Big changes are coming to Companies House. If you’re a UK company director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), or LLP member, it’s time to prepare for mandatory identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
From 18 November 2025, all directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House. By Spring 2026, this requirement will extend to individuals filing documents on behalf of companies. Failure to comply could result in unlimited fines, criminal penalties, or disqualification. Below, CP’s Co Sec and Law teams have broken down the key rules, dates and actions to keep on your radar, so you can stay one step ahead of the changes.
WHO NEEDS TO VERIFY?
- Company directors (including overseas companies with UK branches)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) – anyone with 25%+ of shares or voting rights, or with significant control
- LLP members
- Individuals filing documents at Companies House (from Spring 2026)
KEY DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
- 8 April 2025 – Voluntary ID verification opened
- 18 November 2025 – Mandatory ID verification starts:
o for new director appointments and new notifications for PSCs who have not already been identified and can supply a code;
o for existing directors, verification will be linked to the next Confirmation Statement date; and
o for PSCs, who are not directors, this will be linked to the month of their birth
- Spring 2026 – Mandatory for presenters filing documents
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
1. GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER
- Review your team – Who needs to verify? Directors, PSCs, LLP members and anyone filing at Companies House.
- Check your documents – Biometric passport, UK driving licence or other accepted ID.
2. CHOOSE YOUR VERIFICATION ROUTE
- Direct via Companies House
o App – Fastest route, needs a biometric passport and smartphone.
o Web – UK passport or driving licence, plus security questions.
o Selected Post Offices – Face-to-face for those without biometric ID
- Indirect via an ASCP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)
Ideal for non-UK residents or those who prefer not to use GOV.UK. ASCPs can accept a wider range of documents and guide you through the process.
3. COMPLETE THE PROCESS
You’ll get a personal 11-digit verification code once verified. Keep this safe, because you’ll need it for filings and future appointments.
4. STAY COMPLIANT
- New appointments after 18 November 2025 must be verified before they start.
- There are specific rules and verification routes for existing directors, individuals who are both directors and PSCs, and individuals who are PSCs but not directors. Head here to find out when you need to verify based on your role.
- Companies with unverified directors could face fines and other penalties. So, don’t risk it.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T VERIFY?
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Blocked filings at Companies House
- Fines or criminal charges
- Disqualification as a director
- Loss of credibility with banks, investors and partners
NEED HELP STAYING COMPLIANT?
If you have any questions about the upcoming ID verification changes, the best course of action or how to stay ahead of the deadlines, get in touch with your usual CP contact today.
