ID Verification for Directors: UK Companies House Compliance

From November 18, 2025, the landscape for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) in the UK is set to change significantly. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all directors and PSCs will be required to provide verified personal identification to Companies House. This reform is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to improve corporate transparency, tackle economic crime and ensure the integrity of the companies register.

Who Needs to Comply?

The new ID verification requirements apply to a wide range of roles within UK businesses. Specifically, the following individuals must complete the verification process:

Directors of companies registered in the UK
Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered in the UK
People with Significant Control (PSCs) of UK companies or LLPs
Directors of overseas companies that operate through a UK establishment

Essentially, any person who holds significant decision-making authority or control over a UK company or LLP is covered under this mandate. The aim is to prevent fraudulent appointments and ensure that only legitimate and identifiable individuals are listed on the official register.

When & How to Verify

The identification process is a one-time requirement that must be completed before filing any documents with Companies House. The legislation includes a transition period to help existing directors and PSCs comply, but timing is critical.

For Existing Officers

Directors must comply by the date of their first Confirmation Statement due after November 18, 2025
PSCs must complete verification during the first 14 days of their birth month if they are not already verified as directors
There is a 12-month transition period for existing officers to voluntarily complete verification

For Newly-Appointed Directors & PSCs

Directors and LLP members must verify their identity within 14 days of their appointment
PSCs are either contacted directly by Companies House or verified by the company itself during incorporation

For New Companies

Directors must be verified before incorporation
PSCs may be verified by the company during incorporation or contacted by Companies House

This structured approach ensures that all individuals involved with UK companies are accounted for and verified, reducing opportunities for fraud or misrepresentation.

Why Verification Matters

The requirement for compulsory ID checks is more than just administrative red tape. It plays a crucial role in preventing economic crime, such as fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. By ensuring that company directors and PSCs are legitimate, verifiable individuals, the government aims to enhance trust in the UK corporate system.

Previously, it was possible for individuals to be appointed as company officers without their knowledge or consent. This loophole could be exploited for illegal activities, including the creation of fraudulent companies or the manipulation of company structures for illicit purposes. The new ID verification process is designed to close this gap and reinforce the accuracy of the companies register.

How to Complete Verification

The verification process is straightforward but requires careful attention. Directors and PSCs will need to provide certain personal identification documents that may include:

Passport or national ID card
Driving license
Utility bills or bank statements to confirm address

Companies House has emphasized that the process is secure and designed to be user-friendly, but it is mandatory to complete it correctly and on time to avoid penalties or delays in corporate filings.

Voluntary Early Verification

Even before the official deadline, directors and PSCs are encouraged to verify their identity voluntarily. With an estimated 7.4 million existing officers in the UK, completing the verification process early can prevent last-minute compliance issues. Voluntary early verification also allows individuals to familiarize themselves with the process and ensure that all documentation is accurate.

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with the new verification requirements can have serious consequences. Companies House has warned that directors who do not verify their identity may be unable to:

File company documents, including annual accounts and Confirmation Statements
Conduct essential company transactions
Legally act as directors or company officers

In other words, non-compliance could effectively block a director or PSC from performing their duties within the company, highlighting the importance of timely verification.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

While compulsory ID verification may initially seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, it carries several benefits for businesses and stakeholders:

Enhanced Corporate Trust – Verified directors and PSCs signal transparency to investors, banks and potential partners.
Fraud Prevention – Reduces the risk of fraudulent appointments or unauthorized use of identities.
Regulatory Compliance – Ensures businesses meet legal obligations and avoid penalties.
Simplified Due Diligence – Makes it easier for third parties to conduct background checks and verify company legitimacy.

By embracing the verification process proactively, companies can position themselves as responsible, transparent entities in the eyes of regulators and the business community.

Preparing for the Change

Company directors and PSCs should take several steps to prepare for the upcoming changes:

Gather personal identification documents well in advance
Verify whether they are already listed as a PSC or director and confirm current records
Familiarize themselves with Companies House’s online verification portal
Encourage new appointees to complete verification immediately upon appointment

Businesses should also update internal procedures to ensure that verification becomes a standard part of onboarding for directors and PSCs. For company secretaries and compliance officers, maintaining a verification checklist can streamline the process and reduce errors.

The Bigger Picture

The requirement for ID verification for directors is part of the UK government’s wider efforts to combat economic crime and increase corporate transparency. Over the past several years, various reforms, such as the creation of the PSC register and stricter anti-money laundering regulations, have strengthened corporate oversight. Compulsory ID checks build on this foundation, making it more difficult for fraudulent actors to operate within the UK corporate sector.

For directors and PSCs, the message is clear: compliance is mandatory, but early action is beneficial. By verifying identities promptly, individuals can avoid disruptions to company operations, reduce risk and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and corporate responsibility.

Conclusion

The introduction of compulsory ID checks for UK company directors and PSCs marks a significant shift in corporate governance. From November 18, 2025, all directors and PSCs must verify their identities with Companies House, ensuring that only legitimate individuals are listed on the companies register.

This measure not only strengthens the fight against economic crime but also enhances trust and transparency in the UK corporate system. Companies, directors and PSCs must take proactive steps to comply with these regulations, including gathering identification documents, completing verification on time, and integrating verification procedures into corporate governance practices.

With the 12-month transition period and opportunities for voluntary early verification, there is ample time to meet these requirements. Those who act early can secure compliance, protect their companies and contribute to a more transparent and accountable business environment in the UK.