UK Companies House identity verification rules are entering a new era. From 18 November 2025, identity checks become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs), under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023. The policy serves two big goals: reduce fraud and increase transparency across the UK corporate register. In plain English, Companies House needs stronger proof that the people listed as controlling companies are who they say they are.
These reforms impact every UK-registered company. If you work through an accountant or formation agent, you’ll still need to verify — but you can choose to do so through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Either way, you’ll receive a personal code once verified, and that code becomes the key to linking your identity to your company roles and filings.
Acting early helps your company avoid bottlenecks and filing headaches when the transition period kicks off. Don’t wait until your confirmation statement is due, by then, you’ll need every director’s code to file.
From 13 October 2025, you’ll sign in to WebFiling using GOV.UK One Login. If your team shares a single inbox for filings, rethink that process now: shared/group email addresses won’t work for creating a One Login identity. Each person needs a unique personal email. To learn more, read our guide here.
The transition period begins on 18 November 2025 and runs for 12 months. That date is not a one-day deadline for everyone. Instead, when you must provide your code depends on your role (director or PSC) and key dates like your confirmation statement.
Get valid photo ID ready — typically a passport or driving licence. Make sure the document is in date and the details match what Companies House already holds for you.
You can verify in either of two ways:
Direct with Companies House: Use the Verify your identity for Companies House service (you’ll sign in with GOV.UK One Login).
Through an ACSP: An Authorised Corporate Service Provider can verify you and supply your personal code by email afterward.
Once verified, you’ll receive your personal code. This is essential for linking your identity to your director and/or PSC roles. Keep it safe; treat it like a filing credential.
From 18 November 2025, every director’s personal code must be included on the next confirmation statement. If a director isn’t verified in time, you won’t be able to file the statement. Check your timetable now to avoid a scramble later.
If your name or date of birth at Companies House doesn’t match your ID, you won’t be able to link your verified identity to your role(s). Update your records now so the verification links cleanly the first time.
GOV.UK One Login is built around unique individuals. If someone already used an email address to create a One Login, it can’t be used again. Avoid shared mailboxes; each person should use a personal email they control.
If the service asks for your address, use your home address — not your business’s registered office or a shared admin address, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
If you’re a director, include your personal code on your company’s first confirmation statement filed on or after 18 November 2025. Without it (and the codes of all other directors), the filing will fail.
A trusted agent or accountant can file the confirmation statement for you, including your code — provided you share it with them securely. Never disclose your code casually; share it only with people who are authorized to file for your company.
You only need to verify once, but you must provide your personal code separately for each role:
As a director: Include the code on the confirmation statement.
As a PSC: Use a separate online service (available from 18 November 2025) to provide your code within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date.
If you’re a PSC who isn’t a director, provide your code within the first 14 days of your birth month. Example: date of birth 22 January → your 14-day window begins 1 January and runs to 14 January.
PSCs will use a dedicated online service to submit their codes and can check their individual 14-day due date there too.
Do share your code only with an authorized agent/accountant who files for you.
Don’t share it widely or store it in unsecured locations.
Companies House will never ask for your personal code over the phone.
If you verified via GOV.UK One Login, you can view your code in the “manage account” area.
If you verified via an ACSP, your code arrives by email — keep that email secure.
If the details on your ID don’t match Companies House, update your records before attempting to link your verified identity. This avoids rejection loops and saves time.
If a director hasn’t verified in time, your confirmation statement can’t be filed. Start verification well in advance of your filing window so you’re not blocked.
From 13 October 2025, sign-ins move to GOV.UK One Login. Ensure your:
Users each have a personal email (no group inboxes).
Internal procedures reflect the new sign-in method.
Agents are briefed on collecting and storing personal codes securely.
Identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of LLPs, and officers of corporate PSCs will be introduced later. Keep an eye on official updates so you can adapt your processes in time.
☐ Collect ID (passport or driving licence).
☐ Create/confirm GOV.UK One Login with a personal email.
☐ Choose verification route (Companies House or ACSP).
☐ Verify and secure your personal code.
☐ Directors: Add codes to the first confirmation statement after 18 Nov 2025.
☐ PSCs:
If also a director — submit code for both roles.
If not a director — submit within first 14 days of your birth month.
☐ Match personal details (name, DOB) on records to your ID.
☐ Update internal filing procedures (One Login, code handling).
☐ Brief all directors and PSCs on deadlines and responsibilities.
☐ Monitor official updates for future phases.
No. You verify once, receive a personal code, and then use that code for each role you hold (director and/or PSC).
Include it on your company’s first confirmation statement filed on or after 18 November 2025.
Submit your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month using the PSC online service (available from 18 November 2025).
Yes — one verification, but two submissions:
On the confirmation statement (director role).
Via the PSC service within 14 days of the confirmation statement date (PSC role).
No. They will never ask for your personal code over the phone. Only share it with trusted, authorized filers.
Update the Companies House records so they match your ID before linking your verified identity; otherwise the link will fail.
Yes. You may verify through an ACSP. They can also include your code on filings they submit on your behalf.
Verified through One Login: find it in Manage account.
Verified through an ACSP: check the email they sent after verification.
The UK Companies House identity verification regime begins 18 November 2025 with a 12-month transition. Directors and PSCs should verify now, secure their personal codes, and align internal processes with GOV.UK One Login. By acting early, you’ll reduce the risk of missed filings, penalties, and last-minute stress.
For official updates and deeper guidance, see Changes to UK company law (GOV.UK):
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/changes-to-uk-company-law
Don’t let Companies House deadlines catch you out — let our trusted accountants handle your identity verification and filings for you. Sign up today and stay compliant with zero stress.
