If you own a limited company, or are a Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a company, such as a shareholder owning more than 25% of the company, you will need to confirm your identity with Companies House.
From 18th November 2025, it will become compulsory under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 for all directors and Persons with Significant Control of new and existing companies to verify their identity.
This aims to improve the quality and accuracy of data on the Companies Register and to help combat economic crime, providing greater protection against fraud.
Verification can be completed either by yourself or by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as many accountants or solicitors.
What You Need to Do
First, you will need to obtain a personal ‘ID code’ for all directors (and some shareholders). You need this in order to file certain key documents with Companies House. This is particularly important for your Confirmation Statement, which is filed once a year. If this is not filed, it could result in your company being struck off and dissolved.
If you are forming a limited company after 18th November 2025, you will also require a code.
To obtain the code, you will need to verify your identity via GOV.UK One Login (usually using the GOV ID Check App). You will be generated a personal ID code once complete.
FAQS on Digital ID Verification with Companies House
Q. Who Needs To Verify Their Identity And When?
Most individuals connected to the ownership and c-suite management of a company will need to verify their identity. What does vary is the date by which verification must take place.
- New directors will need to have their identify verified to be able to incorporate a company.
- Existing directors need to be verified before their next annual confirmation statement (CS01) is submitted. This needs to be confirmed when the CS01 is filed.
- New PSCs for new companies who are also directors need to be verified and a statement sent to Companies House within 14 days from their appointment / the incorporation of a new company.
- New PSCs registered after 18th November for existing companies (who are not directors) need to be verified within 14 days of being registered as a PSC.
- Existing PSCs who are also directors need to be verified within 14 days of their next CS01 / annual confirmation statement date NOT the filing deadline (due by) date).
- Existing PSCs (who are not directors) need to be verified during the first 14 days of their birth month.
- A member of a new incorporation of an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) must be verified before the company can be incorporated.
- For a member of an existing LLP, the same rules for a director of a limited company will apply.
For a director of an overseas company with a UK establishment, verification of identity must be provided to Companies House on the first anniversary of the UK’s establishment, after 18 November 2025. This information must be provided within a 21-day period. - For someone who files on behalf of a company, such as a Company Secretary, verification is required before the next annual CS01 statement is filed for the company
Q. How Do I Verify Myself (DIY Option)?
If you wish to verify your identity yourself, you’ll need to create a GOV.UK One Login account, and follow the process to confirm your identity. GOV.UK One Login is the new system that will eventually replace all other government sign-in routes, including the Government Gateway.
You don’t need to change how you currently access HMRC online services until HMRC prompts you to do so.
To get started, follow the link below, which explains how to create your GOV.UK Login and what identification you’ll need:
Using your GOV.UK One Login: Proving your identity with GOV.UK One Login – GOV.UK
Once verified, Companies House will issue you a unique Companies House Personal Code (UI).
Q. What Is The ID Verification Two-Step Process?
- Verify your identity and receive your Companies House Personal Code (UI) — this code is unique to you.
- From 18 November 2025, link your verified identity with each company you’re connected to (as a director or PSC). To do this, you’ll provide your UI and a verification statement for each role.
You’ll be able to access your personal code via your GOV.UK Login, under “Manage account” in your Companies House account.
Q. When Will I Need My Companies House Personal Code (UI)?
You will need this code whenever you or your accountant:
- File your Confirmation Statement.
- Make changes at Companies House, such as appointing a new director or PSC after 18 November 2025.
Q. What Happens If I Don’t Verify?
If you don’t verify your identity on time:
- You won’t be able to make any filings with Companies House.
- You won’t be able to start a new company or entity.
- You may receive fines or penalties.
- You could be disqualified as a director and may be deemed to be committing an offence.
- The company or companies you’re connected to may also be committing an offence.
Q. What If I Can’t Verify Digitally?
If you’re unable to verify digitally, you can verify your identity at The Post Office. You’ll still need to create a GOV.UK One Login to book an appointment there.
Action You Need to Take Now
First, contact your accountant in case they offer verification on your behalf. If not:
- Sign up for a GOV.UK One Login
- Verify your identity
- Store your code for the next filing and/or give it to your accountant if they file for you!
Need an accountant?
Just get in touch; we’d love to discuss how we might help.
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About the author:
Dan Heelan is the Business Services Director of Heelan Associates, an accounting firm that helps small business owners across the UK start, survive, and grow.
With a background as a small business owner himself, he discovered his passion for accounting and tax early in his journey and now focuses on empowering fellow entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to navigate the financial side of running a business.
You can see and hear Dan in action in his regular: