Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for many people involved in UK companies. The rules are being introduced in phases, so the answer to “Who must verify their identity?” depends on your role, when you took that role and, in some cases, the type of entity involved. As of 2026, identity verification applies primarily to company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), certain equivalent roles and Companies House authorised agents. Other categories are due to be brought into the system later.

The change is part of the UK's wider effort to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and reduce the use of companies for fraud and other unlawful activity. This guide explains who needs to verify, when verification is required, how the process works and what happens if someone fails to comply.

What Is Companies House Identity Verification?

Companies House identity verification is a process used to confirm that a real person is who they claim to be when they are involved in setting up, running, owning or controlling a UK company. It was introduced under reforms made by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The intention is straightforward: make it harder for individuals to hide behind false identities or use company structures for unlawful purposes.

Once an individual successfully verifies their identity, Companies House issues them a unique Companies House personal code. This code belongs to the individual, not to a company. If you are a director of several companies, you generally use the same verified identity and personal code for your different company roles, subject to the relevant filing requirements. The important distinction is that identity verification is not the same thing as registering your company. It is an additional requirement designed to establish who the people behind registered companies actually are.

Who Must Verify Their Identity for Companies House?

The main groups currently required to verify their identity are:

• Directors of UK companies
• Equivalent roles, including certain members, general partners and managing officers
• Directors of overseas companies registered in the UK
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), also known as Companies House authorised agents

Companies House has confirmed that identity verification will be introduced later for additional categories, including people who file with Companies House, limited partnerships, corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs and officers of corporate PSCs. Let's look at the main categories individually.

1. Company Directors

Company directors are one of the most important groups affected by identity verification. If you are appointed as a director of a UK company, you will need to verify your identity in accordance with the applicable Companies House requirements.

For a newly incorporated company, each director's identity verification requirements form part of the incorporation process. Existing directors are being brought into the system during the 12-month transition period that began on 18 November 2025. Existing directors generally provide their Companies House personal code when the company files its next confirmation statement. If you are a director of multiple companies, you must meet the verification requirements for each company role.

Example

Imagine Sarah is a director of three UK limited companies:

• ABC Consulting Ltd
• Sarah Digital Ltd
• GreenTech Solutions Ltd

Sarah normally verifies her identity once and receives her personal code. However, she cannot simply assume that verifying herself means every company's compliance requirements are automatically completed. She needs to provide the relevant verification information for each directorship when required.

2. People With Significant Control (PSCs)

A Person with Significant Control, commonly called a PSC, is an individual or legal entity that meets certain conditions giving them significant ownership or control over a company. For example, an individual may be a PSC because they:

• Own more than 25% of the company's shares
• Control more than 25% of the voting rights
• Have the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board
• Otherwise exercise significant influence or control

PSCs are subject to identity verification requirements, although their deadlines operate differently from those of directors. If someone becomes a PSC after 18 November 2025, they can provide their personal code when first added to the Companies House register or within the applicable 14-day period. This matters particularly for startups where ownership changes frequently as investors, founders and other shareholders enter the business.

3. Directors of Overseas Companies Registered in the UK

Identity verification is not limited to directors of companies incorporated in the UK. If an overseas company has registered an establishment in the UK, its directors are also covered by the identity verification regime. Companies House states that directors of overseas companies must ensure that all directors have verified their identities by the anniversary of the UK establishment's registration.

This is particularly relevant to international entrepreneurs establishing a UK presence. A founder may live in Nigeria, India, the United States, the UAE or another country while operating through a UK company or UK-registered overseas business. Being based outside Britain does not automatically remove the identity verification requirement.

4. Equivalent Roles

Identity verification also covers certain people who are not technically called "directors" but perform an equivalent role. Companies House identifies examples including:

• Members
• General partners
• Managing officers

The exact requirement depends on the legal structure and role involved. This is important because UK business structures are not limited to ordinary private limited companies. Entrepreneurs using LLPs, limited partnerships or overseas structures should not assume that the absence of the word "director" means they are outside the rules.

5. Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is an organisation authorised by Companies House to carry out certain services for clients. These can include businesses such as:

• Accountants
• Solicitors
• Company formation agents
• Other professionals supervised under UK anti-money laundering requirements

An ACSP can verify a client's identity on behalf of Companies House. However, the ACSP itself must first meet the requirements to become authorised. If you operate a professional business that wants to provide company formation, filing or identity verification services for clients, this distinction is particularly important.

Who Does Not Need to Verify Yet?

Not everyone connected with a company currently has to complete identity verification. Companies House says that identity verification for several categories will be introduced at a later date, including:

• People who file documents with Companies House
• Limited partnerships
• Corporate directors
• Corporate members of LLPs
• Officers of corporate PSCs

The timetable for these categories should therefore be checked against the latest Companies House guidance rather than assumed. This phased approach is one reason some businesses may encounter different requirements depending on the person's role.

When Do You Need to Verify Your Identity?

There is an important point that often causes confusion. 18 November 2025 was the start of mandatory identity verification requirements; it was not one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC. Companies House introduced a 12-month transition period, during which existing directors and PSCs are being brought into the system according to their individual circumstances.

New directors

New directors must verify their identity as part of the applicable appointment or incorporation process. This means someone planning to establish a new UK company should factor identity verification into the formation process rather than treating it as something that can always be dealt with later.

Existing directors

Existing directors generally provide their personal code when filing the company's next confirmation statement. If a company has several directors, each director must complete the required verification. Companies House states that a company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors have been verified as required.

New PSCs

For a PSC added after 18 November 2025, the PSC can provide their personal code when first added to the register or within the applicable 14-day period. Existing PSCs have different timing arrangements depending on their circumstances, including whether they are also directors.

How Do You Verify Your Identity?

There are currently two main routes.

Option 1: Verify Directly Through GOV.UK One Login

The official Companies House service uses GOV.UK One Login. The service is free. Depending on your circumstances, you may be guided to verify using an app, answer security questions online, or use a participating Post Office after entering information from your photo ID.

Acceptable identification options can include certain biometric passports and UK photo identification documents. Companies House has also published specific guidance for people whose identification documents have expired or who cannot use the standard online route.

Practical tip

Do not wait until the day your company's filing is due. If you are a director with several companies, completing verification early gives you time to resolve problems before a confirmation statement or other important filing becomes due.

Option 2: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

You can also ask an ACSP to verify your identity. This may be particularly useful if you already work with an accountant, solicitor or company formation professional. Companies House requires ACSPs to be registered and appropriately supervised for anti-money laundering purposes. They can conduct the required checks and report the verification to Companies House.

Unlike the direct GOV.UK verification route, an ACSP may charge you for its professional service. For international founders, this can be a convenient option if dealing with UK company administration remotely.

What Happens After You Verify?

Successful verification results in a Companies House personal code. This is a unique identifier linked to your verified identity. It is important to treat the code as personal information. It should not be confused with:

• Your company's authentication code
• Your company registration number
• Your director's service address
• Your Companies House company password

The personal code is associated with you, rather than belonging to the company. You may need it when completing relevant Companies House processes, including confirmation statement requirements.

What Happens If You Do Not Verify?

Failing to complete mandatory identity verification can have serious consequences. Companies House states that if you continue acting as a director after the applicable deadline without meeting the requirements, you may be committing an offence. The company and its directors may also be affected. Potential consequences include:

• Criminal prosecution
• Court-imposed fines
• Financial penalties
• Restrictions on certain Companies House activities
• A note being added to the public register in future enforcement stages

Companies House also states that non-compliant individuals may eventually be unable to become a new director, register a new company or register as an ACSP. The sensible approach is therefore simple: verify before your deadline rather than waiting for enforcement action.

Is Identity Verification the Same as a Companies House Authentication Code?

No. This is an important distinction for company owners. A Companies House authentication code is used by a company to access certain online filing services. A Companies House personal code is generated following an individual's identity verification. They serve different purposes. If you are trying to file a confirmation statement, appoint a director or manage your company online, knowing which code Companies House is requesting can prevent unnecessary confusion.

What Does Identity Verification Mean for Overseas Founders?

For international entrepreneurs, the new rules are especially relevant. You do not need to live in the UK simply because you are a director or PSC of a UK company. However, you still need to satisfy the applicable identity verification requirements.

For example, a Nigerian entrepreneur establishing a UK limited company may be able to complete the relevant identity verification process remotely using an eligible biometric passport or use an appropriate ACSP where necessary. This makes preparation important. Founders should ensure their identity documents are current and that the name and personal details they provide are consistent with their company records.

For global founders using a UK company formation and management platform such as IncorpUK, identity verification is best treated as part of ongoing company compliance rather than simply another step during incorporation.

A Simple Identity Verification Checklist

Before starting the process, check the following:

For directors

• Confirm that you are listed correctly as a director.
• Check when your verification is due.
• Complete identity verification through the official route or an ACSP.
• Save your Companies House personal code securely.
• Provide the code when required for each company role.

For PSCs

• Confirm that you are correctly recorded as a PSC.
• Check your applicable verification period.
• Complete the identity check.
• Keep your personal code secure.
• Make sure the verification statement is submitted when required.

For companies with multiple directors

Create a simple compliance tracker showing:

This is particularly useful for startups where founders, investors and directors may change during the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every company shareholder have to verify their identity?

Not necessarily. The requirement applies to people with significant control (PSCs) rather than every shareholder simply because they own shares. Whether a shareholder is a PSC depends on the applicable control criteria.

Do UK company directors have to verify their identity?

Yes. Directors are within the Companies House identity verification regime, with timing depending on whether they are new or existing directors and the applicable transition arrangements.

Can I verify my Companies House identity from outside the UK?

Yes. Companies House provides identity verification routes that can be used from outside the UK, and an ACSP can also verify an individual on their behalf.

Is Companies House identity verification free?

Direct verification through the official GOV.UK service is free. If you use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, that professional may charge a fee.

How many times do I need to verify my identity?

In most cases, Companies House says you only need to verify your identity once unless it specifically tells you to verify again.

What is a Companies House personal code?

It is a unique identifier issued after you successfully verify your identity. It is personal to you and is used to connect your verified identity with your Companies House roles.

What happens if a director refuses to verify?

If a director fails to comply with applicable mandatory identity verification requirements, they may be committing an offence and could face penalties. Companies House may also restrict certain future activities.

Do I need to verify again if I become a director of another company?

You generally do not need to repeat the identity check itself. However, your personal code and verification information must be connected with each relevant company role when required.

Can my accountant verify my identity for Companies House?

Yes, if your accountant is registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and is able to provide the identity verification service.

Conclusion: Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

Companies House identity verification is becoming a core part of running a UK company. The people most directly affected are directors, PSCs, equivalent company officers, directors of UK-registered overseas companies and ACSPs. Other categories are being brought into the system separately as the reforms are implemented.

For most business owners, the process is relatively straightforward. The bigger issue is knowing when your verification is due and what you must do afterwards. If you are a director or PSC, do not treat identity verification as a one-off administrative nuisance. Your personal code can become part of the wider compliance process for your company.

For founders, particularly those operating internationally the best approach is to verify early, keep your personal code secure, monitor Companies House deadlines and make identity verification part of your regular company compliance routine. The underlying principle is simple: Companies House wants to know that the individuals appearing on the register are real people who can be identified. For legitimate businesses, completing the process early is the easiest way to stay on the right side of the new rules.