Major Changes to UK Company Registration: Identity verification From 18 November 2025
- TBA
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Many UK business owners will already be aware of upcoming compliance changes.
Companies House has confirmed that identity verification will soon be compulsory for company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).
This month, the agency officially announced the implementation date. From 18 November 2025, company directors and PSCs will be required to provide a personal code when filing registration documents.
Who needs to complete identity verification and when?
According to Companies House, identity verification will be compulsory for both existing and new directors and PSCs, with around 6 to 7 million people expected to complete the process.
Directors
From 18 November 2025, directors must provide a personal code in their company’s next confirmation statement. A 12-month transitional period will apply.
If you are a director of multiple companies, you must provide the code for each company.
For new companies registered after this date, every director must supply a personal code at incorporation.
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
Each PSC must file a statement within 14 days of completing identity verification, confirming compliance and providing the Companies House personal code. The exact 14-day timeframe depends on circumstances:
PSC after 18 November 2025: the 14 days run from the date the PSC is registered at Companies House.
PSC before 18 November 2025 who is also a director: the 14 days run from the date of the company’s next confirmation statement.
PSC before 18 November 2025 who is not a director: the 14 days run from the first day of the PSC’s birth month shown in Companies House records. For example, if the records show March 1990, the 14 days will begin on 1 March 2026.
How to complete identity verification
There are two routes for identity verification:
GOV.UK One Login
Verification can be completed free of charge via GOV.UK One Login. The process involves uploading ID documents (such as passport or driving licence) and completing a face scan.
Authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)
Alternatively, individuals can verify through an ACSP, although service fees may apply.
In most cases, identity verification will only need to be completed once. Once approved, a personal code will be issued, which must be used for future Companies House filings.
Consequences of not completing verification
Failure to comply with the new requirements will be an offence and may result in serious consequences, including:
Inability to file statutory documents
Rejection of new company incorporation applications
Disqualification of directors who fail to verify
Compulsory strike-off of the company
Financial penalties or other regulatory sanctions
Wider roll-out of verification
Companies House will phase in the verification process over a 12-month period. By mid-November 2026, an estimated 6 to 7 million people will be required to complete verification.
Later stages will also extend verification requirements to:
Individuals filing on behalf of companies
Limited partnerships
Corporate directors
Corporate members of LLPs
Officers of corporate PSCs
This reform is not just a compliance exercise; it directly affects company operations, the ability to file accounts and statements, and even ongoing legal status.
The view from TB Accountants
Companies House has entered a new era of stricter oversight, and identity verification is one of the most significant regulatory changes in recent years.
Businesses should therefore prepare well ahead of time to ensure smooth compliance and avoid disruption.
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