As 18 of November is quickly approaching so is the next phase of the Companies House new identification verification requirements for directors and persons with significant control (“PSCs“). It is the hope that the identification requirements introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA“) will boost businesses and support growth by giving more assurances as to who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK, generating greater protection against fraud.

From 18 November 2025:

• a person will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed as a director or company secretary to an existing company;
• existing directors will need to verify their identity at the same time as they file their company’s next set of Annual Accounts or Confirmation Statements (whichever is due first after the 18 November 2025); and
• new and existing PSCs will need to verify their identities during their appointed 14-day period within the next 12 months, ending on 18 November 2026.

It is estimated that between six and seven million individuals will need to verify their identity by November 2026 and it is the Government’s hope that for most people this will be a simple process which they can complete themselves by using the GOV.UK One Login (https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login/proving-your-identity) service which is free of charge.

Alternatively, you can use ourselves, as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (“ACSP“), to verify your identity on your behalf.

Once your identity has been successfully verified — either via your own GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP — you will be issued with a unique Companies House Personal Code (“Personal Code”).  This code is specific to you as an individual, not your company or employer.

We recommend completing identity verification for all directors and PSCs in advance to ensure your company is ready to file its next Confirmation Statement and PSCs are verified in advance of their birth month to avoid missed deadlines.

If you need support with the verification process or understanding your obligations, our team is here to help — please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Who and When

Some more detail:

Directors

If you are already a director, you will need to provide your Personal Code when your company files its next Annual Accounts or Confirmation Statement from 18 November 2025.

If you are appointed as a director after 18 November 2025, you must provide your Personal Code when filing your appointment or incorporating a new company.

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

If you are a PSC, then you will have a 14-day period during which you must provide your Personal Code.  The 14-day period depends on whether you are also a director or just a PSC.  The table below summarises the relevant key dates.