Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for company directors, LLP members and people with significant control, known as PSCs.
Introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the rules are designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, increase corporate transparency and help prevent UK companies from being used for economic crime.
Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a legal requirement. However, this date was not a single deadline for every company. It marked the start of a 12-month transition period, giving companies time to make sure directors and PSCs verify their identity by their relevant due dates.
For many people, the process should be straightforward. However, it is important to understand who needs to verify their identity, when action is required and what to do once a Companies House personal code has been issued.
Why have the Companies House identity verification rules been introduced?
The identity verification rules form part of the wider Companies House reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
The purpose of these reforms is to make the information held by Companies House more reliable, improve trust in the UK company register and make it harder for individuals to use companies for fraudulent or illegal purposes.
By requiring directors, LLP members and PSCs to verify their identity, Companies House can better confirm that the people setting up, managing and controlling UK companies are who they say they are.
Who needs to complete Companies House identity verification?
You will need to verify your identity if you are:
- A company director
- A member of an LLP
- A person with significant control, known as a PSC
Directors and PSCs need to use their Companies House personal code to connect their verified identity to each role they hold. This means that if you are involved with more than one company, you may need to use your personal code for each relevant appointment or PSC role.
What is a Companies House personal code?
Once your identity has been verified, Companies House will issue you with a unique personal code.
This code confirms that your identity has been verified and will be used in future Companies House filings. If you are currently a director, you will need to provide your personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement filing. If you become a director after 18 November 2025, you will need to provide it as part of your appointment filing or when incorporating a company.
Your personal code should be kept secure and only shared with trusted advisers or the person responsible for completing your company’s statutory filings.
When do directors need to complete Companies House identity verification?
The deadline depends on whether you are a new or existing director.
New directors appointed since 18 November 2025 need to verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code as part of the appointment process.
Existing directors need to provide their personal code with the company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025. If a company has more than one director, each director’s personal code will be needed before the confirmation statement can be filed.
This means companies should not wait until the confirmation statement is due before taking action. Personal codes should be collected and stored securely in advance to avoid filing delays.
When do PSCs need to verify their identity?
People with significant control must also verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code.
Every PSC has a 14-day period to provide their personal code and verification statement. The timing depends on their circumstances, including whether they were already registered before 18 November 2025 and whether they are also a director of the same company.
Because PSC rules can vary depending on individual circumstances, businesses should review their register carefully and make sure each relevant person understands what they need to do.
How do I verify my identity with Companies House?
You can verify your identity directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login.
This can usually be done online using suitable photo ID, such as a biometric passport or driving licence. In some cases, verification may also be completed in person at a Post Office.
The direct Companies House service is free.
If you are unable to complete the process yourself, you may be able to verify your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP. ACSPs are authorised by Companies House to carry out identity verification checks.
If you are unsure which route is right for you, or you need support understanding the next steps, please contact SMH Group and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
What should I do once I have my Companies House personal code?
Once you have received your personal code, you should:
- Store it securely
- Keep it confidential
- Only share it with people you trust
- Provide it to the person responsible for your company’s Companies House filings
- Make sure it is available before your next confirmation statement is due
If SMH Group supports your business with statutory or company secretarial filings, we may request your personal code so the relevant filings can be completed correctly and on time.
What should businesses do now?
Although identity verification is now a legal requirement, many existing directors and PSCs will still be working through the transition period based on their company’s filing dates.
We recommend that businesses take action by:
- Identifying all directors, LLP members and PSCs who need to verify their identity
- Checking when the company’s next confirmation statement is due
- Asking relevant individuals to complete their identity verification
- Collecting personal codes securely
- Reviewing PSC records to understand any separate deadlines
- Making sure the person responsible for Companies House filings has the information they need in good time
Taking action early can help avoid delays, missed filings and unnecessary compliance issues.
What happens if I do not verify my identity?
Failing to meet the identity verification requirements can have serious consequences.
Companies House states that directors and equivalent roles must verify their identities to continue acting as a company director or equivalent. If an individual director or equivalent breaches the identity verification requirements, the company will also be in breach.
Companies may also face practical issues if key filings cannot be completed because the required personal codes are missing. This could cause delays with confirmation statements and may create wider practical issues with compliance, banking, insurance and other business relationships.
Companies House identity verification FAQs
Is Companies House identity verification compulsory?
Yes. Since 18 November 2025, Companies House identity verification has been a legal requirement. However, this date marked the start of a transition period, not a single deadline for every company.
Who needs to verify their identity with Companies House?
Company directors, LLP members and people with significant control, known as PSCs, need to verify their identity with Companies House.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is issued once your identity has been verified. It is used to connect your verified identity to your company roles and will be required for future Companies House filings.
Do existing directors need to verify their identity?
Yes. Existing directors need to verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code with the company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025.
Do PSCs need to provide their personal code separately?
Yes. PSCs must provide their Companies House personal code and verification statement using the relevant Companies House service. This is separate from the director confirmation statement process.
Can SMH Group verify my identity?
If you are unsure how to complete identity verification, or you need help understanding the next steps, please contact SMH Group. We can provide general guidance and point you towards the appropriate support where needed.
Need support with Companies House filings?
The Companies House identity verification rules are a significant change for UK companies, directors, LLP members and PSCs.
If you are unsure what these changes mean for your company, or you need help preparing for your next Companies House filing, please get in touch with us on 0330 1070 873 or email info@smh.group.
Our team can provide general guidance on the Companies House identity verification requirements and help you understand what action may be needed before your next filing.
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