The UK government is introducing a significant change to corporate governance that will affect thousands of business owners and directors across the country. From 18 November 2025, anyone serving as a company director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), or in certain other company roles will need to verify their identity with Companies House.
This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to improve transparency in UK business and reduce corporate fraud. At Prager Metis, we’re helping our clients understand these new requirements and navigate the verification process smoothly.
Understanding the New Requirements
The identity verification process is straightforward, but it’s important to understand who it affects and when you need to act.
Who This Applies To
The new rules require identity verification for UK companies:
- Company directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Company secretaries and others who file on behalf of a company
If you hold any of these roles, you will need to verify your identity regardless of where you live. The requirements apply equally to UK residents and those based overseas.
Important Dates to Remember
The timeline for verification depends on your current situation.
- If you are already a director or PSC, you have until 18 November 2026 to complete your verification. However, you must verify before filing the company’s next confirmation statement. This means your actual deadline could be much sooner than November 2026, depending on when the confirmation statement is due.
- If you are becoming a new director or PSC after 18 November 2025, you will need to verify your identity before you can be formally appointed. This also applies if you are incorporating a new company or LLP.
Why We Recommend Acting Now
While the final deadline may seem far away, we are advising all our clients to complete their verification as soon as possible. Here is why:
When the requirement becomes mandatory in November 2025, Companies House will likely face an enormous volume of verification requests. This could lead to significant processing delays and potential bottlenecks in the system.
By verifying early, you will avoid the rush and ensure there are no complications when it is time to file your company’s confirmation statement or make changes to your company structure. Think of it as getting ahead of the queue before everyone else arrives.
Three Ways to Verify Your Identity
Companies House has made the verification process accessible through multiple channels. We have outlined each option below to help you choose the method that works best for your situation.
Option 1: Online Verification Through GOV.UK One Login (Free)
This is our recommended approach for most clients. It is quick, convenient, and completely free.
To verify online, you will need a biometric passport (the kind with a small chip symbol on the cover, as illustrated below), a UK photo driving licence, or similar government-issued ID. You will also need a smartphone with NFC capability, which most modern smartphones have.
The entire process can be completed from home in about 15 to 20 minutes. Simply visit the GOV.UK website and search for “Verify your identity for Companies House” to begin. The system will guide you through each step, from scanning your ID document to taking a selfie for facial recognition.
Option 2: Verification at Your Local Post Office (Free)
If you are unable to verify online or prefer face-to-face assistance, you can complete the process at a UK Post Office branch.
You will still need to start the process on the GOV.UK website, where you will provide your personal information and details about your ID documents. The system will then determine if you are eligible for Post Office verification and provide you with the information you need to complete the process in person.
This option is particularly helpful for those who are not comfortable with online processes or do not have access to the required technology.
Option 3: Using an Authorised Third-Party Provider
For clients who do not have a biometric passport or cannot use the other verification methods, authorised third-party providers offer an alternative solution.
These providers, known as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), can verify your identity for a fee, typically around £35 plus VAT. It is important to ensure any provider you use is properly registered with Companies House as an ACSP.
This option can be particularly useful for overseas directors or those with non-standard documentation.
What Happens After Verification
Once you have successfully verified your identity, you will receive a unique verification code. This is an important piece of information that you should store safely.
Your verification code is personal to you and will be used across all companies where you serve as a director or PSC.
You will not need to verify separately for each company, which simplifies things if you are involved with multiple businesses.
However, Companies House will not email this code to you, so make sure you record it immediately. You will need to provide this code when filing your company’s confirmation statement, along with the codes from all other directors and PSCs.
The Consequences of not Verifying
We always prefer to focus on the positive aspects of compliance, but it is important to understand what could happen if you do not complete the verification process.
Without verified identity, you will not be able to file your company’s confirmation statement. This can lead to your company becoming non-compliant with Companies House requirements. Additionally, you will not be able to take up new director or PSC positions, and any company filings you attempt may be rejected.
Companies House can also impose civil penalties of up to £10,000 for non-compliance. More importantly, the inability to file required documents could put your company at risk of being struck off the register.
These are serious consequences, but they are entirely avoidable with timely action.
How Prager Metis Can Support You
Navigating regulatory changes can feel overwhelming, especially when you are focused on running your business. That is where we come in.
- Comprehensive Reviews for Multi-Entity Structures
If you are involved with multiple companies or hold positions across several entities, keeping track of all your appointments and ensuring consistency across Companies House records can be complex.
We offer comprehensive audit services that review all your director and PSC appointments, check for discrepancies in your Companies House records, and ensure everything is accurate and up to date. This is particularly valuable if you have been involved with companies for many years and are not certain whether all your details are current.
- Guidance Through the Verification Process
Our team can provide step-by-step support through the verification process. We will help you determine which verification method is most suitable for your circumstances, explain exactly what documentation you will need, and guide you through each stage of the process.
For clients based overseas, we can provide tailored advice on the specific requirements and best approaches for non-UK residents.
- Ongoing Compliance Support
Beyond the initial verification, we can help coordinate the verification process across your entire organisation, ensuring all directors and PSCs complete their verification in good time. We will also monitor deadlines, provide reminders when confirmation statements are due, and keep you informed of any changes to Companies House requirements.
Choosing Prager Metis to Take the Next Step
The new identity verification requirements represent a significant change in how Companies House operate, but with proper planning and early action, the process can be straightforward and stress-free.
We encourage you to begin your verification as soon as possible, well ahead of any deadlines. This gives you plenty of time to resolve any unexpected issues and ensures you are not caught in the rush when the requirement becomes mandatory.
If you have questions about the verification process, need assistance determining which method is right for you, or would like to arrange a comprehensive review of your Companies House records, our team is here to help.
