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From November 16, 2025, it has become mandatory to complete identity verification with Companies House for anyone who is becoming a company director or a person with significant control (PSC).
As per the announcement by Companies House, this new verification process will be gradually rolled out phasewise over the next 12 months so that the transition becomes easier for the companies and the businesses.
Add to this the Companies House stated that the identity verification process will make it tough for anyone to use fake or stolen identities to start a company or even appoint directors. This will make it simpler to identify the directors that are disqualified and, can track directors across multiple companies, and can help in spotting criminal networks.
As per the Companies House, “Making information on the company register more reliable is good news for business, users of the register and efforts to tackle economic crime.”
Adding that the process of identity verification will strengthen enforcement efforts too by revealing who is actually behind each company.
Chief executive of Companies House, Andy King said, “We’re determined to help create an environment where honest businesses can thrive. We want them to know that when they’re doing business with another company, the information we hold about them is accurate and trustworthy. We also want to prevent people from starting and running companies for criminal purposes.”
Andy King highlighted that its launch in April on a voluntary basis Companies House has verified the identity of more than 1.5 million individuals.
Individuals can do identity verification through:
- Directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login
- Any authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
One can do their Identity verification through GOV.UK One Login and it’s completely free and takes a few minutes to complete. One can use the existing forms of ID, anything like a passport or a driving licence, and can also do so by answering security questions.
Companies House also stated that most individuals will need to complete identity verification just once. After successful verification of their identity a personal code would be issued by Companies House.
Directors and PSCs must use their personal code and give a statement confirming a successful verification of their identity for each company role they hold. For the existing directors, this statement must be submitted alongside the company’s confirmation statement.
Failure to meet the identity verification requirements on time is considered an offence.
