Companies House Identity Verification
Companies House identity verification requirements were introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The verification process is estimated to impact 6 to 7 million individuals who will need to have their identity verified by mid-November 2026.
From 18 November 2025, identity verification for company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will be a legal requirement, with a phased implementation period running until the end of 2026. After this, all directors and PSCs must have verified their identity.
Once an individual’s identity has been successfully verified, they will be issued a unique Companies House personal code, which will be used to connect a person’s verified identity to their roles across Companies House.
From 18 November 2025:
- You’ll need to be verified to use your personal code for filing a confirmation statement, being appointed as a director or becoming a person with significant control (PSC).
- If you’re currently a director, you’ll need to provide your personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement filing from 18 November 2025.
- If you’re a PSC, you’ll have a 14-day period during which you must provide your personal code. There will be an online service to do this when the requirement comes into force on 18 November 2025. Gov.uk will update this guidance when this service becomes available.
How to verify your identity
To complete the verification process, you can use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service available at Gov.uk, which provides guidance on how to verify your identity:
- Using an app,
- Via the website, or
- At a Post Office.
If you have any queries about the new reforms under the ECCTA will impact you or your business, please contact Rosie Timoney, Senior Associate in our Governance, Risk & Compliance team.
*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.
