Companies House to Introduce ID Verification for All Directors and People with Significant Controls PSCs

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will begin rolling out a new identity verification process for all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).

This change forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, a major piece of legislation designed to increase transparency, tackle fraud, and strengthen trust in the UK’s business register.

While the idea of another compliance step might feel like extra admin, these new checks are an important move toward protecting both business owners and the wider economy.

Why Companies House Is Introducing ID Verification

Economic crime costs billions of pounds each year — from fraudulent company formations to false directorships and money laundering.

The new verification system will help ensure that every name listed on the Companies House register is genuine, verified, and accountable.

In practice, this means:

• No one will be able to register as a company director or PSC without confirming their identity first.
• The register will become a more reliable source of business information.
• Legitimate business owners will be better protected from impersonation or misuse of their company details.

In short, this reform is designed to make doing business more secure — and to build confidence among clients, investors, and partners.

How the New Verification System Works

Every director and PSC will need to complete a two-step process:

1. Verify your identity — either directly with Companies House or through an authorised professional such as an accountant or solicitor.
2. Receive your Companies House personal code, which proves your verification status. code should be forwarded to us.

Once verified, you’ll be able to use your personal code for all company roles you hold.

Verification only needs to be completed once, so the process won’t need to be repeated every year.

However, Companies House will soon begin enforcing this requirement — meaning you will not be able to file a company’s Confirmation Statement form CS01 after 18 November 2025 unless all directors have completed their verification.

What You’ll Need

The quickest and easiest way to verify is through GOV.UK One Login, which will guide you through the process and ask for your photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

For most people, it takes just a few minutes to complete.
Alternatively, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — such as ourselves — can complete verification on your behalf, provided we hold up-to-date Anti-Money Laundering (AML) information.

Due to the number of clients we support, we recommend directors and PSCs complete their own verification directly.

If we’re required to verify a client’s identity, a one-off £50 + VAT fee will apply, payable in advance by the individual.

What Happens If You Don’t Verify

This new system is being enforced by law, and Companies House has made clear that there will be consequences for non-compliance.

Failing to verify could mean:
• You won’t be able to file your company’s Confirmation Statement form CS01 and in due course the company accounts.
• Both you and your company could face financial penalties or prosecution.
• Continuing to act as a director without verification will be considered an offence.

The good news is that verification is straightforward and only needs to be completed once — after that, you can continue business as usual.

Protecting Legitimate Businesses

These changes are not just about red tape — they’re about creating a fairer, safer business environment.

By ensuring every company officer and PSC is verified, Companies House aims to reduce fraud and protect genuine business owners from impersonation.

At Exchange Accountants, we welcome this step toward greater corporate transparency and we will continue to support our clients through every regulatory change.

What You Should Do Next

• Keep an eye out for an official and legitimate email from Companies House ..
• Follow the instructions included in the email and verify your identity Or you can start the process through the GOV.UK One Login.
• Visit our dedicated information page for detailed instructions and FAQs. Read our Companies House ID Verification Guide here.

If you’re unsure whether a message you’ve received is genuine or you’d like help preparing for this change, our team is here to assist. Contact Us Now.

Let’s Grow Together.