Big changes are coming for UK companies. From 18 November 2025, new legal requirements will come into effect under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These reforms are designed to improve transparency, strengthen trust in UK companies, and help prevent misuse of the corporate register.

If you’re a company director or a person with significant control (PSC), here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

Why Identity Verification Matters

Companies House will require all directors and PSCs to verify their identity. This is part of a wider effort to ensure that only real, traceable individuals can control or run UK companies. By tightening these checks, the government aims to reduce fraud, money laundering, and the abuse of company structures.

In short: if you are running or controlling a UK company, you will need to prove that you are who you say you are.

Key Dates and Transition Period

  • 18 November 2025: Identity verification requirements begin.
  • Transition Year: From this date, directors must be verified before filing their next confirmation statement.

For example, if your company’s confirmation statement is due on 31 March 2026, all directors must have completed verification before that date. If they haven’t, the statement cannot be filed, and the company risks falling out of compliance.

What Directors Need to Do

  1. Verify your identity using either:
    • The Verify your identity for Companies House online service (through GOV.UK One Login), or
    • An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as your accountant or solicitor.
  2. Receive your personal code from Companies House. This code is unique to you and will be needed whenever you take up or maintain a company role.
  3. Link your code to each company where you are a director by providing it with the company’s confirmation statement.

👉 Note: If you’re a director of multiple companies, you’ll use the same code across all roles.

What PSCs Need to Do

PSCs will also need to verify their identity:

  • Each PSC must provide their personal code to Companies House.
  • A 14-day window will apply for PSCs to complete this step.
  • If you’re both a director and a PSC, you only need to verify once—but you must provide your code for each role you hold.

How the Verification Process Works

1. Through GOV.UK One Login

  • The system will ask a few simple questions.
  • You may need to provide photo ID and use your device to capture verification evidence.
  • Once verified, you’ll find your personal code in your Companies House account under manage account.

2. Through an ACSP (e.g., an accountant or solicitor)

  • The ACSP must be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
  • You’ll provide them with approved ID documents.
  • They’ll complete the process and send you your personal code by email.
  • They may charge a fee for their service.

⚠️ Do not post or email identity documents directly to Companies House—they will not be accepted.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

  • Your company will not be able to file its confirmation statement.
  • Failure to file confirmation statements can ultimately result in the company being struck off the register.
  • Directors and PSCs who fail to verify risk delays, penalties, and reputational damage.

Actions to Take Now

  • Check your confirmation statement date and plan ahead.
  • Verify your identity early to avoid last-minute problems.
  • Ensure your personal details (particularly your date of birth) match what’s on the Companies House register. Any mismatch will block the process.
  • Inform fellow directors and PSCs, especially those overseas, so they have enough time to complete the process.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming verification rules mark one of the most significant reforms to UK company law in decades. While the process is straightforward, it’s critical to act early to ensure your company stays compliant and avoids unnecessary disruption.

At Venn Accounts, we can help guide directors and PSCs through the identity verification process, and where appropriate, act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to handle verification on your behalf.

📌 Don’t wait until the deadline, start verifying now to keep your company compliant.