New ID Checks for Companies Are Coming — Here’s What It Means

From 18 November 2025, Companies House is introducing new rules. If you’re a company director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC), you’ll soon need to verify your identity. Don’t worry — it’s not as scary as it sounds (in most cases). Think of it like verifying your identity when you open a bank account or register for online banking. Same idea… but for your company.

Here are simple answers to the most common questions 👇

Why is this happening?

Companies House wants to clean up the system. Right now, anyone can register almost any name. That means fake directors, fake companies, and sometimes stolen identities end up on the register.

These new checks are meant to:

• Stop fraud
• Make company info more trustworthy
• Protect real people from having their details misused

In short: it helps honest businesses and makes life harder for scammers.

Official guidance:

• Verify your identity for Companies House
• When you need to verify your identity

So what exactly do directors and PSCs need to do?

From 18 November 2025, you’ll need to prove who you are to Companies House. There are two main ways:

• GOV.UK One Login (online or app)
  • Start the process online or via the app.
  • Take a photo of your ID and, if needed, a quick selfie.
  • Optional: You can complete part of the process in person at a participating Post Office branch.
• Accountant or authorised agent (ACSP)
  • Some accountants or Authorised Corporate Service Providers can verify ID on your behalf.
  • Useful if you’re overseas or prefer some extra help.

Once verified, you’ll get a personal code. You’ll use this code whenever your company files certain documents, like confirmation statements.

Do I need to verify on 18 November exactly?

No! 18 November is just the start date. Most existing directors and PSCs get a transition period. Your deadline will depend on:

• When your next confirmation statement is due
• Whether you’re a director, PSC, or both
• Your date of birth (if you’re a PSC who isn’t also a director)

It’s best to verify as soon as possible in case there are issues with the verification process.

What information is required when performing ID verification?

You will normally need:

• Full name (and any previous names)
• Date of birth
• Current home address
• Address history for the last 12 months
• Email address
• A valid photo ID document: passport, driving licence, or other approved government-issued ID
• Proof of address if requested (e.g., bank statement, utility bill, council tax bill — usually within last 3 months)

Official guidance:

• Verify your identity for Companies House
• How to meet Companies House identity verification standard

Note: The exact list of required documents may vary depending on whether you verify via One Login or an authorised agent.

What happens if my ID verification fails?

Common reasons:

• Poor quality or illegible documents
• Expired documents
• Mismatched information (name, date of birth, address)
• Unsupported document types
• Technical errors
• Security features not recognized on the ID
• High-risk flags (e.g., sanctions lists or potential fraud concerns)

If verification fails, you can retry or use an authorised agent.

What if I don’t get verified?

You won’t be able to:

• Act as a director
• File certain company documents
• Submit confirmation statements

Eventually, Companies House could treat it as a breach of law. They usually won’t issue fines on day one, but verification must be completed before deadlines.

Other FAQs

• Is this a one-off? Yes. Once you’ve verified your identity, you usually don’t need to do it again unless Companies House changes the rules.
• What if I act as a director or PSC for several companies? You only need to verify once. Your personal code works for all your positions as director and/or PSC.
• Is it free of charge? Self-verification using One Login is completely free. Verification via accountant/ACSP may be chargeable depending on their rate, usually £50–£250.

Don’t leave it to the last minute

Verifying early is quick, simple, and saves stress when filing deadlines arrive. Once verified, your personal code will make future filings smoother.

Need help with ID verification?

If you need help completing your identity verification, I can assist as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). I am approved to carry out ID verification on your behalf in line with Companies House rules from 18 November 2025.

Note: ID verification isn’t just for directors and PSCs — it also applies to members of LLPs and LPs, and company secretaries. This post focuses on directors and PSCs, but the process and requirements are basically the same for these other roles too. So if you’re an LLP member, LP member, or company secretary, everything in this post applies to you too.