Companies House identity verification: what you need to do

The mandatory Companies House identity verification launch took place on 18 November 2025. Since then, ID verification has been a legal requirement for individual company directors, PSCs, and individual LLP members. These requirements aim to help prevent fraud, tackle money laundering, and increase transparency.

This guide explains Companies House identity verification, who must comply, important deadlines, and how to verify your identity.

What is Companies House identity verification?

Companies House identity verification confirms that an individual is who they claim to be. You might also see this referred to as “Companies House ID verification” or “company identity verification”.

It’s a legal requirement for individual directors of UK companies, individual LLP members, and PSCs.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) created the legal framework for identity verification.

The ECCTA reforms aim to improve transparency, make the information on the Companies House register more accurate, and reduce fraud.

Why did Companies House introduce identity verification?

The Companies House identity verification rules help protect legitimate business owners and increase confidence in UK companies.

The ECCTA aims to make it harder to use companies for illegal purposes, including fraud and money laundering.

Until these reforms, Companies House had limited powers to check the information it received. Stronger UK company verification, including ID checks on directors and PSCs, is intended to make the register more reliable for everyone who uses it.

When was the Companies House identity verification launch?

Companies House launched its voluntary identity verification service on 8 April 2025.

Mandatory identity verification rules for individual directors, individual LLP members, and individual PSCs started on 18 November 2025. It also started a 12-month transition period for people already on the register. This period ends on 17 November 2026.

Within this period, each person’s deadline depended on their role, such as their company’s confirmation statement date.

Identity verification for others, like corporate LLP members, corporate directors, and officers of corporate PSCs, will launch later.

Who must verify and when?

When you need to verify your identity and submit verification details depends on your role and when you started it.

Since 18 November 2025, the following rules apply, with limited exceptions. If you already held a role on that date, your deadline falls within the transition period, which ends on 17 November 2026. If you haven’t verified yet, do it now:

New directors

You must verify your identity before being appointed and acting as a director. This applies whether you’re joining an existing company or forming a new one.

The appointment or incorporation filing must include your personal code and confirm that your identity has been verified.

Existing directors

If you were appointed before 18 November 2025, you must verify before your company files its next confirmation statement. That date falls within the transition period, which ends on 17 November 2026.

The company needs to provide the required identity verification statement when it files its confirmation statement. Whoever files it needs your personal code to complete the filing.

All individual directors must meet the verification requirements before Companies House will accept the company’s confirmation statement.

If you hold multiple directorships, you must provide the code for each company. If you haven’t verified yet, your company can’t file its confirmation statement until you do. Once your deadline has passed, acting as a director without being verified is an offence.

New PSCs

You can provide your personal code and verification statement when you’re first added to the Companies House register as a PSC.

If you don’t, you must provide these details within 14 days of being added. Companies House will confirm the relevant verification period.

You can do this through the Companies House PSC verification service.

Existing PSCs who are also existing directors of the same company

You’ll need to provide your personal code separately for each role.

For your director role, you’ll need to provide it through the company’s confirmation statement.

For your PSC role, you provide your personal code and verification statement separately through the Companies House PSC Verification Service. You’ll need to do this within 14 days, beginning from the day after your company’s confirmation statement date.

Existing PSCs who are not directors of the same company

You’ll need to provide your personal code and verification statement within the first 14 days of your birth month.

Individual LLP members

Individual LLP members also have identity verification duties.

New individual LLP members

You must verify your identity before you can act as an LLP member. Your personal code and verification confirmation are required for appointment filing.

Existing individual LLP members

You must verify before the LLP files its next confirmation statement on or after 18 November 2025. That date falls within the transition period, which ends on 17 November 2026.

The LLP must provide your code and identity verification statement with that confirmation statement. Both you and the LLP have identity verification duties.

Individual PSCs of LLPs must also meet PSC verification requirements.

How to verify identity with Companies House

There are two routes to verify your identity for Companies House. You can verify through an ACSP like 1st Formations or directly with Companies House.

Option one – verify through an ACSP

This route lets an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) verify your identity for you.

An ACSP is a business or individual registered with Companies House to verify people’s identities. ACSPs check your identity to the same standard as the Companies House service, then confirm it directly with Companies House. ACSPs like 1st Formations can also file documents on your company’s behalf.

There are several benefits to using an ACSP, including saving you time, reducing the risk of errors, and simplifying the process.

If you use an ACSP to incorporate a new company, it can verify your identity and inform Companies House. You’ll then receive your Companies House personal code at the email address you gave the ACSP.

By using 1st Formations’ services, you can manage both identity verification and company formation at the same time. This can be easier compared with registering directly through Companies House.

Option two – verify with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login

You can complete identity verification with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login. This is free and includes various options, like an app, security questions, and a Post Office route.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the GOV.UK Verify Your Identity page to sign in or create a One Login account.
2. Follow the steps to verify your identity. One Login will tell you which verification method you can use.

If you use the GOV.UK One Login app, different rules apply to photo ID:

• You can’t use an expired passport.
• You can use a DVLA-issued driving licence if it expired within the last 90 days.
• You can use an expired UK biometric residence permit, biometric residence card, or Frontier Worker permit, but only if it expired in the last 24 months.

If you live in the UK but don’t have qualifying photo ID, you may have another option. You may be able to verify using bank or building society details. You’ll also need to provide your National Insurance number and answer security questions.

You may be offered the option to verify in person at a Post Office. You must first enter details from an accepted photo ID online. You must then attend an eligible branch in person.

You can’t use expired documents for bank details or Post Office routes.

If you can’t verify directly or need help, ask an ACSP to verify on your behalf.

After carrying out identity verification on GOV.UK, you’ll need to submit your personal code to Companies House for each role.

Verifying your identity in person at the Post Office

The Post Office option is part of the direct Companies House verification route.

To use a Post Office to verify your identity, you start the process online via the GOV.UK website. You’ll need to enter your photo ID details, choose an eligible branch, and follow the instructions you’re given.

Find a Post Office that provides an “in-branch verification” service. You’ll receive a confirmation email giving you a link to download a customer letter. This will contain a QR code.

Take your original photo ID and customer letter to a Post Office which offers in-branch verification. Staff will scan your QR code and ID document, and take a photo of you as part of the check.

You should then receive an email confirming the outcome, usually within one day. If you’re successful, you’ll receive your Companies House personal code by email. You can also view it in the “Manage account” section of your Companies House account.

Can non-UK directors complete Companies House identity verification?

Yes. Non-UK directors can use GOV.UK One Login if they have an accepted document, like a biometric passport from any country. They can also verify their identity through an ACSP.

If you don’t have accepted photo ID, contact Companies House for support. Or you can speak with an ACSP to learn how they can help verify your identity.

How long does identity verification take?

The time needed depends on the verification route and the documents you provide. If you form a company through 1st Formations, our identity checks usually take just a few minutes, and our team can help you with any issues. The time needed for verification through an ACSP depends on the provider and their turnaround times.

What documents do I need to verify my identity with Companies House?

The documents you need for Companies House identity verification depend on the verification method available to you.

GOV.UK One Login will tell you which method and documents you can use.

To verify your identity using the GOV.UK One Login app, you’ll need one of the following ID documents:

• A current biometric passport from any country
• A UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
• A UK biometric residence card or permit
• A UK Frontier Worker permit

An ACSP may be able to verify your identity using a machine-readable passport or an EU/EEA biometric identity card.

You’ll also need details like your current residential address and the year you moved in.

An ACSP might request additional information or documents to complete its checks.

Understanding your Companies House personal code

Once you’ve completed identity verification, Companies House gives you a unique personal code.

This code confirms that your identity has been verified. Keep it somewhere safe, as you’ll need it for each role you hold.

Companies House personal codes are unique to an individual and not a company. Companies House issues an 11-character personal code to each verified individual.

A GOV.UK One Login email address can only be used to verify one identity. This means that co-directors of the same company need to use separate email addresses to verify their identities.

How to use your Companies House personal code for filings

Since 18 November 2025, directors have needed to use their Companies House personal code when:

• incorporating a company as a director
• confirming their verification through a confirmation statement
• being appointed as a director

PSCs must also provide their code for their PSC role.

Keeping your personal code secure

You should only share your code with Companies House and businesses you trust to file for you, like your accountant.

If your code has been compromised or shared, tell Companies House. It can cancel your old code and email you a new one.

How Companies House will use your verified data

Companies House won’t make your proof-of-identity documents public.

Your identity verification status appears on the public register once you connect your verified identity to its records.

What happens if I don’t verify my identity with Companies House?

There can be severe consequences if you don’t verify your identity by the relevant deadline.

What it means for you as a director or PSC

Once your verification deadline passes, acting as a director without complying with identity verification rules is an offence.

You could face prosecution and a fine through the courts, or a financial penalty from Companies House.

PSCs who fail to meet identity verification requirements may also commit an offence.

What it means for your company

Companies won’t be able to file a confirmation statement until all individual directors have met the identity verification requirements.

Failure to file a confirmation statement can lead to your company being struck off the register and dissolved.

Companies House may also update the public register to show that someone hasn’t complied with identity verification requirements.

This could damage your reputation with customers and suppliers, and make it harder to access finance or credit.

This is why it’s important to plan ahead and complete all necessary verification requirements on time.

Can 1st Formations verify my identity for Companies House?

1st Formations is an ACSP and can verify directors, individual members of LLPs, and PSCs for Companies House.

Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been built into every company formation we complete, free of charge. We submit the necessary verification statements once we’ve completed our checks.

Next steps for directors, individual LLP members, and PSCs

Individual directors, individual LLP members, and PSCs must verify their identity by the relevant deadline. The rules are in force, and failing to follow them can result in serious consequences.

As a first step, check which individuals need to verify at your business. You should then check the relevant deadlines and choose the verification route that best suits your circumstances. Take professional advice if you’re unsure.

If you’re setting up a new UK company and need help with the process, compare our company formation packages. We include identity verification and personal code support with company formation.

If you’re overseas, our Non-Residents Package includes UK company formation and identity verification support for eligible customers.