When Does the Companies House Identity Verification Rollout Start?
Key Insights
- Identity verification is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
- The rollout is phased: new directors must verify immediately; existing directors have a 12‑month window.
- Verification is a one‑time process per person, not per company.
- ACSPs, such as accountants and solicitors, can verify on behalf of clients if they are registered.
- The identity verification code is used to link the verified identity to the company record.
Snapshot: Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start date | 18 November 2025 |
| Transition period | 12 months from start date |
| Who is affected | Directors, PSCs, subscribers |
| Verification tool | GOV.UK One Login or ACSP |
| Legal requirement | Yes, under Companies Act 2006 (amended) |
| Cost | Free via gov.uk |
What Are the Requirements for Identity Verification?
From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and LLP members. A 14‑day submission window applies in many cases to provide the verification statement and personal code. New director and PSC appointments must provide their personal code at the time of appointment.
Who Must Verify
Directors are required to verify for every company they direct. Verification is needed to file confirmation statements; without a verified identity code, filing is not possible. PSCs must also verify, with timing that depends on whether they are also a director of the same company. If a PSC holds no directorship, verification must occur within the first 14 days of their birth month, starting November 2025. LLP members phase in alongside directors and PSCs.
New vs. Existing Roles
From November 2025, all new company incorporations require directors and PSCs to provide verified personal codes. This is mandatory immediately for new registrations. Existing directors and PSCs have a 12‑month transition period, with a final deadline of 18 November 2026, to complete verification. No immediate block on operations during the transition, but Companies House urges early compliance to avoid delays.
If you are both a director and a PSC for the same company, you must verify separately in each within 14 days. The verification is tied to each role, not just once per person.
How to Verify Your Identity: Step‑by‑Step Process
The process involves two main steps: verifying your identity through GOV.UK’s ID checking app, and then linking that verified identity to each company role you hold.
Step 1: Identity Verification
The GOV.UK Identity Document (ID) Checking App is used for most verifications. The average completion time is less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. After a successful check, you receive a unique personal code. This code should be kept secure and is used to connect your identity to your company roles.
Step 2: Linking Identity to Company Roles
From 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs must link their verified identity to each company role. This requires providing your personal code and a verification statement for each role. Once this second step is completed, your verified information becomes visible on the public register. You can also check the register for due dates related to each role you hold.
What Is the Personal Code?
The personal code is a unique identifier generated upon successful identity verification. It links your verified identity to your role at the company. You will need to provide this code when filing certain documents or when someone filing on your behalf (such as an ACSP representative). Keep your code secure and do not share it unless necessary.
The entire process, from start to finish, typically takes just a few minutes for most people. The GOV.UK ID Checking App is designed to be fast and straightforward. Completing verification early helps avoid last‑minute issues before the 18 November 2026 deadline.
What About Existing Directors and People with Significant Control?
Existing directors and PSCs have a 12‑month transition period to complete their identity verification. The period starts on 18 November 2025 and ends on 18 November 2026. During this window, no immediate operational blocks apply, but Companies House encourages early verification to ensure compliance.
If verification is not done on time, it can affect a director’s ability to file confirmation statements. If verification is not completed by the end of the transition period, Companies House may begin compliance checks. Specific penalties for non‑compliance have not yet been detailed in available sources, but failure may result in an offence.
If you fail to verify your identity by 18 November 2026, you may be unable to file documents at Companies House. This could lead to compliance action and potentially affect the status of your company or directorship.
What is an ACSP and How Does It Help with Identity Verification?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a registered professional — such as an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent — authorised to verify identities on behalf of directors and PSCs. By Spring 2026, anyone filing documents at Companies House on behalf of a company will need ACSP registration. Third‑party filing agents must register as ACSPs to continue operating.
If you need help, or if you have multiple directorships, using an ACSP can handle verification for you. You may need to share your personal code with the ACSP representative so they can link your identity to your company roles.
Timeline: Key Dates for the Rollout
The rollout follows a phased schedule, with voluntary testing ahead of mandatory compliance. Here are the confirmed milestones:
- 5 August 2025 – Press release confirms rollout from 18 November 2025.
- 16 October 2025 – Blog post “Making identity verification simple, secure and trusted” published.
- 18 November 2025 – Mandatory identity verification becomes a legal requirement; 12‑month transition period begins.
- Spring 2026 – Obligation extends to anyone filing documents at Companies House; compulsory.
- 18 November 2026 – Deadline for existing directors and PSCs to complete verification; compliance checks begin.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
While much of the rollout is clearly defined, some specifics have not yet been published. The table below separates established facts from areas still awaiting detail.
| Established Information | Information Not Yet Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Start date of 18 November 2025 confirmed by official press release and guidance. | Exact deadline for existing directors — the 12‑month period is indicated but end date is 18 November from guidance. |
| Verification is mandatory for new directors from that date. | Penalty details for non‑compliance not yet specified in available sources. |
| Existing directors have a 12‑month transition period. | Whether the personal code will expire or need renewal is not stated. |
| Verification is done via One Login or through an ACSP. | Full list of ACSPs and how to find one not yet published. |
| A personal code is provided upon successful verification. |
Why Is Companies House Introducing Identity Verification?
The identity verification rollout is a central part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The government aims to improve the transparency and accuracy of the Companies House register, reduce fraud, and stifle the use of shell companies for illicit activities. By ensuring that every director, PSC, and LLP member is a real, traceable individual, authorities hope to make it significantly harder to register false information.
The reforms align with broader global trends in beneficial ownership transparency. The 12‑month transition period gives existing businesses time to adapt without immediate disruption. Companies House estimates that 6–7 million people will need to verify their identity by mid‑November 2026.
What the Official Guidance and Announcements Say
Multiple government sources confirm the scope and timing of the identity verification rollout. The following quotes from official communications provide clarity on key points.
“From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes a legal requirement. This date is not a deadline. It marks the start of a 12‑month transition period.”
GOV.UK guidance page
“Making identity verification simple, secure and trusted is at the heart of our transformation.”
“From 18 November 2025, Companies House will make identity verification a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors.”
GOV.UK press release, 5 August 2025
For the full details, refer to the official GOV.UK guidance page. Additional context is available in the Companies House blog post and the campaign site.
What You Need to Know Next
If you are a new director or PSC after 18 November 2025, verify your identity at the time of incorporation. If you are an existing director, you have until 18 November 2026 to complete verification before that date to avoid last‑minute issues. Keep your personal code secure and check the Companies House register for due dates specific to each role you hold. Read our full guide on the Companies House Identity Verification Rollout 2025: Comprehensive Overview for an in‑depth walk‑through of every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the identity verification code?
After you successfully verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login, you receive a unique code. This code links your verified identity to your company role. You may need to provide it when filing certain documents.
Will I receive an email about identity verification?
Companies House may send reminders to registered email addresses, but it is your responsibility to ensure verification is completed. Check your personal email linked to your Companies House account.
How do I log in for identity verification?
Use your existing Companies House WebFiling credentials or log in via GOV.UK One Login. The verification process is handled through the same platform.
What documents do I need to verify my identity?
You will need a valid passport or driving licence for the automated verification. If that fails, additional documents or a manual process via an ACSP may be required.
Can I verify my identity through a third party?
Yes, through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. ACSPs are registered professionals, such as accountants or company formation agents, who can verify your identity on your behalf.
What happens if I don’t verify my identity?
Failure to verify may prevent you from filing documents and could lead to compliance action by Companies House. Specific penalties are still being finalised but may include offences under the Companies Act.
Is the verification free?
Yes, verifying your identity via GOV.UK One Login is free of charge. Using an ACSP may involve a separate fee from that provider.
Do I need to verify for each company I direct?
You verify your identity once, but you must link your personal code to each company role you hold. This means one verification process, followed by linking for each directorship or PSC role.
Is the 18 November 2025 date a deadline or a start date?
It is the start date for mandatory requirements. For new roles, verification is required immediately. For existing directors and PSCs, it is the start of a 12‑month transition period ending 18 November 2026.
What is an ACSP?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a registered professional or firm authorised to verify identities on behalf of directors and PSCs. ACSPs include accountants, solicitors, and company formation agents.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.