Companies House Identity Verification Becomes Mandatory for Directors and PSCs

Companies House estimates that between 6 and 7 million people will need to verify their identity. More than 300,000 individuals had verified voluntarily by early August 2025, after the option opened in April.

What the rules require

New directors must verify their identity before a company can be incorporated or before they can be appointed to an existing company. Existing directors confirm that they have verified when the company files its next annual confirmation statement during the transition period. From 18 November, people must also file their personal code and a verification statement for each company role they hold.

PSCs have 14-day windows to provide their personal code. For a new PSC, the window runs from registration. For an existing PSC who is also a director, it runs from the confirmation statement date, and for an existing PSC who is not a director, it starts on the first day of their month of birth as shown on the register.

How to verify

Individuals can verify directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, which is free, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Acting as a director without verifying is an offence once the requirement applies, although Companies House says it will take a proportionate approach to enforcement and its aim is to help companies comply.

What happens next

Requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs and officers of corporate PSCs will start later. Companies, company secretaries and corporate service providers should map every director and PSC, track confirmation statement dates and birth-month windows, and use the official guidance to plan Companies House identity verification well before each deadline.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Companies House confirms identity verification rollout from 18 November 2025
• GOV.UK: Verify your identity for Companies House