How identity checks will transform UK corporate governance

UK businesses are set to benefit from enhanced transparency and stronger protections against fraud as Companies House rolls out identity verification requirements from 18 November 2025. This significant change will fundamentally improve the quality and reliability of company register data whilst supporting economic growth and making sure the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.

Why is identity verification being introduced?

The rollout of identity verification will boost business and support growth in the economy by giving more assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK. Companies of all sizes will benefit from more accurate and trustworthy register data and greater protections against fraud.

The new requirements form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which introduced robust new laws to tackle economic crime and deliver a more reliable companies register to underpin business activity.

 

Phasing implementation to support businesses

The changes we are introducing in phases will enable us to crack down on misuse of the companies register and make the UK a safer and more trustworthy place to do business.

Identity verification will be phased in over 12 months to ensure we can provide support to all companies and individuals in scope. The phased approach ensures businesses can stay compliant and have time to adapt without disruption.

 

Who needs to verify and when

From 18 November 2025, new directors will need to verify their identiy in order to incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing company. Existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement within the 12-month transition period.

Every PSC has a 14-day period during which they must submit a statement confirming they have verified their identity, along with their Companies House personal code. You can find out more about who and when you need to verify in our guidance.

From 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to see identity verification due dates for all their roles.

 

How to verify your identity

There are two routes to complete identity verification:

1. Verify your identity for Companies House service. This free GOV.UK One Login service allows you to complete verification quickly online.
2. Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). You can also verify through a third-party provider, such as an accountant, who has registered with Companies House as an ACSP.

Identity verification is a 2-step process:

1. Verify your identity via GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP. Once you have done this you will receive your Companies House personal code. This code is unique to you and should be kept secure.
2. From 18 November, you will need to link your verified identity to each company role you hold by providing your personal code and a verification statement for each role.

 

Verify now to avoid the rush

From 18 November 2025, we will not accept your company’s confirmation statement unless all directors have verified their identity. Leaving completing your identity verification until the last minute could result in:

• delays to important filings
• potential financial penalties
• unnecessary stress during busy periods

We encourage directors and PSCs to complete the first step of the verification process as early as possible. The process usually takes a few minutes online, and once done, means you’re all set to link your verified identity to your roles and ready for future filings from 18 November. More than 500,000 individuals have already verified their identities during the voluntary period, which started in April 2025.

We are continuing to contact all companies with guidance to support directors and PSCs to comply and encourage people to verify as early as possible.

 

Helping companies to comply

Our priority is to inform customers about the new requirements and to ensure our services are as straightforward to use as possible. When company directors and PSCs to do not comply with identity verification requirements, we will take proportionate action using the range of powers available to us.

The changes being introduced in phases will enable Companies House to crack down on misuse of the companies register whilst providing businesses with the time and support they need to adapt. This balanced approach ensures legitimate businesses can comply easily whilst creating barriers for criminals seeking to misuse the register.

 

Take action today

These new measures represent the biggest changes to UK company law since 1844, but taking action early will ensure your business stays compliant while benefitting from a more trusted and transparent business environment.

Don’t delay, start your identity verification process now and stay up to date on other changes under the ECCTA by signing up to email updates from Companies House.

 

This article was authored by Andrew Williams for insidermedia.com and published under the title 'How identity checks will transform UK corporate governance', on How identity checks will transform UK corporate governance | Blogs | Insider Media. It is reproduced above in accordance with section 30(2) of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988