New Companies House ID Verification Rules for Directors and PSCs – What You Need to Know (2025)

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will launch its biggest security overhaul in decades. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) will have to verify their identity before they can legally act in their role.

If you’re a business owner, company director, or PSC — this affects you directly. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what’s changing, who it applies to, how to comply, deadlines, penalties, and how Practical Business Solutions can make the process quick and stress-free.

Why is ID Verification Being Introduced?

The UK’s company register has been a target for fraud and abuse. Fake names like Darth Vader and Mickey Mouse have appeared in official company filings. The new rules aim to:

• Increase transparency around who controls UK companies

• Prevent economic crime and fraudulent directorships

• Clean up the register and improve trust in UK business

Since April 2025, Companies House has already removed over 100,000 questionable companies and rejected over 10,200 suspicious applications.

When Does the Rule Start?

If Companies House have your email address registered with them, you may have already received an email from them, requesting that you to complete the verification process in advance. However, the mandatory ID verification requirement for new Directors and PSC's, begins 18 November 2025.

• New directors and PSCs: must verify their identity immediately upon appointment or incorporation.

• Existing directors and PSCs: have a 12-month transition period to complete verification, they must have verified their identity before they complete their next confirmation statement.

• By November 2026, all company officers must be verified.

Who Must Verify?

The rule applies to:

• All appointed directors of companies or LLPs

• All Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — typically shareholders owning 25%+ or those with voting rights/control

• Anyone filing on behalf of a company — including accountants and company secretaries (from Spring 2026)

• Members of LLPs and limited partners (future phases)

What Information Will You Need To Complete Companies House ID Verification?

You must provide:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Residential address

• A valid photo ID document

Acceptable documents include:

• UK or international passport

• UK photocard driving licence

• National ID card (for EU citizens)

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

How to Complete ID Verification

There are three official methods:

1. Online via Companies House Portal (Free)

• Use the GOV.UK One Login

• Upload your photo ID

• Take a live selfie (webcam or mobile)

• Instant or 24-hour turnaround

• You’ll receive a unique personal code — this must be quoted in filings like confirmation statements

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (Managed Service)

Find a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - they can complete your Companies House ID Verification on your behalf. At the time of writing (18 Nov 2025), Practical Business Solutions is part-way through the process of becoming an ACSP and will be able to complete this for you on your behalf, should you wish to enrol in this service.

The process:

1. Contact the ACSP to start the verification

2. Provide your ID documents

3. Complete a short consent form

4. The ACSP will submit your details to Companies House on your behalf

   
   

Get in touch as soon as possible to start this process before the deadline.

3. In-Person at a Participating Post Office

• Bring your valid ID and complete a verification form in person

• The Post Office sends your documents directly to Companies House

• Service fee may apply, and appointments might be required

Penalties for Not Verifying

If you fail to verify your Companies House ID Verification:

• Your appointment will not be registered

• You will not legally be a director or PSC

• You could face financial penalties, disqualification, or even criminal prosecution

• Your company may be blocked from making filings

Implementation Timeline

• April 2025 – Voluntary ID verification launched

• 18 Nov 2025 – Mandatory for all new directors & PSCs

• Nov 2025 – Nov 2026 – 12-month transition for existing officers

• Spring 2026 – Only verified individuals or ACSPs can make filings

Expert Tip: Act Early

With 6–7 million people needing to verify in the first year, expect system backlogs. Directors who leave it too late risk:

• Missed deadlines for filings

• Company delays in transactions or financing

• Administrative headaches and possible penalties

What We Offer – How We Can Help You

At Practical Business Solutions we recognise the disruption this may cause and are preparing to offer a full identity-verification service for our clients.

What this means:

• We’ll guide you through the process of GOV.UK One Login or act on your behalf as your ACSP (once our accreditation is complete).

• We’ll manage the submission of your personal code and ensure you meet your filing deadlines.

• We’ll keep you updated on your company’s due dates and verify you’re ready in advance.

Please Note: We are currently awaiting our full ACSP accreditation. We expect to be ready very shortly. In the meantime we encourage you to begin your personal verification and keep a copy of your personal code. If you’d like us to prepare everything in advance and take you through the process as soon as accreditation is confirmed, just get in touch.

Summary

Don’t delay. This new legal requirement affects you if you are a director or PSC. Begin your verification now and let us help you stay fully compliant.