New Companies House ID Rules: What Every UK Director Needs to Know by 2025
From 18 November 2025, a major change is coming for all UK companies: directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity with Companies House.
This new requirement is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, a piece of legislation aimed at improving transparency in UK businesses and reducing fraud.
If you’re a director of a UK company, this applies to you — whether you run a one-person consultancy or a multi-million-pound operation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is Companies House bringing in identity verification?
For years, it’s been possible to set up a company with very little scrutiny. This lack of checks has made it easier for:
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Fraudsters to register fictitious directors.
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Criminals to hide behind shell companies.
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Identity theft victims to discover their details were being used without consent.
The new rules are designed to:
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Increase trust in the UK’s corporate register.
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Protect genuine businesses by removing fake or fraudulent entries.
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Support banks, investors, and suppliers in making decisions based on accurate company information.
In short: it’s about making the UK a safer and more transparent place to do business.
Who needs to verify their identity?
Identity verification will be required for:
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All company directors (new and existing)
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All persons with significant control (PSCs)
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LLP members
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General partners of UK limited partnerships (details to follow)
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Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) such as accountants who file on behalf of companies
👉 Note: Ordinary shareholders and company secretaries who don’t hold other roles are not affected.
What is the Companies House personal code?
Once verified, each individual will receive a unique 11-character personal code (e.g. FT5-15ED-7JY5).
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This code is yours personally, not your company’s.
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You’ll need it when:
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Filing your confirmation statement
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Being appointed as a director or PSC
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Registering as an authorised agent
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You only verify once, but the code applies across all your roles and companies.
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Keep it safe — think of it like your UTR or a password. It won’t appear on the public register.
How do you verify your identity with Companies House?
You’ll need valid photo ID, such as:
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Passport (UK or biometric foreign passport)
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UK driving licence (full or provisional)
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UK biometric residence permit/card
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UK Frontier Worker permit
Verification routes include:
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Online – via GOV.UK One Login or the ID Check app.
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In person – at certain Post Offices (if eligible).
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Through an ACSP – your accountant or company service provider can verify for you, but Companies House will still send your personal code directly to your personal email address.
Key dates to remember
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8 April 2025 – Voluntary verification opens.
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13 October 2025 – WebFiling moves to GOV.UK One Login.
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18 November 2025 – Identity verification becomes mandatory (12-month transition begins).
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Autumn 2026 – All existing directors and PSCs must have verified.
What happens if you don’t verify?
If you don’t verify your identity with Companies House:
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You won’t be able to file your company’s confirmation statement.
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You won’t be able to act as a director, PSC, or authorised agent.
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Your company could face delays in filings.
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You may be committing a criminal offence and face fines or penalties.
Common questions about Companies House ID checks
Q: Do overseas directors need to verify?
Yes. Even if you live abroad, if you’re a director of a UK company, you’ll need a Companies House personal code.
Q: Do company secretaries need to verify?
Not unless they are also a director or PSC.
Q: Will I need to verify again if I change companies?
No – once verified, your personal code works across all companies you’re involved in.
Q: Can my accountant use my code?
Yes – if you trust them. Your accountant will need your personal code to file on your behalf, just like they use your UTR for HMRC.
Why you should act early
Although there’s a 12-month transition period, waiting until the last minute is risky. If your ID doesn’t match Companies House records (e.g. wrong date of birth or address), you’ll face delays.
Early action means:
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Time to fix any discrepancies.
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No stress when filing deadlines arrive.
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Peace of mind knowing you’re compliant.
Final thoughts
This change might feel like another admin burden, but it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of UK businesses.
📌 If you’re already a client of mine: don’t worry. I’ll be sending you a separate, step-by-step guide tailored to your company so we can get this sorted well before the deadline.
For everyone else: now’s the time to check your Companies House records, gather your ID, and plan how you’ll complete the verification.
👉 Want to stay ahead? Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter for updates as the new rules come into force.
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