A significant change to the way UK companies operate has been quietly rolling out since late 2025, and the deadline for existing directors and shareholders to comply is approaching faster than many people realise.
Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement, and failure to complete it will affect your ability to file documents and run your company. Here is everything you need to know.
As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the government has introduced a new requirement for all directors, secretaries, and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House. The aim is to improve the accuracy of the register and make it harder for fraudsters to exploit the system.
Since 18 November 2025, all new directors, secretaries, and PSCs must verify their identity before they can be appointed or registered. Existing directors and PSCs have until 18 November 2026 to complete the process, usually before filing their next confirmation statement.
In short: anyone who is a director, company secretary, or PSC of a UK-registered company. This includes:
If you are a director of multiple companies, you will need to verify once — but ensure the verification is linked to each company correctly. It is also worth checking whether any family members listed as PSCs on your company have completed the process.
There are two main routes:
Verifying directly through GOV.UK is free and typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, provided you have an in-date passport or UK driving licence to hand. If you encounter difficulties with the online process (for instance, if your documents are older or do not scan clearly) an ACSP can verify you in person.
This is not a process you can afford to ignore. If you have not verified your identity by the deadline, Companies House may annotate your company's record to indicate non-compliance. Over time, there will be restrictions on filing, meaning you may be unable to submit your confirmation statement or make changes to your company details.
For businesses that rely on a clean Companies House record for banking, funding, or contractual purposes, non-compliance could have real commercial consequences.
The deadline of 18 November 2026 may feel distant, but it has a habit of approaching quickly — especially if your confirmation statement is due around that time. Many companies have multiple directors and PSCs who all need to verify independently, which takes coordination.
Starting the process now avoids the rush and ensures there are no complications when your next filing is due.
Your accountant or a registered ACSP can guide you through the process, verify on your behalf if needed, and make sure your Companies House record is up to date and accurate.
Get in touch with our South Wales team today. We can guide you through the process and make sure you are compliant well before the November deadline. Call us on 01443 834047 or use our online form.
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