What is Companies House identity verification?
Identity verification is a new legal requirement for all directors, Persons of Significant Control (PSCs), and LLP members of UK-registered companies. It was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 as part of the government's efforts to prevent corporate fraud and increase the accuracy and reliability of the Companies House register.
Since 18 November 2025, new directors have been required to verify their identity before taking up any appointment. Existing directors and PSCs were given a 12-month transition period — running from 18 November 2025 to 17 November 2026 — to complete the process.
Who needs to verify?
Identity verification applies to:
- All directors of UK limited companies
- All Persons of Significant Control — broadly, anyone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights in a company, or exercises significant influence or control
- LLP members
- Company secretaries in certain circumstances
If you are a director of multiple companies, you verify once and receive a unique personal code — but you must then link that code to each separate company role. This is a step that is easy to overlook and worth checking carefully.
