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

From 18 November 2025, Companies House launched 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, came into place from 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.

Important: If you are both a Director and a PSC, you may need to verify twice - once for your director role, and once specifically for your PSC status.

Companies House treats these as two separate legal obligations.

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)

When does the verification need to be done by?

Identity verification is now a legal requirement, and the timing depends on whether you are a director, a PSC, or both.

Directors

Directors can verify at any time.We recommend doing this as soon as possible so you are ready for upcoming filings.

PSCs (People with Significant Control)

PSCs must complete an additional verification step within a strict 14-day window.

If you are a PSC AND a director:

Your 14-day PSC window starts the day after your confirmation statement is filed.

If you are a PSC but NOT a director:

Your 14-day window is the first 14 days of your birth month.

Important

• PSC verification is separate, even if you have already verified as a director.

• Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, prosecution, or public notes on the Companies House register.

• You can request a 14-day extension, but only during your window.

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.

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

Summary

Don’t delay. This new legal requirement affects you if you are a director or PSC. Begin your verification now.