Confusion as Companies House rolls out identity checks for directors

16 Apr 2026

Company directors are being urged to familiarise themselves with new identity verification requirements being introduced by Companies House.

The new rules derive from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, a major reform designed to tackle fraud and improve transparency across the UK’s corporate register. Under the changes, company directors and those appointed as people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity before certain actions or filings can be made at Companies House.

The verification process began rolling out on 18th November 2025. However, rather than a single deadline, this instead marked the start of a 12-month transition period which has caused some uncertainty among directors.

How does this work?

The new system operates in two stages:

• First, individuals must verify their identity using the Companies House verification service through GOV.UK One login, or via an authorised agent such as an accountant or solicitor. Once completed, they receive a unique 11-character personal code which confirms their identity.

• The code must then be submitted to Companies House to link the verified identity to each directorship or PSC role the individual holds, which is undertaken via the company’s annual confirmation statement process.
What about individuals with interest in different companies?

• Verification is done once, but your personal code must be used for each company directorship or role you hold (for example if you are a director of more than one company or if you are both a director and a PSC of the same company), so that Companies House can link your verification to the correct records.

When must the verification take place?

• Directors appointed after 18th November 2025 must be validated before their appointment is filed with Companies House.

• Existing directors must complete this before the company submits its next confirmation statement.

• Directors who are also PSCs of the same company, the verification window is linked to the company’s annual confirmation statement date. Individuals have a 14-day period starting the day after the confirmation statement date to provide their personal code as a PSC.

• Whereas existing PSCs who are not directors must instead complete verification during the first 14 days of their birth month and new PSCs added to a company’s register after 18th November 2025 must provide their verification details when first added to the register or within 14 days of receiving a so-called ‘direction letter’ sent by Companies House after the appointment.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

• Criminal proceeds, which could result in an unlimited level 5 fine.

• Civil penalties from the Registrar.

• Rejection of company incorporation or registration.

• Inability to file statutory documents.

Despite the teething problems, directors will have to get their heads around the process and comply with these new rules which are fundamental to future company administration.

Ultimately the aim is to ensure that the people behind UK companies are properly identified. For most legitimate businesses it should simply become another routine compliance task, but it is worth checking the details early, so you do not get caught out by the timing, in particular for any PSC.

Still unsure?

Existing directors and PSCs can check their specific identity verification deadlines by logging into the public register for Companies House and there is online guidance on timings for when you need to verify.