Companies House confirms start date for identity verification rollout

Companies House has confirmed that legal requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identity will begin from 18th November 2025.

New directors, either incorporating a new company or being appointed to an existing one, will need to verify their identity from 18th November. Existing directors will to confirm they have verified their identity when they file their next annual confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition. Persons of significant control of a company need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within that same period.

Identity verification aims to better inform business support through a clearer understanding of who is setting up and running businesses in the UK, as well as to crack down on fraud and economic crime. It is estimated that between 6 and 7 million individuals will need to confirm the identity with Companies House during the 12-month transition period, and will be a one-off process that can be completed in minutes for most people. Voluntary verification launched in April this year, and saw more than 300,000 confirm their identity ahead of time.

Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said:

“Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.

“To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance.

“This is part of a coordinated effort to help companies to comply.“

Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders MP said:

“Identity verification will play a key role in giving confidence to investors and consumers alike, ensuring greater transparency about the organisations they do business with.“

From 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to see identity verification due dates for all their roles.

Individuals can verify their identity with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

The requirement for company directors to verify their identity with Companies House was introduced as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.