Come rain or shine, we have to keep you informed with changes happening within the accountancy world that will impact you. This one is specifically for clients who have Limited Companies. If you don’t have a Limited Company you need not worry about the rest of this Blog!

You may be aware from recent press articles and emails sent directly from Companies House themselves that they have now updated details around a new mandatory legal requirement for Identity Verification, as well as opening up their systems for these checks to start being made. This affects all new and existing Directors and Persons of Significant Control (effective owners of Limited Companies).

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced robust new laws to tackle economic crime and deliver a more reliable companies register to underpin business activity. Previously anyone could register as a Director of a Limited Company, without any checks. There were various Directors called ‘Mickey Mouse’ for example!

WHY do you need to do this?

The rollout of Identity Verification will boost business and support growth by giving more assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK. Companies of all sizes will benefit from more accurate and trustworthy register data and greater protections against fraud.

Apart from it becoming a mandatory legal requirement, Identity Verification is part of the UK government’s plan to enhance corporate transparency.

WHO needs to get verified?

You will need to verify your identity if you are a director or the equivalent of a director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC).

Individuals will only need to verify their identity once. Once they have successfully verified their identity they will receive a personal code from Companies House. This will be a 11-digit alphanumerical code (XXX-XXXX-XXXX) and we will need you to pass this onto us once received so that we can hold it on our systems. From 18 November 2025, Directors and PSC’s will need to provide their personal code for any company filings.

WHEN do I need to do this?

Proactive verification is encouraged: Companies House recommends verifying your identity early, during the voluntary period (which is open now), to avoid potential delays as the mandatory deadline approaches. Companies House has now confirmed that from Tuesday 18 November 2025, legal requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identities will begin. Identity verification will also become mandatory for new company incorporations and for new directors and PSCs of existing companies from then on.

IMPORTANT!!

Store your verification code: Once successfully verified, you’ll receive a Companies House personal code as noted above. Keep this code secure as it is unique to you and will remain with you forever. Please also provide it to us as we will need to submit it to Companies House when we complete your Company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025.

HOW do I get verified?

Directly with Companies House:

You need a Gov.Uk One Login account and if you verify your identity directly with Companies House it is FREE, click here to get started >

If you ALREADY have a Gov.Uk One Login account verifying your ID and obtaining your personal code is very quick and straightforward. Simply click on the link above, follow the steps through to sign into your Gov.Uk One Login account, select that your identity has not yet been verified for Companies House, check/ confirm your details are up to date and submit. The system then checks your details with Experian, and assuming successful you will receive your Companies House personal code on screen – don’t forget to make a note of this and let us have it.

If you need to set up a Gov.Uk One Login account first the process is a little longer, but no more than 15-20 minutes.

We have some useful step by step guides below:

What to do if you already have a Gov.Uk One Login >

What to do if you DON’T have a Gov.Uk One Login >

If you DON’T have a Gov.Uk One Login the quick reference steps are:-

• Click on the above link to get started, follow the steps through and click “Create your Gov.Uk One Login”
• Enter an email address (a personal one), set a password and then select how to receive security codes and set that up as well.
• You will then be asked if your identity has been verified for Companies House, select “No” and follow the steps through to confirm where you live, that you have a correct form of Photo ID to hand (typically UK photocard driving licence or UK biometric passport) and whether you are using a computer/tablet or mobile phone.
• Next select your type of phone device (iPhone or Android) and click through to start proving your identity.
• You will need to download the Gov.Uk ID app and follow the steps within the app to login to your Gov.UK One Login account just created, select the form of ID you have, take pictures of the ID as instructed and finally take a selfie when asked.
• Once complete you will be prompted to return to the .gov website and finish proving your identity. The system will ask you to confirm the details taken from your form of ID are correct before checking these against the relevant government database.
• You will then be asked to input your residential address and year you started living at that address, and once confirmed the system checks your details with Experian.
• Assuming everything is successful you will then receive your Companies House personal code on screen – don’t forget to make a note of this and let us have it.

(The personal code can be accessed at a later date if needed, by logging into the Companies House website using the Gov.Uk One Login and going to “Manage Account”).

We highly recommend registering yourself at Companies House as it is very straightforward and it is free!

As a firm we have looked at providing a solution but this would still require your interaction via an App and also comes with associated costs. If you are struggling we are happy to help you through the process.

What happens if you do not verify?

You / we will not be able to:

• make any company filings
• start a new company or entity

If you do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you may be committing an offence and may have to pay a financial penalty or fine. It could also result in the rejection of company registrations, and even disqualification of directors.

Additional Information

• After spring 2026, only an ID-verified officer or employee of a company, or an Authorised Person, will be able to file documents at Companies House on behalf of a company.
• Identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and officers of corporate PSCs will commence later.

If you need more information on this please refer to Companies House info here >

Finally, we know this process is a pain, but we need to ensure you are compliant. Therefore, don’t delay, and get it sorted today!

Best wishes, take care,