Companies House Identity Verification Rules
Key Requirements and Deadlines
From 2025, the United Kingdom will implement new rules requiring mandatory identity verification for individuals connected with UK companies. These changes are introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and are designed to increase corporate transparency and combat financial crime. The reforms will significantly affect directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and members of LLPs, introducing strict deadlines and legal consequences for non-compliance.
Who Must Comply
The obligation to undergo identity verification applies to:
Company directors – both new appointees and existing directors.
People with Significant Control (PSCs) – regardless of whether they also act as directors.
Members of LLPs – subject to the same obligations as company directors.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – may verify identities on behalf of individuals who cannot complete the process directly.
Key Dates
8 April 2025 – launch of voluntary identity verification.
18 November 2025 – mandatory identity verification begins for new directors, PSCs and LLP members.
Transitional period of 12 months – until November 2026 for existing directors and PSCs to complete verification.
How Verification Will Work
Through GOV.UK One Login – submission of photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
Through an ACSP – if the direct route is not available or appropriate.
Once verified, each individual will receive a unique personal code, which must be used when filing statutory documents with Companies House.
Specific Timelines by Category
New directors – must be verified before incorporation of a new company or before appointment to an existing company.
Existing directors – must confirm their verified status when filing the next Annual Confirmation Statement after 18 November 2025, within the transitional period.
New PSCs – must complete verification and provide their personal code within 14 days of being registered as a PSC.
Existing PSCs – must complete verification depending on their date of birth (as recorded in the register) or, if they are also directors, when filing the next Confirmation Statement.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the new identity verification rules will carry serious consequences. For both directors and companies, allowing an unverified individual to act in office will amount to a criminal offence. It is also important to be aware that Companies House may refuse to register appointments, filings or other statutory updates if the required personal code is not provided. In addition, non-compliance can result in financial penalties and restrictions on an individual’s ability to serve as a director. Crucially, certain statutory filings – including the Annual Confirmation Statement – will not be accepted unless the personal code has been obtained and submitted.
The Companies House identity verification regime marks a fundamental change in UK corporate governance. All companies and individuals in scope should prepare now by ensuring that directors and PSCs have the necessary documents to complete verification, and by obtaining and recording their personal codes for future filings. Failure to comply will result in criminal liability, rejection of filings, and significant disruption to corporate administration.
If you have any questions on this topic or require assistance with the new requirements, please contact us — our team is ready to guide you through the process. Our clients can be assured that we have already begun preparing for the transitional period and are committed to ensuring full compliance with the new rules.