Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification to help stop UK companies being misused for fraud and money laundering. The legal requirement for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) starts from 18 November 2025, and is being phased in over 12 months (so most people will need to complete it by mid-November 2026, depending on their “due date”).

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Who needs to verify?

You’ll normally need to verify if you are any of the following:

• A company director (new or existing)
• A PSC (beneficial owner / controller)
• A member of an LLP (in scope under the same reforms)

Companies House has also said some other groups will be brought in later (for example, certain filing roles and some corporate roles).

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When do you need to do it?

From 18 November 2025 (start date, not the deadline)

• New directors: expected to verify before their appointment is registered.
• New PSCs: expected to verify within a short timeframe (commonly referenced as 14 days in professional guidance).
• Existing directors and PSCs: verification is phased in, with Companies House communicating due dates during the transition period.

Practical point: Companies House has stated that companies risk having filings rejected if identity verification requirements are not met (for example, around confirmation statement filing points as the regime beds in).

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How do you verify? (2 routes)

Option 1: Verify directly with Companies House (DIY route)

You verify online using the Companies House service, which uses GOV.UK One Login.

Option 2: Verify via an ACSP (Accountant/Solicitor route)

You can ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (for example, an accountant or solicitor) to verify you. The ACSP must be registered and supervised for AML.

This is helpful if you:

• do not want to create Digital ID with companies house
• do not want to complete the process yourself
• need support where IDs/name formats/overseas details are more complex
• want your practice to manage verification as part of compliance workflows

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What you get after verification

Once verified, you’ll have a unique identifier / personal code linked to your verified status. You’ll use this code when you’re appointed, when your PSC details are submitted/updated, and when linking your verified identity to Companies House roles.

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What businesses should do now (simple checklist)

1. List everyone in scope: all directors + PSCs (and relevant LLP members).
2. Decide the route: direct verification vs ACSP verification.
3. Check due dates on the Companies House register / comms (Companies House is contacting companies during rollout).
4. Collect what you need: ensure names, DOBs and addresses match records (and have ID ready).
5. Store personal codes securely and make sure the company (or agent) can apply them correctly to the right roles.

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Common questions

“Is 18 November 2025 the deadline?”

No. It’s the start of the legal requirement and a 12-month transition period, with different due dates.

“Can my accountant do it for me?”

Yes, if they’re registered as an ACSP (Companies House authorised agent).

“Will I have to upload my passport on to the Govt Website?”

Generally No if you use an ACSP as they can verify the ID manually and use their credentials to inform HMRC.

“How much does it cost?”

If using companies house OneLogin then its free otherwise using an accountant would cost around £50 per verification.