Companies house id verification

23 Oct 2025

As part of new Government measures to prevent corporate misuse, Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification for all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone authorised to file on behalf of a company.

Every affected individual must verify their identity on or before 18 November 2025. If this is not completed, Companies House will not accept filings made in your name, and penalties could follow.

Why this is happening?

These new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. They are designed to make the UK company register more transparent and to ensure that those controlling and filing for companies can be properly identified.

Once verified, you will be issued with a Companies House personal code. This code will be required whenever you file, or we file on your behalf, after 18 November 2025.

How to verify your identity 

You can complete the process in one of two ways: 

1. Verify directly with Companies House

You can use the “Verify your identity for Companies House” service on GOV.UK. 
This is a secure, free process conducted using GOV.UK One Login. 

You will need: 

• A valid photographic ID, such as a UK passport, photocard driving licence, or biometric residence permit. 
• Your current address and, where required, your recent address history. 
• Access to a smartphone or computer with a camera to capture and confirm your image. 

Once verified, you will receive your personal code. Please keep this safe, as it will be needed for future filings.

If you are based overseas or do not have suitable identification, you may find this route difficult. In that case, we can help through the second option.

2. Verify through us as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Our firm is able to function as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), allowing us to verify your identity on your behalf and report that verification to Companies House.

We will ask you to provide proof of identity (passport, driving licence or equivalent) and proof of address, and we will conduct checks in line with the official Companies House verification standard. Once completed, we will confirm your verification status directly to Companies House and advise you of your personal code.

This process is particularly helpful for clients who are based overseas or prefer professional assistance. A modest administrative fee may apply to cover the additional compliance work.

What to do now

• Do not delay – identity verification may take time, particularly if further evidence is required.
• Choose your method – either complete the process directly with Companies House via GOV.UK or allow us to carry it out for you as your ACSP.
• Inform us once complete – please let us know when you have verified your identity so we can update your company records.

You can read more about these requirements on the official GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house.

Download PDF version