On 18 November 2025, significant new rules take effect, requiring most key individuals involved with UK companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) to verify their identity with Companies House.
These changes are part of a wider effort to stop economic crime and make sure that the UK register of companies is accurate and transparent. The new requirements apply to both people based in the UK and those overseas who are involved with UK-registered entities.
The new rules apply to all new and existing individual people who are:
• Directors of UK companies (including directors of overseas companies with a UK branch).
• Members of UK LLPs.
• People with Significant Control (PSCs) of UK companies and LLPs (i.e., the ultimate owners or controllers).
Note: For now, these identity verification (IDV) rules only apply to individuals. Companies House will announce separate, future start dates for verification requirements covering:
• Legal entities that control a company or LLP (Registrable Relevant Legal Entities).
• Individuals in Limited Partnerships.
• Corporate Directors or Corporate LLP Members.
Individuals currently holding a role have a grace period to comply, which is tied to the entity’s next filing date:
• Existing Directors & LLP Members: You must verify your identity and submit your Personal Code when your company/LLP files its next Confirmation Statement. This grace period lasts up to 12 months.
o If you are a director of multiple companies, you only need to complete the ID verification process once. You will then use the resulting Personal Code for each company’s Confirmation Statement as it becomes due.
• Existing PSCs: The deadline for PSCs to verify their identity depends on whether they are also a director:
o PSCs who are ALSO a Director of the same company: You must provide your Personal Code for your PSC role in the company's first Confirmation Statement filed after November 18. (You will need to submit the code separately for your director role.)
o PSCs ONLY (not a director): You must provide your Personal Code within the 14 days starting on the first day of your birth month that occurs after November 18.
Failure to verify your identity within the required timeframe is a serious matter. It may result in a criminal offence for the individual, the company, and every other director/officer of the company.
You have two main options to complete your identity verification:
This is typically done via the GOV.UK One Login system:
• Online/App: Use the app or answer security questions online.
• Photo ID & Post Office: Enter details from a photo ID on GOV.UK One Login and then attend a Post Office (for those with UK ID documents or biometric evidence).
You can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (e.g., a law firm, accountant, or company formation agent) to handle the verification process.
• The ACSP must conduct checks, which may include an identity interview, to be satisfied that the documents you provide are genuine. They then submit a verification statement to Companies House on your behalf.
In either route, you must provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, government-issued ID, and contact details (address/email).
Key point: ID Verification is usually a one-off process. However, Companies House can demand you re-verify if they suspect the information provided is false or misleading.
As a regulated law firm, we have received approval from Companies House to act as an ACSP. This means that where you are unable to use the direct method of verification via GOV.UK you may engage us to as an authorised agent to conduct the necessary verification checks on your behalf and report the same to Companies House.
For further information on company and commercial law generally, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Bill Dhariwal on DDI: 01489 864 117 or E: bill.dhariwal@lawcomm.co.uk
*The contents of this article does not constitute legal advice. Law applicable as at date of publication.
