As of 18th November 2025, verifying your identity with Companies House will become mandatory under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023. These regulations aim to combat fraud and enhance corporate transparency.
Who is affected?
- New directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
- Existing directors and PSCs
- Members of a limited liability partnership (LLP)
Above are the affected parties from 18th November 2025, identity verification at a later date will be required for people who; file at Companies House, limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of LLPs, officers of corporate PSCs.
It is important to note that all directors and PSCs must complete identity verification, even in cases where there are multiple directors or PSCs within the same company.
The Process
Verification Options:
- You can verify your identity directly through Companies House at no cost. To verify directly with Companies House, you will need a GOV.UK One Login, which must be set up using your personal email address. Ensure your personal details are accurate, as errors could cause complications later.
- Alternatively, you can verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which may charge a fee.
Photo Identification:
- Verification requires a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Personal Code:
- Once verification is complete, you will receive a personal code. This code is required when filing your company’s confirmation statements.
- Your personal code is private, will not be publicly available, and must be kept secure.
- If an authorised agent or accountant files on your behalf, you must provide them with your personal code.
Multiple Roles:
- If you hold multiple roles within one company (e.g. both a director and a PSC), you only need to verify your identity once. However, you must provide your personal code separately for each role.
Timeline:
The verification system will open on 18th November 2025. You are not required to complete your online verification before this date. This is the start of a 12-month transition period and not a strict deadline. Identification verification will need to be complete before your next confirmation statement is filed following 18th November 2025 for existing directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). For new directors and new PSCs appointed or incorporated on or after 18th November 2025, verification will need to be completed at the time of their incorporation or appointment.
If you are a PSC, your personal code will need to be provided within 14 days of your birth month. This will be 14 days before your date of birth. If you become a PSC after 18th November 2025, your personal code must be provided when you are first added to Companies House or within 14 days of being added.
Consequences of Not Verifying:
Following the one-year transition period Companies House will be begin carrying out compliance checks companies existing before 18th November, compliance checks will be carried out instantly for new companies. Identification Verification will be compulsory! Not complying with your obligations to verify electronically will be a criminal offence under the ECCT Act 2023 and will result in a fine or financial penalty. It will also be noted on the register that identity has not be verified. If you are a director and do not verify, there is a risk you will be disqualified.
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Should you have any queries regarding this, or any other Company Commercial matter please don’t hesitate to contact Josiah Hincks Solicitors and we would be happy to help.
Written by Callum Colquhoun.
