18 November 2025: Start Date for Mandatory Identity Verification
From 18 November 2025, Companies House checks on identities will be a mandatory legal requirement for new and existing directors of companies and Persons with Significant control (PSCs). This measure was introduced in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), and it aims to increase transparency, prevent fraud and increase confidence in the UK company register.
Around 6 to 7 million individuals will be impacted by this regulatory compliance, including directors, PSCs and corporate governance staff. To avoid penalties or legal issues, preparation must be made ahead of time, and all interested individuals need to get ready for identity verification before the deadline.
What Will Change from 18 November?
All company directors, PSCs and individual members of LLPs will be under a legal requirement to verify their identity. This will be for both new and existing appointments.
For new directors, the verification should be done when the company is incorporated or an appointment is accepted. Existing directors must complete their verification by the due date of their next confirmation statement.
New PSCs need to verify their identity within 14 days of being registered. Existing PSCs who are also directors must verify within 14 days after their confirmation statement is due. PSCs who are not directors have until 14 days after the first day of their birth month in 2026 to complete verification. The same deadlines apply to individual LLP members.
The new requirements are being rolled out over 12 months, giving businesses and individuals time to adapt. Corporate directors, corporate PSCs and corporate LLP members will be included in these rules at a later stage.
How can You Verify Your Identity with Companies House?
To comply, affected individuals will need to submit documentation proving their identity. There are two routes of approved identity verification with Companies House: GOV.UK One Login and via Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
The GOV.UK One Login offers a secure online portal for individuals to verify their own identity. Or, approved corporate service providers are permitted to check identities on behalf of a client. ACSPs can simplify the process for you by handling documents, deadlines and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
Interestingly, you will only need to do identity verification once, even though you could be a director or PSC for more than one company. Once verified, Companies House will send you an individual personal code, which will be used to verify your identity for future filings. It is supposed to prevent individuals from impersonating another person. Only people with this code will be able to make changes to a company’s records. That means the register stays accurate and trusted.
Key Takeaway
We encourage immediate action, as mandatory identity verification will come into effect from 18 November 2025, impacting millions of UK company directors and PSCs. Completing the process on time will help you avoid legal complications, including the risk of being unable to act as a director or submit company filings.
Because this requirement applies to a wide group, delays, errors, last-minute rush, increased costs from ACSPs, and unnecessary stress are all expected as the deadline approaches. Don’t leave it too late. Contact us today for support with your identity verification. Sterling and Wells is here to help you.
Sterling & Wells
We are Sterling & Wells — a UK-based team of accountants and tax advisors helping individuals and businesses stay fully HMRC compliant. From VAT and bookkeeping to self-assessments and tax planning, we’ve got your finances covered.