Companies House has introduced mandatory identification verification (IDV) for company directors (and director equivalents), persons with significant control (PSCs), limited liability partnership members, and all others that file on Companies House.
These changes were initially implemented on 18 November 2025, marking the start of a 12-month transition period, during which the relevant individuals will need to complete the IDV process.
Who will this affect?
The following individuals are now required to verify their identity, whether they are newly appointed or already hold that role:
- Company directors;
- Director equivalents (including general partners or managing officers);
- LLP members;
- Persons with significant control (PSCs); and
- Anyone else that completes Companies House filings.
When do you need to verify your ID?
Existing company directors (or equivalent): ID verification is required at the time of filing the next confirmation statement.
Directors (or equivalent) of new companies: ID verification must be completed when the company is registered.
PSCs: ID verification must take place within the 14-day window allocated by Companies House. Your 14-day window can be found on the PSC company register.
If you hold both roles (director and PSC) for the same company, you must provide complete your IDV separately for each role – once when the next confirmation statement is due, and once within the 14-day PSC verification window provided.
How do you verify your ID?
You can verify your identity in one of two ways.
1. Companies House method (free):
Through your GOV.UK One Login account, you will be guided to the most suitable verification method, which may include:
- GOV.UK One Login App: use your phone to verify your identity using biometric data;
- Online security questions: answer a series of security questions to confirm your identity; or
- Post Office (face-to-face): visit a Post Office to verify your identity in person.
2. Approved Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) method (for a fee):
If you would prefer to use an ACSP, you will be required to provide your identification documents directly to the provider for them to verify. Fees will likely apply.
What happens after your ID has been verified?
Once your ID has been successfully verified, you will receive a personal code from Companies House. It is your personal code that you will need to provide to Companies House, rather than your ID documents themselves. This code will not be publicly visible. Keep your code safe and share it only with those that need it.
Companies House has indicated that you will only need to complete your IDV once, unless there are concerns that the information provided was incorrect or misleading.
What if you don’t comply?
Failure to verify your identity by the required deadline will be considered an offence, and you could face prosecution or financial penalties. Non-compliance will result in a note being added to the company register, and other consequences might include:
- Inability to be appointed as a director for other companies;
- Inability to register new companies or entities;
- Potential enforcement actions by Companies House.
How can we help?
If these changes apply to you, we recommend noting when your IDV is due and taking the necessary steps to submit your information ahead of this deadline to avoid incurring any potential penalties.
We highly recommend using the Companies House method if you’re able to, as, in most cases, it is free of charge and allows you to complete the necessary checks from the comfort of your own home.
However, if this option isn’t suitable for you, don’t worry! We’re here to assist with any questions you may have. Please feel free to get in touch, and one of our team will be happy to help.
