Key takeaways
- Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025.
- Directors, PSCs, and anyone filing on behalf of a company may be affected.
- Once verified, you receive a Companies House personal code that must be kept safely.
- Existing directors usually provide their personal code as part of the company's next confirmation statement.
- PSCs may have separate 14-day windows depending on whether they are also a director.
Companies House identity verification is now a live compliance requirement, not a distant Companies House reform to worry about later.
From 18 November 2025, directors and people with significant control need to verify their identity and provide a Companies House personal code at the right time. For many existing companies, this will be linked to the next confirmation statement. For PSCs, there can also be separate timing rules.
If you run a UK limited company, this guide explains who needs to verify, what the personal code is, when it needs to be used, and what to do next.
Quick answer: do directors need to verify with Companies House?
Yes. If you are a company director, Companies House identity verification is now part of the company compliance process.
For new appointments, identity verification needs to be dealt with before or at the point of becoming a director. For existing directors, the requirement is being phased in and is usually linked to the company's next confirmation statement during the transition period.
The practical outcome is simple: directors need to verify their identity, get a Companies House personal code, and make sure that code is supplied correctly when required.
Why has Companies House introduced identity checks?
The new checks are part of wider Companies House reform designed to improve the reliability of the company register and make it harder for false appointments, fake directors, and misleading company records to sit unchecked.
For genuine business owners, the change is mostly administrative. It does not change your company structure, tax position, or trading status by itself. But it does create another compliance step that needs to be handled properly.
Who needs to verify their identity?
You may need to complete identity verification if you are:
- a director of a UK company
- a person with significant control, also known as a PSC
- an individual who files information at Companies House
- a member of a limited liability partnership
- acting for a company as an authorised corporate service provider
What this means for a typical small company
For many small limited companies, the director and the PSC are the same person.
That means you may need to think about the requirement in two capacities: as a director and as a PSC. You usually only verify your identity once, but you may need to provide your Companies House personal code for more than one role.
This is the point that catches people out. Verifying once does not always mean every role has automatically been dealt with. You still need to make sure the code is provided in the right place, at the right time.
What is a Companies House personal code?
After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you a personal code. This code links your verified identity to roles you hold at Companies House, such as director or PSC.
Keep this code safe. You may need it when confirming your director role, linking yourself to a PSC role, or allowing an authorised person to file on your behalf.
Treat it like an important compliance reference, not a throwaway confirmation number.
When do existing directors and PSCs need to act?
The timing depends on your role. Broadly:
- Existing directors usually provide their personal code as part of the company's next confirmation statement during the transition period.
- A PSC who is also a director may need to provide their personal code within 14 days of the company's confirmation statement date.
- A PSC who is not a director may have a 14-day window linked to the first day of their month of birth.
- New directors and new PSCs need to deal with verification when the appointment or registration is made.
How does this affect your confirmation statement?
The confirmation statement is now one of the key places where identity verification becomes practical for existing companies.
If your company has an upcoming confirmation statement, you should check whether the directors have verified and have their personal codes ready before filing.
Leaving it until the filing deadline creates avoidable stress. The better approach is to verify early, store the code securely, and make sure whoever files the confirmation statement has the correct information.
How do you verify your identity?
Most people can verify directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login. You will usually need suitable identity documents and access to the online verification process.
If you cannot verify directly, or you want someone to handle filings for the company, an authorised corporate service provider may be able to help. Accountants and company service providers must meet their own checks before they can offer this service.
Do not pay a random third party just because they say they can get a code quickly. Use GOV.UK or a trusted adviser.
What limited company directors should do now
If you run a limited company, use this simple checklist:
- Check who the current directors and PSCs are on Companies House.
- Confirm whether each person has verified their identity.
- Store each Companies House personal code securely.
- Check the company's next confirmation statement date.
- Make sure PSC timing is not missed, especially where a PSC is not also a director.
- Tell your accountant or filing agent before the confirmation statement is due.
Do not ignore the deadline
Identity verification is now part of the legal compliance process. If the required people do not verify or the personal code is not provided correctly, the company may run into filing problems and the individuals involved may face compliance consequences.
Even if the company is dormant, small, or only has one director, the requirement can still matter.
How Aurestone can help
Aurestone Advisory helps limited company owners keep Companies House and HMRC compliance organised, including confirmation statements, dormant company filings, accounts, tax returns, and deadline planning.
If your confirmation statement is coming up and you are not sure whether your director or PSC details are ready, we can help you review the position and avoid a last-minute filing problem.
Important note
This article is general guidance only and is based on Companies House rules at the time of writing. Your responsibilities may depend on your company structure, your role, and your filing dates. Check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified adviser before making compliance decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Do all UK company directors need to verify their identity?
Yes, Companies House identity verification applies to company directors. Existing directors are being brought into the requirement through the transition process, usually linked to the next confirmation statement. New directors need to deal with verification when they are appointed.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is the code you receive after verifying your identity. It links your verified identity to your Companies House roles, such as director or PSC. Keep it safe because you may need it for future filings.
I am both director and PSC. Do I need to verify twice?
You usually verify your identity once, but you may need to provide your personal code for each relevant role. Being both director and PSC means you should check both the director and PSC timing requirements.
Does identity verification apply to dormant companies?
Yes, it can. Dormant companies still have directors and may still have PSCs, so the Companies House identity verification rules can still apply even where the company is not trading.
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