Companies House has started rolling out mandatory identity verification checks as part of a wider clampdown on fraud and misuse of UK companies. These changes sit within the government’s broader reform programme under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
The rules are being phased in, but they already affect almost all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and LLP members. If you are involved in running a UK company, this is something you need to address.
This blog explains what the ID checks are, who they apply to, when they take effect, and why many directors are choosing to deal with them through an authorised adviser rather than on their own.
At a Glance
- Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025
- Most directors and PSCs must comply during a 12-month transition period
- Verification involves more than one step
- Confirmation statements may be rejected if directors are not verified
- Acting without verification can result in non-compliance
- Verification can be completed directly with Companies House or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
What Are the Companies House ID Checks?
Historically, Companies House accepted information at face value, with no formal checks on who was actually behind a company. That position has now changed.
Under the new reforms, Companies House has stronger powers to:
- Query and reject information
- Remove false or misleading content
- Take a more active role as gatekeeper of the register
Individuals connected to UK companies must now verify their identity so Companies House can confirm there is a real, traceable person behind each role.
Once verified, you receive a Companies House personal code, which links your identity to your company roles.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
You will need to verify if you are any of the following:
- A company director
- The equivalent of a director, including members, general partners and managing officers
- A director of an overseas company registered in the UK
- A person with significant control (PSC)
- An authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)
The regime will expand over time to include additional filing and corporate roles.
Key Dates and the Transition Period
Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025. Companies House describes the following 12 months as a transition period, intended to give companies time to comply.
In broad terms:
- New directors must verify before appointment
- New PSCs must verify shortly after being added to the register
- Existing directors and PSCs must verify as part of the company’s next confirmation statement
There is no single deadline. Timing depends on your role and the company’s filing cycle.
How Identity Verification Works (High Level)
There are two distinct parts to the process:
- Verifying your identity and receiving a Companies House personal code
- Providing that code to Companies House for each relevant role you hold, by the required deadline
While the identity check itself is usually straightforward, the second step is where many directors run into difficulty, particularly where individuals:
- Hold multiple roles
- Are both a director and a PSC
- Are involved in more than one company
This is where using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can materially reduce risk.
Direct Verification vs Using an ACSP
Directors can choose to verify directly with Companies House. This places responsibility for timing, role-specific filings and accuracy entirely on the individual.
Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as DRS Tax and Business Advisors, offers a different approach.
An ACSP can:
- Complete identity verification on your behalf
- Ensure your personal code is connected to the correct roles, in the correct way
- Monitor confirmation statement deadlines
- Reduce the risk of rejected filings or non-compliance
For directors with multiple companies, overseas connections, or both director and PSC roles, this support is often the safer option.
Why Many Directors Are Choosing DRS as Their ACSP
DRS Tax and Business Advisors is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
We are already supporting clients by:
- Completing identity verification as part of ongoing compliance
- Coordinating verification with confirmation statement filings
- Managing multi-company and multi-role situations
- Acting as a single point of contact for Companies House requirements
For most clients, this means less administration, fewer deadlines to track, and lower risk.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Companies House has made its position clear.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Confirmation statements being rejected
- Directors acting unlawfully if they continue without verification
- Potential financial penalties, enforcement action, or referral to the Insolvency Service
Mistakes or delays can create avoidable compliance issues.
What Should You Do Now?
You have two practical options:
- Manage identity verification yourself, ensuring you understand the rules, deadlines and filing routes for each role you hold
- Appoint an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as DRS, to manage the process and reduce compliance risk
If you are involved in more than one company, or hold both director and PSC roles, early planning is essential.
Want the Step-by-Step Guide?
We’re covering this in more detail in the first edition of our brand new DRS newsletter, including:
- A step-by-step walkthrough of the verification process
- Clear timelines for directors vs PSCs
- What to do if you hold multiple roles or companies
- Common mistakes we’re already seeing and how to avoid them
Sign up to our newsletter to receive the full guide and practical updates in plain English.
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Final Thought
A quote from our Principal, Sunil Aggarwal:
Companies House identity verification is not just a technical change, it’s a shift in how directors are expected to engage with the UK corporate system. The real risk sits in how and when that verification is linked to each role you hold. We’re already seeing situations where otherwise compliant companies face rejected filings simply because the process hasn’t been handled correctly. For many directors, especially those with multiple companies or PSC roles, using an authorised adviser removes unnecessary risk and ensures compliance is dealt with properly, first time.
If you would like to discuss appointing DRS as your ACSP or want help understanding how these changes affect your company, please get in touch.
You can:
- Email: info@drs-tax.com
- Telephone: 020 8059 1891
- Submit an enquiry via our Contact Us page
You can also book a free 15-minute consultation to review your position and next steps.