From 18 November 2025, all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity with Companies House.
This is part of the government’s wider efforts to improve transparency, prevent economic crime, and protect legitimate businesses from fraud.
We understand that many clients are cautious about emails asking for ID — but this is a genuine, official requirement from Companies House. All emails registered with Companies House will or have already received an email directly from Companies House about ID verification.
What Is Changing?
Companies House will begin displaying due dates for verification on its public register from 18 November 2025.
Every director and PSC must complete identity verification by their due date, and companies will not be able to file confirmation statements until this has been done.
Identity verification is a two-step process:
- Verify your identity and obtain your Companies House personal code.
- Provide your personal code to us to confirm you’re verified for each company role you hold.
If you’ve already verified your identity with Companies House, you will not need to do it again — one code will cover all your appointments.
Why It’s Being Introduced
Economic crime costs billions of pounds every year. These new measures are designed to:
- Prevent identity misuse and company impersonation.
- Increase trust and accuracy in the Companies House register.
- Protect business owners and their companies from fraudulent activity.
How to Verify Your Identity
There are two ways to complete the verification process:
1. Verify your identity directly with Companies House
The simplest and fastest way is to use the “Verify your identity for Companies House” online service via GOV.UK One Login.
You’ll be guided through the process and asked to provide a valid form of photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence).
For most people, the process takes just a few minutes.
2. Verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
You can also ask a professional — such as an accountant or solicitor — to verify your identity for you.
Exchange Accountants is a registered ACSP, meaning we are authorised to complete the verification process on your behalf if we hold up-to-date Anti-Money Laundering (AML) documentation for you.
However, due to the large number of directors and PSCs we act for, we strongly recommend that clients complete their own verification directly with Companies House and provide us with the verification when the process has been completed
If we are required to complete the verification for you, a one-off £50 + VAT fee will apply, payable in advance by the individual requiring verification(not the company).
What Happens If You Don’t Verify
If a director or PSC fails to verify their identity:
- The company will be unable to file its Confirmation Statement form CS01 and in due course company accounts
- Companies House may take enforcement action, including fines or prosecution.
- The company and its directors will be committing an offence if the issue is not rectified.
Exchange Accountants’ Advice
Do it yourself: The verification process is quick and straightforward when completed online through GOV.UK One Login.
Be prepared: Have your photo ID (passport or driving licence) to hand when verifying.
Watch out for scams: Only respond to official emails sent directly from Companies House. If unsure, contact us before clicking any links.
Stay informed: Companies House will continue to publish updates and deadlines.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and update this page as more information becomes available.
Need Help?
As always we are here to help you through another regulatory update so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
