New legislation, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, now requires all existing and new company Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House.
The government states this measure is intended to improve corporate transparency and reduce economic crime. This is a mandatory legal step for compliance and is essential for maintaining your company’s active status and good standing with the registry.
Key Date: The Deadline
The legal requirement comes into effect on 18 November 2025. It is highly recommended that you complete this quick process well ahead of this date to avoid any last-minute stress, potential processing delays, and ensure your company remains fully compliant.
Step 1: Complete Your Identity Verification with Companies House
The verification process is secure and can be completed quickly online using the official government service.
You will need the following:
- A Biometric Passport (UK or international, highly recommended) OR a UK Driving Licence.
- Note: A biometric passport has a small rectangular chip symbol on the cover and offers the fastest verification route.
- Your current address and the year you moved in.
- A smartphone capable of running the official GOV.UK app (recommended).
The Recommended Verification Process (Using the GOV.UK App)
The fastest method usually takes less than 10 minutes:
- Access the Service: Go to the official Verify your identity for Companies House now page.
- Login: Set up or log into your GOV.UK One Login. You will be prompted to link any existing Companies House account.
- Use the App: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and use the official GOV.UK app.
- Follow App Instructions: The app will guide you through the following:
- Taking a clear photo of your identification (e.g., your passport’s photo page).
- Scanning the chip in your passport using your phone’s Near-Field Communication (NFC) capability.
- Performing a facial scan for comparison using your phone’s camera.
- Finalise Details: Once the app portion is complete, return to your browser to enter your current address and the year you moved in.
- Receive Your Code: Upon successful completion, you will be issued a unique Companies House personal code. This code is essential, please save it securely.
Step 2: Share Your Personal Code with Us
Your unique personal code is vital as it links your verified identity to your specific role (Director or PSC) within your company.
This code is personal to you, not your company.
Action Required:
Once you have received your Companies House personal code, please send it to us immediately.
We require this code to update your company’s records on our system and ensure seamless role-linking with Companies House once their system enables this feature (expected after 18 November 2025).
Why Act Now?
- Avoid Compliance Failure: From the 18 November 2025 deadline, Companies House will not accept certain company filings, such as the Confirmation Statement, if all relevant individuals have not completed verification.
- Prevent Delays: Verifying early avoids last-minute complications, potential processing backlogs, and ensures your company remains in good standing without disruption.
If you have any questions or encounter any technical difficulties during the process, please do not hesitate to contact our team for support.