’re clear what’s required and when for each company
- Read Companies House guidance on GOV.UK for more support
