Companies House Identity Verification – Rollout Starts 18 November 2025
What Northern Ireland businesses need to know
Companies House has confirmed that mandatory identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will officially begin on Tuesday 18 November 2025. This major change, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aims to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, boost transparency, and reduce fraud.
For Northern Ireland companies, this means new legal requirements will apply to company directors, PSCs, and eventually other roles. While the process is designed to be quick and simple, failing to comply could mean committing an offence – so it’s essential to be prepared.
Key Dates and Requirements
From 18 November 2025:
New directors must verify their identity before they can incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company.
Existing directors will confirm their verified status at the same time as filing their next annual confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition period ending November 2026.
Existing PSCs will need to verify within their own allocated 14-day window during that same 12-month period.
From this date, directors and PSCs will also be able to log in to the Companies House register to view their identity verification due dates for all their roles.
How to Verify
There are two main options:
GOV.UK One Login – a free, secure, and quick online service (average completion time: just over 2 minutes).
Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – such as an accountant or solicitor registered with Companies House to complete the process on your behalf.
Once verified, individuals will receive a personal code from Companies House. For each company role, you’ll need to provide this code along with a statement confirming you have verified your identity.
Why This Matters
It will be an offence to act as a director without being verified once these rules are in force.
Verification strengthens the integrity of the Companies House register, protecting businesses from fraud and improving confidence among investors, lenders, and customers.
The process is one-off for most people, but must be completed correctly to avoid compliance issues.
What Northern Ireland Businesses Should Do Now
Check your company’s registered email address with Companies House – all communications about the rollout will be sent there.
Make sure directors and PSCs are aware of the changes and timelines.
Consider early verification – more than 300,000 individuals have already verified during the voluntary phase since April 2025.
Decide whether to verify directly via GOV.UK One Login or through your accountant as an ACSP.
Plan for your annual confirmation statement – you may need to incorporate verification into your filing schedule.
Exchange Accountants Can Help
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, Exchange Accountants can handle the verification process for your directors and PSCs, ensuring it’s done correctly and on time.
We recommend not waiting until the last minute – with up to 7 million people needing to verify before November 2026, early action will help you avoid delays.
Contact us today to discuss your company’s verification plan and ensure you’re fully prepared for the November 2025 rollout.
