Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for people setting up, running, owning or controlling UK companies. For many business owners, the practical question is simple: what do I need to do, and when?
Mandatory identity verification began on 18 November 2025, starting a 12-month transition period for existing directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Importantly, 18 November 2026 is not one universal deadline for everyone. Your actual deadline depends on your role and circumstances.
Why has Companies House introduced identity checks?
The reforms are designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and make it harder for false or stolen identities to be used when setting up or controlling companies.
Directors and PSCs are among those required to prove their identity. Once successfully verified, an individual receives a unique Companies House personal code.
That code belongs to the individual, not the company.
If you are a director of several companies, you do not usually need to verify your identity separately for each one. However, you must make sure your verified identity is connected to each relevant role.
What changed in November 2025?
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became mandatory.
For many existing directors, the practical requirement is linked to the company’s confirmation statement. The director’s personal code must be provided as part of the relevant filing during the transition period.
For new companies and new director appointments, the requirements apply earlier in the process.
Identity verification should therefore now form part of the normal checklist whenever someone forms a company, becomes a director or takes control of a business.
Is 18 November 2026 my deadline?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important misconceptions to avoid.
The 18 November 2025 start date introduced a 12-month transition period, but there is not one identical deadline for every director and PSC.
For an existing director, the company’s confirmation statement is usually a key date.
PSCs have different requirements. If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company, you need to deal with the two roles separately. The PSC requirement may fall within a separate 14-day window.
The safest approach is to check your own position rather than rely on a general headline date.
What is the Companies House personal code?
Once your identity has been verified, Companies House issues you with a unique personal code.
Think of it as the link between you as a verified person and the roles recorded against you at Companies House.
The same code can be used when you are appointed as a director, become a PSC or need to connect your verified identity to an existing company role.
It should be kept secure and only shared with trusted people who genuinely need it to make a filing on your behalf.
My accountant files everything. Do I still have to verify?
Yes. Having an accountant to submit your confirmation statement does not remove your identity-verification obligation.
You can verify through GOV.UK One Login or through an appropriately registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as some accountants or solicitors. We are Pi is a registered provider.
Your accountant may therefore be able to help, but you should not assume it has happened automatically.
A useful question to ask is:
Have I been verified, and are all my Companies House roles correctly connected to my verified identity?
I am a director of several companies. Do I verify several times?
Generally, no.
You normally verify your identity once and receive one personal code. You then use that code across your company appointments.
However, completing the process for one company does not automatically mean every other directorship or PSC role has been dealt with.
This is particularly important for directors of groups or multiple owner-managed companies.
What if my details do not match?
Do not leave this until your filing deadline.
Differences in names, dates of birth or other details can cause problems when Companies House tries to match your verified identity with existing records.
It is sensible to review your Companies House information now and correct any errors before you need to complete a time-sensitive filing.
What happens if I do nothing?
Identity verification is a legal requirement.
Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action and may also prevent a company from completing certain Companies House filings.
The practical message is straightforward: do not wait for a rejected confirmation statement to discover there is a problem.
What should directors do now?
For most owner-managed companies, these five checks are a sensible starting point:
- Confirm whether each director has verified their identity.
- Check the company’s next confirmation statement date.
- Review all directorships and PSC roles held.
- Check whether any separate PSC deadline applies.
- Agree who will handle filings and how personal codes will be stored securely.
If your accountant or company secretarial adviser normally handles Companies House filings, speak to them before your next confirmation statement rather than assuming verification has already been completed.
The wider message is that Companies House compliance is becoming more identity-based and more active. Businesses that build these checks into their normal annual administration should find the transition much easier than those dealing with it at the last minute.
Our thoughts
As accountants we file documents on behalf of our clients and ensure that their filing is up to date and accurate. To enable us to do that timely, every director must be verified. All our clients have been informed when they need to register, and we continue to advise and work with them throughout the verification process.
Remember that the identity verification is aimed at preventing fraud, and keeping your company safe. Over the last few years we have seen companies set-up to mimic other legitimate trading companies. The process for getting them removed from the register was arduous and slow, so this is a welcomed and much needed process in the battle against fraud.
This article is intended as general information only and should be interpreted as specific advice. Individual deadlines and requirements depend on your circumstances, so current Companies House guidance should always be checked before action is taken. If you need help please do get in touch.
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