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As part of the UK Government’s ongoing efforts to improve corporate transparency and combat economic crime, significant changes are being introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. One of the key changes is the introduction of mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in UK companies, which is designed to prevent fraud and increase trust in UK companies.
These new measures will impact company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
This change means that more than 7 million individuals are expected to become subject to the new identity verification rules later this year. If you or your business falls within the scope of the new regime, it is strongly recommended to complete voluntary verification early, ahead of the mandatory requirements coming into force.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
Companies House has confirmed that from Tuesday 18 November 2025, it will be a legal requirement for all directors and people with significant control to verify their identities.
Identity verification must be completed either:
- Online directly via GOV.UK One login
- In person at a participating Post Office
- Or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as Scrutton Bland
You will need to supply an accepted photo ID such as a biometric Passport or UK driving licence.
Companies House has provided guidance on proving your identity with GOV.UK One Login online.
Why Is This Happening?
The goal is to make it harder for fraudsters to create and use UK companies for criminal activity such as fraud and money laundering. By requiring identity verification, Companies House will have greater confidence in the accuracy of the information on the register and the people behind UK businesses.
Key Dates
- 18 March 2025 – Application process opened for ACSP registration.
- 8 April 2025 – Voluntary identity verification launched.
- 18 November 2025 – Identity verification to become mandatory for:
- New directors – must verify before incorporation or appointment.
- New PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) – must verify within 14 days of registration.
- Existing directors – must verify by the date of their next confirmation statement within a 12-month transition period (ending mid-November 2026).
- Existing PSCs:
- If also a director: verify by confirmation statement date.
- If not a director: verify within 14 days from the first day of their birth month during the transition period.
It’s important to note that identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of LLPs, and officers of corporate PSCs will commence later, but it’s better to get ahead and confirm your identity ahead of the deadline.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to verify your identity could result in:
- Criminal offences
- Financial penalties
- Ineligibility to act as a company director or register a new company
- Removal from the Companies House register
- You will be unable to file any documents at Companies House such as confirmation statements or accounts
Once the requirements become mandatory, anyone who has not verified their identity should not take any actions on behalf of a company in the capacity of a director. Acting while unverified will be a criminal offence and may result in a fine, although the appointment itself and any actions taken will remain valid.
Companies must ensure that their directors do not act unless verified, or the company may also be committing an offence. Directors who persistently act without having been verified may also face disqualification. Enforcement action is expected to begin at the end of 2026.
Company Identity Verification FAQs
How do I get my code?
After you successfully complete ID verification for Companies House, you will be issued a personal code, which will be an eleven-character code, formatted as xxx-xxxx–xxxx and will be shared with you via the email address you have provided.
I’m a director for more than one business, do I need to do this multiple times?
No, you only need one personal code, no matter how many companies or roles you have.
Should I share my code with anyone or publish it online?
Companies House will not share this code on your behalf to anyone, and advise to only share the personal code with trusted agents to file on your behalf. Please note, where we provide company secretarial services to clients, we will need you to forward your code to us so that we can make submissions on your behalf.
What if I do not have any biometric ID documents or I’m not a UK citizen?
In this instance, you will need to use a registered ACSP, as using the One Gov or Post Office routes to confirm your identity will not be possible.
How can Scrutton Bland help?
Scrutton Bland is a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) which means that we’re fully equipped to carry out identity verification checks on your behalf, ensuring your business remains compliant with the new legislation.
We strongly recommend verifying the identities of your directors and PSCs well in advance of any planned filings or confirmation statement due dates.
What to Do Next
Ahead of 18 November 2025, when this becomes a legal requirement, we suggest you:
- Review your company’s list of directors and PSCs
- Decide if you will complete the process yourself on Companies House or contact us to initiate the identity verification process
- Plan ahead to avoid any disruption to your business activities
If you have any questions or would like support in completing this process, please get in touch with your usual contact or email Simon Pinion at simon.pinion@scruttonbland.co.uk
We’re here to help you navigate these changes smoothly and to make sure your company remains compliant.
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