Identity Verification Initiative Start Date Announced by Companies House
Mandatory Identity Verification for UK Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) Announced
Starting from 18 November 2025, all new and existing individual directors and PSCs of UK companies will be required to complete a mandatory identity verification (IDV) process with Companies House.
From this date, new directors must verify their identity before incorporation or appointment, while existing directors have 14 days from the company’s next annual confirmation statement to comply. PSCs must also verify within 14 days of becoming a PSC, or by specified deadlines depending on their status on 18 November 2025.
Upon successful verification, each individual will receive a personal identity code from Companies House. This unique code is a one-time issuance and can be reused for all current and future appointments without re-verification.
Individuals can verify their identity through several methods:
- Online Verification Service: This free service provided by Companies House requires a photographic identification document such as a biometric passport or UK photo driving licence. Overseas residents must use a biometric passport from any country.
- Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP): Companies approved by Companies House to assist with the verification process can help for a fee.
- Notary: Verification can also be carried out in-person by a notary.
Failure to verify identity by the deadlines is an offence and prevents acting as a director or PSC legally.
Here's a summary of the requirements:
| Requirement | Deadline / Timing | Verification Method | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | New directors/LLP members | Before incorporation or appointment | Online via Companies House or via ACSP/notary | | Existing directors/LLP members | Within 14 days of next annual confirmation statement | Submit personal identity code during filing | | New PSCs | Within 14 days from notification as PSC | Same as above | | Existing PSCs (as of 18 Nov 2025) | Depending on status, by next confirmation statement or start of birth month following Nov 2025 | Same as above |
This requirement applies regardless of the individual's country of residence and aims to improve corporate transparency and reduce fraud in UK company registers.
For more information, please visit the Companies House website.
[1] Companies House - Identity Verification Requirements
[2] HM Government - Companies House Identity Verification
[3] ICAEW - Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs
[4] Transparency International UK - Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs
[5] ACCA - Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs
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