Upcoming Identity Verification Requirements: What UK Companies Need to Know by November 2025

If you're a UK business, there’s an important regulatory change on the horizon that you need to prepare for.

As part of the UK government’s efforts to crack down on economic crime and increase corporate transparency, Companies House is introducing a new identity verification process for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This change comes into effect on 18 November 2025 and is mandated under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Let’s break down what this means for you and how to stay compliant using tools like Odoo and your accounting advisor.

What’s Changing?

Starting 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and PSCs will be legally required to verify their identity. 

Without completing this process:

• You won’t be able to file your confirmation statement (CS01).
• Your company may fall out of compliance, risking penalties or future filings being rejected.

This is part of a broader move to make UK companies more transparent and less vulnerable to misuse.

Who Needs to Verify?

• All company directors (including those of dormant or non-trading companies).
• People with Significant Control (PSCs) – i.e., individuals who own more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or otherwise control the company.

Note: Corporate directors, corporate PSCs, and officers of limited partnerships will also need to verify at a later date.

When Do You Need to Verify?

The verification process begins on 18 November 2025, and you'll need to complete it before your company’s next confirmation statement is due.

Example:

If your next confirmation statement is due on 31 March 2026, all directors and PSCs must be verified before that date, or the filing will be rejected.

Also, from 18 November onward:

• Identity verification is mandatory for new company incorporations.
• Anyone being appointed as a director or PSC must be verified before registration.

How to Verify Your Identity

There are two ways to complete identity verification:

1. Online via GOV.UK One Login

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• A user-friendly process using the new GOV.UK One Login platform.
• Requires a photo ID and a compatible device (e.g., smartphone or webcam).
• Once verified, you’ll receive a personal code to link your identity to your company roles.

✅ If you’ve already verified your identity (e.g., for another company), you don’t need to do it again—but you must provide your personal code and a verification statement for each role or company.

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

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• You can ask your accountant or solicitor (if they are registered and AML-supervised in the UK) to verify your identity.
• You’ll need to provide documents from an approved list.
• ACSPs may charge a fee for this service.

🛑 Do not send identity documents directly to Companies House by email or post.

Your Personal Code: Why It Matters

Once verified, you’ll be issued a Companies House personal code—a unique identifier that links your verified identity to your role(s) in each company.

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• If you verify using GOV.UK One Login: Find your code in your Companies House account.
• If you verify via an ACSP: You’ll receive the code by email.
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Keep this code secure. You’ll need to provide it every time you file a confirmation statement or register a new role.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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• Date of birth mismatch: Make sure the date on your ID matches what’s on the Companies House register. If it doesn’t, verification will fail.
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• Incomplete verification: All directors and PSCs must be verified individually, even if they serve in multiple companies.
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• Delaying the process: Give international directors and PSCs extra time to complete the steps—especially if relying on an ACSP.

Start Early & Get Support

Although the identity verification rule kicks in on 18 November 2025, don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparations now:

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• Check when your next confirmation statement is due.
• Confirm director and PSC details are accurate in Companies House.
• Choose your verification method (GOV.UK One Login or ACSP).
• Inform all company officers of their responsibilities.

📌 Tip: It’s highly recommended to liaise with your accountant or company secretary, especially if they are also your authorised corporate service provider. 

They can guide you through the steps, help manage documents, and ensure your company stays compliant amid these new regulatory requirements.

What about corporate PSCs?

• Companies House confirms that from 18 November 2025, mandatory identity verification begins for new and existing directors and PSCs on a phased, 12‑month rollout.
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• Importantly, it states that identity verification requirements for corporate directors, corporate PSCs’ officers, limited partnerships, and corporate members of LLPs will be introduced at a later date.

Summary Table

What This Means in Practice

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• If your company is owned by another company (i.e. a corporate PSC or RLE), that entity does not need to verify identity under the new rules starting in November 2025.
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• However, any individuals acting as company directors, or individual PSCs, will need to complete verification before being included in the next upload of confirmation statements.
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• Companies should still accurately record and report corporate ownership structures, keeping them ready for when later phases bring new compliance obligations.