Companies House ID verification: who, how and deadlines

Who has to verify

Identity verification for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025 under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The requirement applies to every UK company director and PSC, including those of dormant companies. New directors must verify their identity to incorporate a company or to be appointed to an existing company. Existing directors must confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as the company files its next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period that began on 18 November 2025. Existing PSCs verify in line with an appointed day within 12 months of 18 November 2025; for a PSC who is not also a director this falls within the first 14 days of their birth month as shown on the register. A person who is both director and PSC gives the personal code in the confirmation statement as a director and separately for the PSC role within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.

The requirement is not limited to new companies or new appointments. Any individual who holds a director or PSC role must verify, regardless of how long they have held the position. This includes directors of companies that are dormant or not trading. The obligation is personal to the individual, not to the company, and it applies across all companies where the person holds a role. People with several directorships verify once but must meet the earliest deadline across their roles. Verification due dates for each role can be checked on the Companies House register. The register will show whether a director or PSC has verified, and Companies House uses this information to enforce the requirement.

When your deadline falls

New directors must verify their identity before they can be appointed. This means the verification must be completed before the appointment is filed with Companies House. For existing directors, the deadline is linked to the company's confirmation statement. Existing directors must confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as the company files its next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period that began on 18 November 2025. This means the exact deadline depends on when the company's confirmation statement is due. If a company's confirmation statement is due shortly after 18 November 2025, the director must verify by that date. If the confirmation statement is due later in the 12-month period, the director has until that later date.

For PSCs who are not also directors, the deadline falls within the first 14 days of their birth month as shown on the register, within 12 months of 18 November 2025. For example, a PSC whose birth month is March must verify within the first 14 days of March in the relevant year. A person who is both director and PSC must provide the personal code in the confirmation statement as a director and separately for the PSC role within 14 days of the confirmation statement date. People with several directorships verify once but must meet the earliest deadline across their roles. Verification due dates for each role can be checked on the Companies House register. It is important to check the register regularly because deadlines can be earlier than expected if a confirmation statement is filed sooner.

How to verify: GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP

Verification is done through GOV.UK One Login, which is free, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House, which may charge. To verify using GOV.UK One Login, you need to create or sign in to your One Login account. You will be asked to provide identity documents. A passport or UK photocard driving licence is typically used with One Login. The process involves confirming your identity through the One Login system, which may include taking a photo of your ID document and a selfie. Once your identity is verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code. The One Login route is free, but it requires you to have suitable identity documents and to complete the online steps yourself.

People without suitable ID or living overseas may find an ACSP easier. An ACSP is a business registered with Companies House that can verify identity on your behalf. ACSPs may charge a fee for this service. The ACSP will check your identity documents and confirm your identity to Companies House. If you use an ACSP, you still receive a personal code, which you then provide for each company role you hold. The choice between One Login and an ACSP depends on your circumstances. One Login is free but requires suitable ID and internet access. An ACSP may be more convenient for overseas directors or those without a passport or UK driving licence, but it may involve a cost. Both routes result in a verified identity and a personal code.

Your personal code and how to use it

Most people verify once and receive a Companies House personal code, which they then provide with a verification statement for each company role they hold. The personal code is a unique identifier that confirms you have verified your identity. It is not a password and should be kept secure. You will need to provide the code when filing confirmation statements or when being appointed as a director. For each company where you hold a role, you must provide the code. If you are a director of multiple companies, you provide the same code for each directorship. If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company, you provide the code in the confirmation statement as a director and separately for the PSC role within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.

The personal code is used to link your verified identity to your company roles on the public register. When you provide the code, Companies House records that you have met the verification requirement for that role. If you do not provide the code, the company cannot complete its confirmation statement filing. It is important to keep your personal code safe and to provide it accurately. If you lose your code, you can retrieve it through your One Login account or by contacting Companies House. The code is personal to you and should not be shared with others, except when providing it to Companies House or an ACSP as part of the verification process.

What happens if you do not verify

Without every director's verification, the company cannot complete its confirmation statement filing; failing to file a confirmation statement on time is an offence. This means that if one director has not verified, the company's confirmation statement will be rejected, and the company will be in default. The company and its directors may face penalties for late filing. On 16 September 2026 three directors were fined at City of London Magistrates' Court in the first prosecutions for identity verification offences; all three were also convicted over late confirmation statements. This shows that Companies House is actively enforcing the requirement and that failure to verify can lead to criminal convictions and fines.

In addition to blocking filings, failure to verify can result in the director being unable to be appointed to new companies or to continue in their role. Companies House may also remove the director from the register or take other enforcement action. The first prosecutions in September 2026 demonstrate that the consequences are real. Directors and PSCs should ensure they verify by their deadline to avoid these outcomes. If a director has not verified, the company should not file its confirmation statement until all directors have verified, as the filing will be rejected. It is therefore important to check the verification status of all directors and PSCs before the confirmation statement is due.

Checklist for small company directors

For small company directors, the steps are straightforward. First, check the Companies House register to see the verification due dates for each of your roles. The register will show whether you have already verified and what deadlines apply. Second, verify your identity. You can do this free through GOV.UK One Login, or through an ACSP if you prefer or if you lack suitable ID. Third, once verified, obtain your Companies House personal code. Fourth, provide the personal code for each company role you hold. This may be done through the confirmation statement filing or through the appointment process. Fifth, ensure the company files its confirmation statement on time. Without every director's verification, the company cannot complete its confirmation statement filing; failing to file a confirmation statement on time is an offence.

If you are a director of multiple companies, verify once and use the same personal code for each role, but meet the earliest deadline across your roles. If you are also a PSC, provide the code separately for that role within 14 days of the confirmation statement date. Keep your personal code secure and provide it accurately. If you have not yet verified, do so as soon as possible to avoid blocking your company's filings. The first prosecutions in September 2026 show that enforcement is active, so it is important to comply with the requirement. By following these steps, small company directors can meet their obligations and avoid penalties.

Source: Companies House identity verification announcement.

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Frequently asked questions

Who must verify their identity with Companies House?

Every UK company director and person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity. This includes directors of dormant companies and new appointees. New directors must verify before appointment; existing directors must verify by their company's next confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition that began on 18 November 2025.

How do I verify my identity?

Verification is done through GOV.UK One Login, which is free, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House, which may charge. A passport or UK photocard driving licence is typically used with One Login. People without suitable ID or living overseas may find an ACSP easier.

What is a Companies House personal code?

After verifying, most people receive a Companies House personal code. This code is provided with a verification statement for each company role held. It links your verified identity to your roles on the public register. You must provide the code when filing confirmation statements or when being appointed as a director.

When is my deadline to verify?

New directors must verify before appointment. Existing directors must verify by the company's next confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition from 18 November 2025. PSCs who are not directors verify within the first 14 days of their birth month as shown on the register, within 12 months of 18 November 2025. People with multiple roles must meet the earliest deadline.

What happens if I do not verify?

Without every director's verification, the company cannot complete its confirmation statement filing; failing to file a confirmation statement on time is an offence. On 16 September 2026 three directors were fined at City of London Magistrates' Court in the first prosecutions for identity verification offences; all three were also convicted over late confirmation statements.