Upcoming Companies House ID Changes

From the 18th of November 2025, all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and specific other roles will be legally required to verify their identity with Companies House. This is part of the UK government’s efforts to improve corporate transparency and reduce fraud under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Who Needs to Verify?

  • Company directors
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
  • Members of LLPs
  • Company secretaries and others who file on behalf of a company

These new requirements of identity verification apply equally to those living both in the United Kingdom or outside.

When to Verify

  • From 18 November 2025, All Existing directors and PSCs must verify their identity before the filing date of their next company’s confirmation statement or at the very latest 18 November 2026. 
  • Also, from 18 November 2025
  • New directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a new company or LLP, and also to be appointed to an existing Company or LLP.
  • New PSCs will need to verify their identity to incorporate a new company or LLP, and to become or cease to be a PSC of an existing Company or LLP.

This requirement will become mandatory on 18 November 2025, so please register as soon as possible. 

How to Verify Your Identity

There are three main options which you can use to verify your identity at Companies House, which are set out below.

The first two options are from Companies House and can be accessed from GOV.UK “Verify your identity for Companies House”:

1. Online via GOV.UK One Login (Free) – The recommended option

  • Requires a biometric passport, UK photo driving licence, or similar ID and a smartphone with NFC capabilities
  • See attached a step-by-step guide (see attachment 1)

2. In Person at a Post Office (Free)

  • Available for those unable to verify online.
  • You will first need to start the process on the GOV.UK website where you will be required to provide your personal information and the ID documents you have. The system will determine whether you are eligible to verify in person at a Post Office