New Identity Verification for Directors on Companies House
New requirements will soon be in force requiring Directors or People with Significant Control (PSCs) of businesses to verify their identity on Companies House.
Starting in Autumn 2025, ID verification will become mandatory for all new appointments and company incorporations. This date also begins a 12-month transition period during which existing directors must complete their ID verification. However, you can now voluntarily submit your verification early to make the process run smoothly.
The Government has made this a legal requirement under the “Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023” to help prevent stop people from using companies for illegal purposes. The process is simple to follow and we will outline what you need to do below.
How to verify your identity with Companies House
Companies House has made it simple to verify your ID and there are a number of ways to do so:
1. Self-verify online:
You can verify online for free if you have one of the following identity documents or information required:
biometric passport from any country
UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
As well as:
Information on your current address, and the year you moved in
If you have one of these documents, and information about your address - visit the Gov.UK One Login web page, create a login/sign-in and you can then verify your ID online.
See this guidance page on Companies House for more information.
2. Verify in-person at a Post Office
You can also verify your identity in-person at a Post Office, however this is for people who don’t have the above documentation and aren’t able to use the online service.
If you cannot verify online and you live in the UK, you may be able to verify your identity in person at a Post Office. You’ll need to use the Government’s online ’Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to check whether you can verify this way.
Find out more about verifying at a Post Office, including what you’ll need.
3. Ask an approved agent to do it for you (such as an Accountant or Solicitor)
You can also ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify your identity on your behalf. For example, an accountant (such as Malones) or a solicitor. This is also known as a Companies House authorised agent. They will ask you to provide documents from an approved list.
What do I need to do after verifying my identity?
Once you have verified your identity you’ll be given a ‘Companies House personal code’. This code is unique to you - not your company - so keep it safe until you need it. You can find your personal code in the ‘Manage account’ section of your Companies House account.
If you’re currently a Director, from autumn 2025 you’ll need to provide your personal code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement filing. If you become a Director after autumn 2025, you’ll need to provide it as part of your appointment filing or when you incorporate a company.
Who needs to verify their identity?
You will need to verify your identity if you are:
A Director of a business
The equivalent of a Director – including Members, General Partners and Managing Officers
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - also known as a Companies House authorised agent
Someone who files for a company - including Company Secretaries
In most cases, you’ll only need to verify your identity once. You must not verify again unless asked.
Can Malones assist me with the process?
We certainly can! In theory the self-ID process which you follow online via the Government’s 'One Login’ should be simple and easy to do. However if you have any questions on whether the ID checks apply to you, how to complete the checks or any other queries we are happy to assist.
We recommend that Directors or other people this applies to take a look at the system with plenty of time before the checks become mandatory, as if there’s any confusion, errors or delays then it’s best to have plenty of time to resolve them.
Speak to us if you need any help or assistance.