Companies House identity verification: new legal requirements from 18 November 2025

From 18 November 2025, significant changes will be introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. All UK company directors, LLP members, and persons with significant control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity with Companies House.

This marks a major step towards improving transparency and tackling fraud in the UK’s corporate system, by ensuring that individuals cannot act in these roles under false or misleading identities.

What is changing

For anyone appointed as a director, LLP member, or PSC after 18 November 2025, identity verification will be required at the point of incorporation or appointment. Existing directors and members will need to complete verification when filing their next confirmation statement, with a 12-month transition period to allow time to comply.

PSCs are subject to slightly different rules. Those who are also directors or members must complete verification within 14 days of their company’s confirmation statement date. PSCs who are not also directors or members must verify within 14 days from the first day of their birth month in 2026.

Why it matters

The aim of the new process is to strengthen the integrity of the Companies House register by preventing the misuse of false identities. Acting as a director, member, or PSC without verification will be a criminal offence. Companies House will also be able to prevent all company filings until verification has been completed and personal codes issued.

How the process works

For most individuals, this will be a simple, one-off process. Verification can be completed directly via GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as HWB.

Once verified, each individual will be issued with a Companies House personal code. This code links their verified identity to their company roles and filings. It will be needed to confirm verification, to accept new appointments, and to support future filings. The code should be kept secure and shared only with trusted parties such as an ACSP or company administrator.

Acting now

Although the legal changes take effect from November 2025, companies and individuals should prepare as early as possible to avoid delays. New appointees must verify within 14 days of appointment after that date, while existing directors and members must ensure verification is in place before their next confirmation statement. PSCs should take note of their deadlines, which vary according to their role and date of birth.

Support from HWB

As an ACSP, HWB can guide you through the process. We offer an app-based identity verification tool which can be completed on your own device or with our support in-office. Once verification is complete, we notify Companies House and apply for your personal code on your behalf.

Our verification service is available at £125 + VAT per individual. If HWB manages your company secretarial filings, please ensure that you notify us of the codes for all relevant individuals once received.

If you have any further questions regarding this article, please contact Nick Whitemore on 023 8202 7498 or email Nick Whitemore.