07 Oct Mandatory ID Verification at Companies House: What Directors, PSCs & LLP Members Need to Know (Effective 18 November 2025)
From 18 November 2025, a major change will take effect at Companies House: identity verification (IDV) for company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and certain other roles. This is a core part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and it aims to strengthen the integrity of the UK company register.
This article explains who must comply, how the process works, key deadlines, and practical steps your business can take now — plus how UCS Accountants can guide you through this transition.
Why Is Identity Verification Being Introduced?
The reform is part of a broader initiative to combat fraud and misuse of shell companies and false identities.
By ensuring that those behind companies are who they claim to be, the Companies House register becomes more trustworthy, transparent, and resilient.
The reform will also aid regulators, law enforcement, and business users in identifying suspicious patterns and anomalies.
Who Will Be Affected?
| Role / Entity | Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New directors (appointed on or after 18 Nov 2025)** | Must verify identity before appointment or incorporation | The verification must be done before the appointment is submitted to Companies House. |
| Existing directors | Must confirm verification when filing their next confirmation statement within a 12-month transition period | They’ll need to provide their personal verification code as part of that filing. |
| Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) | Must verify identity within defined timeframes, depending on status | PSCs who are also directors follow director deadlines; PSCs not directors have a different schedule. |
| Members of LLPs / equivalent roles | Included under the rules | The change is expected to extend to LLP members and equivalent roles. |
| Overseas companies with UK establishments | Affected for their UK-based directors | Those directors will need to verify identity in relation to their UK roles. |
How Will Identity Verification Work?
Verification Mechanisms
You can verify your identity via:
Using your digital identity, pass identification checks (e.g. passport, driving licence).
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
If using an authorised agent (e.g. your accountant, law firm), they verify on your behalf.
In-person or alternative routes
In some cases, verification may be possible via the Post Office or by security question checks.
Personal Code & Role-Specific Confirmation
Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, Companies House will issue you a personal code.
For each company role you hold (director, PSC, etc.), you must link your personal code and submit a verification statement to confirm that your identity is verified.
If you hold multiple directorships, one verification is sufficient; the personal code travels across roles.
Timing & Phasing
A 12-month transition period applies for existing directors and PSCs, beginning at the start date (18 November 2025).
PSCs have 14-day windows to submit their verification statements under specific conditions.
The rules will phase in further over time to include corporate directors, limited partnerships, officers of corporate PSCs, and more.
Key Deadlines & Requirements to Watch
| Scenario | Due Date / Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation / New Director Appointments | Must be verified before submission | Unverified individuals will not be accepted. Reed Smith+4Pennington Manches Cooper+4GOV.UK+4 |
| Existing Directors | Before next confirmation statement filing | The first confirmation statement after 18 Nov triggers the requirement. Linklaters+3Reed Smith+3TLT+3 |
| Existing PSCs (who are directors) | Within 14 days of confirmation statement | Submit the verification statement plus code. Pennington Manches Cooper+2First AML+2 |
| Existing PSCs (non-directors) | Within first 14 days of birth month (as registered) | If not a director, their deadline depends on birth month. Reed Smith |
| New PSCs (after 18 Nov) | Within 14 days of their PSC registration | They must verify promptly. Pennington Manches Cooper+2First AML+2 |
Note: If a role remains unverified after its deadline, filings may be rejected or penalties may apply.
Risks & Consequences of Non-Compliance
Companies House may refuse filings or reject incorporations from unverified individuals. GOV.UK+3Pennington Manches Cooper+3Reed Smith+3
It could become a criminal offence to act as a director or PSC without verification. Pennington Manches Cooper+2Reed Smith+2
Your company and its officers could face fines or other enforcement action. Linklaters+2Pennington Manches Cooper+2
The Companies House register may display you as “Unverified,” potentially undermining credibility.
What You Should Do Now — Action Plan
Verify your identity early
Even before November 2025, take advantage of the voluntary verification window (open since April 2025). Reed Smith+2First AML+2Obtain and store your personal code
Once verified, save your personal code in your Companies House account so you can use it later. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2Map out all your roles (director / PSC / LLP member)
Know which roles you hold so you can plan when and how each needs verification.Schedule compliance around your confirmation statement
If your confirmation statement is due soon after Nov 2025, don’t delay — you’ll need identity verification in time.Use an ACSP or file via agent
If verification is complex (e.g. for overseas individuals), using an authorised agent can simplify the process.Train staff & clients
If you work with clients or partners who hold directorships or PSC status, educate them early so the process is smoother.Monitor guidance from Companies House
As new phases roll out (corporate PSCs, etc.), keep up with updates from official sources.
How UCS Accountants Can Help
At UCS Accountants, we are already preparing for the ID verification regime and can assist you in:
Verifying your identity via GOV.UK or as an ACSP
Mapping out your company roles and ensuring timely compliance
Filing confirmations and linking your personal code
Advising on cross-jurisdictional / overseas director issues
Monitoring further reforms and ensuring continuous compliance
Contact UCS Accountants now to get ahead of the November 2025 change and avoid last-minute risk.