From 18 November 2025, new rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act now require all new company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House before they can act in their role.
The new requirements apply to:
new directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
existing directors and PSCs
members of a limited liability partnership (LLP)
PSC’s or People with Significant control are normally, but not exclusively, those with more than 25% of the shares
The timing depends whether you are an existing (before 18 November 2025) or new (from 18 November 2025) Director (or equivalent) or PSC.
Directors:
New appointment or company registrations from 18 November 2025 – at time of registration
Existing Directors - at the time of filing the company’s next Confirmation Statement
PSC’s
Existing Director and PSC of the same company (separate notifications are required):
As a director - at the time of the next Confirmation Statement
As a PSC - not later than 14 days of the company’s Confirmation Statement date
Existing PSC but not a Director of the same company - within 14 days of your month of birth after 18 November 2025. For example, if your birthday is 22 January, your 14 day period will start on 1 January
New PSC’s – not later than 14 days of being registered with Companies House
The changes are designed to improve transparency, make company records more reliable, and help prevent unlawful activities. By making sure that every director and PSC has a verified identity, Companies House is aiming to strengthen trust in the information it holds.
There are two ways:
Directly with Companies House through one of GOV.UK One Login options:
ID check app – uses a smartphone to check a person’s identity on a document such as a passport or driving licence using biometric information and a ‘selfie’, or
One Login web service – involves answering more detailed questions such as those relating to your mortgage or bank account, plus providing other ID document details, or
face-face-service – you can present your documents at a post office at a pre-arranged appointment, or
Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as an accountant, solicitor, or another regulated professional.
Once verified, you will be issued with a personal verification code. This code is unique to you – not to the company – but it can be used across all the companies where you are a director or PSC. You’ll need to provide this code to your professional adviser or anyone filing documents on your behalf, as Companies House will not accept filings without it.
Check if you’re affected – are you a director, PSC, or member of an LLP?
Check which verification deadline applies to you – are you a new or existing director or PSC?
Choose how to verify – through GOV.UK One Login or with an ACSP.
Prepare your ID – such as biometric passport or UK photo driving licence.
Complete verification – follow the instructions from GOV.UK or your ACSP.
Receive your personal code – issued by Companies House.
Share your code – with your accountant, solicitor, or adviser so they can continue filing.
Stay up to date – keep your verification valid if your details change.
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will not accept confirmation statements or other filings unless directors and PSCs are verified. Missing the deadline could lead to delays, penalties, or restrictions.
Download our handy one page guide here.
It’s best to plan ahead so do speak to us now to make sure you’ll be ready.
All data and figures referred to in our news section are correct at the date of publishing and should not be relied upon as still current.
