From 18 November 2025, new rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act will require all new company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House before they can act in their role.
Who is affected?
The new requirements apply to:
- new directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
- existing directors and PSCs
- members of a limited liability partnership (LLP)
PSC’s or People with Significant control are normally, but not exclusively, those with more than 25% of the shares
When is this happening?
The timing depends whether you are an existing (before 18 November 2025) or new (from 18 November 2025) Director (or equivalent) or PSC.
Directors:
- New appointment or company registrations from 18 November 2025 – at time of registration
- Existing Directors – at the time of filing the company’s next Confirmation Statement
PSC’s
- Existing Director and PSC of the same company (separate notifications are required):
- As a director – at the time of the next Confirmation Statement
- As a PSC – not later than 14 days of the company’s Confirmation Statement date
- Existing PSC but not a Director of the same company – within 14 days of your month of birth after 18 November 2025. For example, if your birthday is 22 January, your 14 day period will start on 1 January
- New PSC’s – not later than 14 days of being registered with Companies House
Why is this happening?
The changes are designed to improve transparency, make company records more reliable, and help prevent unlawful activities. By making sure that every director and PSC has a verified identity, Companies House is aiming to strengthen trust in the information it holds.
How can you verify your identity?
There are two ways
1. Directly with Companies House through one of GOV.UK One Login options:
- ID check app – uses a smartphone to check a person’s identity on a document such as a passport or driving licence using biometric information and a ‘selfie’, or
- One Login web service – involves answering more detailed questions such as those relating to your mortgage or bank account, plus providing other ID document details, or
- face-face-service – you can present your documents at a post office at a pre-arranged appointment, or
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as an accountant, solicitor, or another regulated professional.
Once verified, you will be issued with a personal verification code. This code is unique to you – not to the company – but it can be used across all the companies where you are a director or PSC. You’ll need to provide this code to us as professional adviser or anyone filing documents on your behalf, as Companies House will not accept filings without it.
Step-by-step guide
- Check if you’re affected – are you a director, PSC, or member of an LLP?
- Check which verification deadline applies to you – are you a new or existing director or PSC?
- Choose how to verify – through GOV.UK One Login or with an ACSP.
- Prepare your ID – such as biometric passport or UK photo driving licence.
- Complete verification – follow the instructions from GOV.UK or your ACSP.
- Receive your personal code – issued by Companies House.
- Share your code – with your accountant, solicitor, or adviser so they can continue filing.
- Stay up to date – keep your verification valid if your details change.
What happens if you don’t verify?
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will not accept confirmation statements or any other filings unless directors and PSCs are verified. Missing the deadline could lead to delays, penalties, or restrictions.
What should you do now?
You should attempt to verify yourself using the online GOV.UK One Login service. It takes roughly 20 minutes to complete.
Please speak to us if you have issues verifying your identity using the GOV.UK One Login service, so we can advise on the best route to resolve the matter.
