Companies House Identity Verification: What You Need to Know

What exactly is changing

From 18 November 2025, Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification for all company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies. These changes are part of the UK government’s efforts to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and strengthen corporate accountability.

This means every company director and beneficial owner must prove who they are before they can continue managing, owning, or incorporating a UK company.

If you’re a director, shareholder, or company secretary — this affects you.

Why introduce identity verification

Companies House is tightening its rules to help prevent the misuse of UK companies for criminal activity such as money laundering and fraud. The new verification process ensures that everyone involved in running or controlling a UK company is a verified, identifiable individual. In short, Companies House wants to know that the names appearing on company records are genuine.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity

The following people will be legally required to verify their identity:

• All company directors of UK-registered companies

• People with Significant Control (PSCs) – typically anyone owning or controlling more than 25% of shares or voting rights

• Members of LLPs

• Anyone filing information on behalf of a company with Companies House (including agents)

When you must verify 

If you fall into any of these categories, you must complete the verification once the system goes live on 18 November 2025.

• New directors and PSCs (after 18 November 2025): You must verify your identity before you can be appointed or registered.

• Existing directors and PSCs: You must verify before your company’s next confirmation statement date after 18 November 2025.

We recommend completing verification as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to company filings or penalties.

How the process works

You can complete identity verification in one of two ways:

1. Directly through Companies House

You’ll need to submit your own personal documents and photo online, following the Companies House verification process via the GOV.UK platform.

o You’ll need to register and set-up a GOV.UK One Log-in.

o You’ll be responsible for ensuring accuracy and security.

o You’ll need to repeat the process if you act for multiple companies.

o You’ll need to obtain your Personal Code.

o And attach it to every company you own.

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

If you are already a client of CORNEL Accountants, you can use our firm.

o We are registered and approved by Companies House to verify your identity on your behalf.

o We handle the entire process securely and submit verification directly to Companies House once complete.

We can:

• Collect and check your identification documents securely

• Submit your verification to Companies House through our approved ACSP system

• Confirm and provide you with your unique personal code for your records

• Ensure your code is linked to all company’s applicable to you

This option may be especially helpful if you prefer not to use the online self-service system or if you find the process difficult and timely to complete yourself.

What you’ll need to provide

Whether you verify directly or through us, you’ll need:

• Proof of identity – passport or photo driving licence

• Proof of address – recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill

• A recent photograph (digital)

• Personal details – full name, date of birth, nationality, and service address

If you use our ACSP service, we’ll provide a simple online form via our partners at Inform Direct and Credas where you can securely upload these items. We take care of the rest.

What happens if you don’t verify

Failing to complete identity verification will have serious consequences. Companies House will gain new powers to impose penalties and restrict company activity.

Consequences may include:

• You may be legally prohibited from acting as a company director

• Your company may be unable to file documents or make statutory changes

• Companies House may flag your company as non-compliant

• You could face financial penalties or criminal charges

In short — failure to verify means you can’t continue running your company.

Why use our ACSP verification service

We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), approved by Companies House to verify identities on behalf of our clients. That means we can manage this process for you — quickly, securely, and correctly.

Here’s why clients might choose us over Companies House directly:

1. Convenience
• No need to navigate Companies House forms or systems
• We handle the full verification process from start to finish
• You’ll only need to provide us a few simple documents (via a link we send)

2. Compliance Assurance
• We ensure your verification meets Companies House requirements
• Your status will be updated promptly to avoid delays or penalties
• You’ll have a full record of compliance for your files

3. Data Security
• All documents are handled through our secure, encrypted systems
• We’re regulated and registered for anti–money laundering (AML) compliance
• Your information remains confidential at all times

Verify your identity – next steps

Avoid last minute issues. We recommend all clients complete identity verification well before their next CS01 confirmation statement is due (after 18 November 2025).

We’ll be writing to all our clients soon, to provide further details of our fixed-price identification verification service.