Director identity verification for Companies House

From 18 November 2025, new identity verification rules will come into force for all UK company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). The changes, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, mark one of the most significant updates to UK company law in recent years.

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) approved by Companies House, SO Legal can verify directors’ identities directly on behalf of clients — either in person or electronically — ensuring a smooth and compliant transition ahead of the deadline.

Contact our solicitors today to complete director verification quickly and securely.

Why identity verification is being introduced

The new rules aim to strengthen the integrity of the Companies House register and prevent misuse of UK companies. Historically, limited checks on who could register or control a company have created opportunities for fraud and money laundering.

Identity verification ensures that anyone acting as a director or PSC is who they claim to be, improving transparency and protecting the UK’s reputation as a trusted place to do business.

Who needs to verify their identity

Identity verification applies to all:

• Existing company directors.
• Newly appointed directors before taking up their role.
• Persons with significant control (PSCs).

Additional requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors, and members of LLPs will follow at a later stage.

When verification is required

From 18 November 2025, all directors must verify their identity before their company’s next confirmation statement. For example, if your next statement is due on 31 March 2026, all directors must be verified by that date.

New directors appointed after 18 November must verify before their appointment, and PSCs will have a 14-day window to complete verification once notified. Failure to comply will mean your company cannot submit its confirmation statement, potentially resulting in penalties or even being struck off.

How to verify your identity

From November 2025, identity verification can be completed either directly with Companies House or through an approved professional.

While Companies House will offer a self-service option for individuals to complete verification online, most directors and people with significant control (PSCs) are likely to find the process quicker and more secure using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

An ACSP — such as a solicitor or accountant supervised under UK Anti-Money Laundering regulations — can verify your identity in person or electronically using an approved e-verification system (E-COS).

As an authorised ACSP, SO Legal can complete the process on your behalf, managing document collection, verification, and linking each director or PSC to their company role with Companies House. This ensures your filings are accurate, compliant, and completed without disruption.

Using an ACSP: key benefits

Many directors prefer to use an authorised provider for peace of mind. Working with an ACSP offers:

• a compliant and secure process that meets Companies House standards.
• expert handling of identity documents under strict AML supervision.
• flexible options for in-person or e-verification.
• a single point of contact for directors holding multiple roles.
• support for overseas verification where direct GOV.UK access is limited.

We can also coordinate the wider company filings, including confirmation statements and statutory updates, ensuring that compliance obligations are met in full.

What happens after verification

Once verified, you’ll receive a personal code that confirms your identity with Companies House. This code must then be linked to each company role you hold by providing a short verification statement when filing.

If you are a director of several companies, the same code can be used for each. However, all details — such as your date of birth — must match the register exactly, or the link cannot be completed.

Common issues to watch out for

Early verification will help avoid last-minute problems. Common pitfalls include:

• mismatched details between identity documents and Companies House records.
• delays for overseas directors who need extra time to complete checks.
• unverified directors preventing the company’s confirmation statement from being accepted.

Addressing these early will ensure your company remains compliant and avoids filing restrictions.

FAQs for directors

Below are some of the most common questions company directors and shareholders are asking about the new Companies House identity verification requirements.

1. Who needs to verify their identity?
   All company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must complete verification. Future phases will extend to LLP members, limited partnerships, and corporate directors.
    
2. Can director verification be done online?
   Yes. You can verify through the GOV.UK One Login system or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) using an approved electronic system (E-COS).
    
3. Do I have to verify in person?
   No, not necessarily. Verification can be done electronically, but ACSPs such as solicitors may also conduct in-person verification if preferred or where digital options are unavailable.
    
4. What happens if I don’t verify in time?
   Your company will be unable to file its confirmation statement until every director and PSC is verified, which can lead to penalties or strike-off action.
    
5. Can overseas directors be verified?
   Yes. Verification can be completed from any country using an ACSP approved under UK AML regulations.

Guidance from our corporate solicitors

Our corporate solicitors are helping clients prepare for the new identity verification rules, offering a seamless service to verify directors and PSCs under the new framework.

“Identity verification represents a major shift in UK company regulation. As an approved Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we’re helping businesses stay compliant, minimise disruption, and maintain confidence in their corporate governance,” says Dylan Leet, corporate solicitor.

For more details about how we can complete verification on your behalf, visit our director identity verification services page.

Beyond identity verification, our team advises company directors, shareholders, and business owners on a full range of corporate and commercial matters — from company formation and governance to shareholder agreements, restructures, and business sales. 

Get in touch to speak with our corporate solicitors.