Who Are You?

David Leuchars

Companies House has introduced compulsory identity checks for directors from November. David Leuchars looks at what businesses need to do.

In a previous article, I discussed the introduction by Companies House of compulsory identity checks for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) of UK companies. Companies House has now confirmed that these checks will become mandatory from 18 November 2025. This is part of a number of changes being introduced by Companies House to combat fraud and improve the accuracy and transparency of information available on their register and is the most significant change in recent years to the process for submitting information to Companies House.

This represents a significant change for companies, and it is essential that all business owners and directors familiarise themselves with the new requirements. This article outlines the forthcoming changes, the actions required by business owners and directors, and how McCormicks Solicitors can provide assistance and advice to meet these new requirements.

What are the changes?

From 18 November 2025, an individual must not act as a director of a company unless and until their identity has been verified with Companies House, either directly or through an authorised corporate service provider. This is a significant change, as previously directors could begin work immediately as a director, following their appointment.

Now, the company must ensure an individual does not act as a director, unless their identity has been verified. If Companies House is not updated within 14 days of a Director’s appointment, an offence is committed by the company, and every officer of that company.

How to verify your identity

There are two principal methods for verifying your identity:

• Online Verification via GOV.UK One Login:
  You may verify your identity online using the GOV.UK One Login service. Acceptable documents include a biometric passport (from any country), a UK photo driving licence, a UK biometric residence permit or residence card, or a UK Frontier Worker permit. You will also be required to provide your current address and the year you moved in.
• Verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP):
  Alternatively, you may verify your identity through an ACSP registered with Companies House. The ACSP will require personal details (such as your name, date of birth, and address) and two forms of identification (e.g., passport and driving licence). Once the ACSP is satisfied with the documentation, they will confirm your identity to Companies House.

Upon successful verification, each director will be issued with a unique personal code, which must be provided in the company’s next confirmation statement or during the registration process for a new company.

In addition to directors, the identity verification requirement will apply to persons with significant control (PSCs), authorised agents, and individuals who file documents on behalf of a company, such as company secretaries.

When to verify your identity

• Existing Directors: From 18 November 2025, directors of existing companies must provide their personal code when filing the company’s next confirmation statement.
• New Directors: Individuals appointed as directors after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity as part of the company registration process or upon appointment to an existing company.
• PSCs:
  • A PSC, who is also a director, must verify their identity separately and provide their personal code to Companies House within 14 days of the company’s confirmation statement date, using a dedicated service available from 18 November 2025.
  • A PSC, who is not a director, must provide their personal code to Companies House within the first 14 days of their birth month. For example, if your date of birth is 22 January, the 14-day period commences on 1 January.

How McCormicks can help

McCormicks Solicitors will be registered as an ACSP, enabling us to verify your identity and provide the requisite confirmation to Companies House. We offer both remote and in-person verification services.

It is essential that company directors and all relevant individuals ensure their identities are verified in accordance with the new requirements. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties and delays in the filing of confirmation statements or other statutory filings.

For new company incorporations or restructurings of existing companies, it is important to note that identity verification for all proposed directors and PSCs will form part of the standard process. Timely completion of the verification process will help to avoid unnecessary delays to transactions or business operations.

Call us on 01423 530630 or email [email protected]