By Shannon Power, 22nd October 2025
From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. This is a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to improve transparency and prevent fraud.
Who Needs to Verify their ID
- Company Directors: All directors must verify, including executive, non-executive, and nominee directors.
- PSCs: Individuals with over 25% shares or voting rights, or significant influence over the company.
This applies to both active and dormant companies. If you’re a director of multiple companies, you only need to verify once.
The Companies House register will be updated on 18th November 2025 to show the due dates for verification for each role you hold.
How to Verify
- Set up a GOV.UK One Login with a personal email (not shared company email). Set up two-factor authentication for security.
- Choose a Verification Method:
- GOV.UK ID Check App: Use a smartphone and an accepted ID (biometric passport or UK photo driving licence) for fast verification (15-20 mins).
- Online Security Questions: Answer credit history questions if you don’t have a compatible smartphone (takes 20-30 mins).
- Post Office Verification: Visit a participating branch with ID and proof of address.
Documents You’ll Need
- Biometric passport (from any country), UK photo driving licence, or UK biometric residence permit.
- Depending on the type of Verification method, additional documents might be needed such as a current account with a UK bank or building society for Online Security Questions method of verification
- For Post Office verification method, European Union (EU) photocard driving licence and national identity photocard from an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will also be accepted
After Verification
Once verified, Companies House will issue you a unique 11-digit verification code. This code is permanent and links to your director/PSC record. If you handle your own filings, you’ll need to add the code; if an accountant does, provide them with it.
Key Points
- Dormant Companies: Directors must verify even if the company isn’t trading.
- Multiple Companies: One verification code works across all director roles.
- No Proxy Verification: The process must be completed by you, or by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), for example, an accountant or solicitor. ACSP can verify an individual’s identity on their behalf.
- Overseas Directors: You can verify internationally if you have a biometric passport.
Technical Issues & Support
If you face issues, try an alternative method or contact Companies House at 0303 1234 500.
Why Act Now
Complete your verification early to avoid last-minute problems. Secure Post Office appointments early and ensure you’re ready for any upcoming company filings.
This requirement is part of broader reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, with more changes ahead, including mandatory digital filing by 2027.
If you are interested in UK Company Formation, contact the Company Bureau team online today!
Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Company Bureau for any action taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional or legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of this article. Any and all information is subject to change.
