From 18 November 2025, new legislation was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, requiring all company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and members of Community Interest Companies (CICs) to verify their identity. This update to UK company law has been introduced to tackle the growing challenges of fraud, false filings and misuse of corporate structures. By confirming exactly who is setting up, owning or controlling companies, Companies House aims to strengthen the accuracy of the register, improve transparency and create a safer business environment.
The move forms part of a broader effort to reduce the risk of money laundering, identity misuse and the creation of fraudulent entities. Companies House describes these changes as essential to ensuring that UK companies remain trustworthy vehicles for trading and investment, while giving stakeholders greater confidence in the legitimacy of the information held on the public record. A 12-month transition period, running until 17 November 2026, allows existing directors and PSCs time to complete the new verification process.
When you need to verify your identity
Identity verification is now a requirement for anyone wishing to act as a company director or PSC. New directors appointed after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity before their appointment can legally take effect. Existing directors and PSCs are expected to complete this process during the 12 month transition window. Once this period has ended, Companies House will not accept filings from individuals who have not yet been verified.
In practical terms, the verification requirement will affect day-to-day company administration. You will need to be verified before filing documents such as confirmation statements, annual accounts or updates to company information. Your accountant or authorised agent will also be unable to act on your behalf unless your verification has been completed and linked to your Companies House personal code. This change applies to all directors and PSCs regardless of where they live and ensures that only authenticated individuals can interact with the register.
How to verify your identity
There are two main routes to completing identity verification: directly through Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Both methods are secure and meet the new legal requirements, but the process you choose may depend on your circumstances and your confidence using digital tools.
Verifying directly with Companies House involves setting up or logging into your GOV.UK One Login account and using the online process to provide proof of identity. You will need your Companies House personal code and appropriate identification documents. These can include a passport, driving licence, biometric residence permit, or other types of photo ID listed under Group A. In some cases, you may also need to provide additional supporting documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, utility bill or bank statement. The system will ask you to upload or scan your identification and may require a live photograph to confirm your identity digitally.
Alternatively, you may prefer to verify your identity through an ACS-accredited provider. ACSPs are organisations supervised for anti-money laundering purposes, such as accountants or company service specialists, who are authorised to carry out identity checks on your behalf. This option is particularly useful for individuals who are uncomfortable with digital verification or who need additional support. An ACSP can carry out the verification either digitally or in person, check your ID securely, and submit confirmation directly to Companies House, ensuring that your company remains compliant without you needing to navigate the system alone. They will, however, still require your Companies House personal code.
How to complete your identity verification
If you decide to verify your identity directly with Companies House, the first step is to create or access your GOV.UK One Login account. This can be done online through the GOV.UK website. You will then need to request or retrieve your Companies House personal code, which acts as the link between your verification and your company role. With your code and ID to hand, you can follow the prompts to upload or scan your documents. The system will guide you through taking a photograph, confirming your details and submitting your verification. You will receive confirmation once Companies House has reviewed and approved your submission.
Those choosing to work with an ACSP will begin by contacting a provider eligible to perform identity verification. You will be asked to supply your ID documents, either digitally or in person, depending on the method offered. The ACSP will then conduct the necessary checks to meet Companies House’s standards and notify them once your identity has been successfully verified. Your ACSP will confirm when the process is complete, allowing you to continue your duties as a director or PSC.
Carrying out identity verification promptly is essential for ensuring your company remains compliant. If you have not completed verification by the required deadline, you may not be able to act as a director, and Companies House may refuse to accept documents you or your accountant attempts to file. This could lead to delays in submitting statutory filings, potentially triggering penalties or restrictions. It may also prevent your accountant from carrying out work on your behalf, for example, filing your accounts or confirmation statement, because they will require your verification to be active before they can act for you.
Completing the process early provides peace of mind and avoids administrative disruption, particularly for companies with multiple directors or complex ownership structures. Given the importance of maintaining an accurate and transparent register, Companies House is expected to enforce the rules strictly once the transition period ends.
How we can help
Hayward Wright is an ACS-accredited provider and can complete identity verification for our existing UK clients for £50 + VAT per person. Our team can assist with helping you in understanding what documents you need and carry out verification either digitally or in person. If you would like support with understanding or completing the new identity verification requirements, please get in touch with the team at Hayward Wright.