From November 18 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement for company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and others responsible for filing company information.
We are now in a 12-month transition period where those required to verify their identity must do so – at the latest – before their next Confirmation Statement is due.
Earlier voluntary verification is recommended, and once this is completed, no further verification will be required.
Who needs to verify their identity?
Company directors, People with Significant Control (PSC), LLP members, general partners and managing officers will need to complete the checks.
Those who file for a company, such as a company secretary, are also required to verify their ID, as are Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP) – known as Companies House authorised agents.
What documents are required to verify my ID?
The documents required will depend on whether you have a chipped photographic document, such as a biometric passport, photocard driving licence, or UK work or identity permit.
You will need to use the GOV.UK One Login service to find out the best way to verify your identity and what documents you will need.
You may be required to have your ID checked at a Post Office.
I don’t have any photographic ID, how can I complete the checks?
Photographic ID is needed for the verification checks to be completed, so you will need to ensure you have a form of photo ID.
I am a director and a PSC, but I have been contacted by Companies House to say my ID checks are overdue. Why is this?
This will be due to a slight variation in how you have been appointed, for example, Joe Bloggs is a director, but Mr Joe Bloggs is a PSC.
The difference in the name will mean that the records are not linked and Companies House is identifying both names as separate individuals.
Unfortunately, Companies House have no fix for this, and we must be compliant by the PSC due date.
Why do I need to provide my accountant with the code?
Your accountant requires the code to file Companies House documents, such as the Confirmation Statement on your behalf.
Without the code proving that you have identified yourself, this cannot be submitted.
The Government made a U-turn on ID checks. Why do we still have to do this?
Confusingly, the ID check U-turn was in relation to digital ID to work in the UK.
Company director and PSC ID checks are different and are a result of the ECCTA 2023 and remain unaffected.
