for Companies House
Companies House identity verification checks requiring filing of confirmation statement at Companies House from 18 November 2025.
There is a transition period of 12 months for current company officers to authenticate their identities. Identity verification will be a mandatory component of the annual confirmation statement submission.
Consequently, all UK registered companies will not be able to submit a confirmation statement if it has not verified the identities of all its directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
Companies House is introducing new digital identity verification requirements to transform the operations of company directors and corporate service providers.
This verification process aims to uphold the integrity of company registrations and operations within the UK.
Who needs their identity checked?
At the outset, it is necessary for all directors, members of a limited liability partnership (LLP), and individuals with significant control (PSCs) to have their identities verified upon incorporation.
For those who are already in these roles, identity verification will be required when the company’s confirmation statement is due (similar regulations apply to LLPs and their members; however, for the sake of clarity, we will primarily refer to companies and directors).
Starting in spring 2026, those submitting accounts to Companies House will also be required to undergo identity verification, and it is anticipated that the requirements for less common entities will be expanded in the future.
How individuals can verify their identity
Directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login
This uses official ID documents such as passports or driving licences. For those unfamiliar with the process, online registration can be a challenge to navigate, combined with the inconvenience of website downtime.
Through an ACSP
These include company formation agents, solicitors, accountants and chartered secretaries. Lesstax 4 U is registered as an ACSP, with experience of IDV and Companies House’s other processes.
Companies House will allocate a Companies House personal code once an individual’s identity has been verified. This means that the individual won’t be required to verify their identity more than once.
Post Office
This option for verifying your identity in person requires you to initiate the process online and subsequently visit a nearby Post Office with your identification documents for a staff member to handle the processing. After your identity has been verified, the Post Office will submit a request to Companies House for the issuance of your UID code or personal reference, which you can expect to receive via email within approximately one day (this is the typical timeframe).
What you need to do with your Companies House personal code
This depends on your role, and when you started that role.
If you’re a director or PSC, you’ll need to use your Companies House personal code to connect your verified identity to our records for each role you hold. This is part of the legal requirement to verify your identity for Companies House.
Directors
If you’re currently a director, you’ll need to provide your personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement filing from 18 November 2025.
If you become a director after 18 November 2025, you’ll need to provide it as part of your appointment filing or when you incorporate a company.
People with significant control (PSCs)
You’ll need to provide your personal code to Companies House for your role as a PSC. There will be an online service to do this when the requirement comes into force on 18 November 2025.
Every PSC will have a 14 day period during which they must provide their personal code.
- The dates of your 14 day period depend on whether:
- you are registered with Companies House before 18 November 2025
- you’re also a director of this company
For more information read the guidance on when to verify.
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