Companies House confirms date for ID verification
Following our update earlier this year regarding upcoming changes to Companies House filing requirements, it has now been confirmed that identity verification measures will be introduced from 18 November 2025. From this date, compliance will be mandatory.
Benefits of the new legislation include more accurate and trustworthy register data and greater fraud protection.
Key points
Who needs to verify their identity?
ID verification is for anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK. You’ll need to verify your identity if you are:
- a director
- the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
- a person with significant control (PSC)
- an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - also known as a Companies House authorised agent
- someone who files for a company - for example, a company secretary
- Identity verification will also apply to other registration types. For example, any members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) will need to verify their identity.
Timings
- New directors will be required to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company
- Existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity when they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period
- Existing PSCs must verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of 18 November 2025
How to verify your identity
Verification can be done in one of three ways:
- Via the GOV.UK mobile app (fastest method)
- Online without the app, by answering security questions
- In person at a Post Office
- More information on how to verify your identity can be found on the government website.
Volunteer to verify early
- A voluntary early verification window is open should you wish to verify early, and we will be on hand to support and guide you through this process.
Personal authentication codes
- Once verified, each individual will receive a personal authentication code to use for all company appointments. Please provide your usual Azets adviser with the code for each director and PSC to allow us to continue filing on your behalf.
Consequences of not verifying your identity:
Anyone who fails to complete identity verification, will not be able to:
- Create a new company or register an entity
- Act as a Companies House authorised agent
They may also face legal penalties, fines, or disqualification for acting in regulated roles without having verified their identity.
Directors who continue to act without verification after it becomes a legal obligation will be committing an offence and could be disqualified. The company (or entity) and all directors may also be committing an offence. PSCs who don’t verify their ID may be committing an offence.
We are here to help
If we already assist you with your annual confirmation statement, we will provide more specific guidance on what you need to do, and how you can do it, when we send out your draft statement for approval.
If you have any questions in relation to this new legislation, or on how to verify your identity, please get in touch with a member of our specialist team via the form below.
