Companies House identity verification: a practical guide

Identity verification is one of the biggest changes to UK company law in years. It aims to stop people using false identities to set up or run companies. This guide explains who needs to verify, how to do it and the deadlines.

Who must verify?

• Directors of UK companies (and equivalent roles, such as LLP members).
• People with significant control (PSCs), the individuals who own or control the company.
• People who file documents for a company. Companies House is bringing in verification for them too, unless they file through an ACSP.

Companies House has said there are currently no identity verification requirements for PSCs that are companies or other legal entities (relevant legal entities).

How to verify

There are two routes:

1. Directly with Companies House, using the "Verify your identity for Companies House" service with GOV.UK One Login. You usually need photo ID, such as a passport or photo driving licence, and may be asked to take a selfie or video.
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This is a firm, such as a formation agent or accountant, registered with Companies House and supervised for anti-money laundering. The ACSP checks your identity and confirms it to Companies House. This is often easier if you live abroad or your ID does not work with the online service. Form My Company is a Companies House ACSP, so we can complete the identity check for you, remotely, as part of your order, and give you your personal code.

Your personal code

After verifying, you get a Companies House personal code. You only verify once. You use the same code for every role you hold, in every company. Keep it safe and share it only with people who need it, such as the company or your agent.

Deadlines for new companies and appointments

• New companies: every director and PSC must be verified when the company is formed.
• New directors: must be verified before they are appointed.
• New PSCs: can provide their code when they are added to the register, or within 14 days of a direction letter Companies House sends shortly after.

Deadlines for existing directors and PSCs

There is a 12-month transition period, which began on 18 November 2025.

• Existing directors provide their personal code in the company's next confirmation statement after that date.
• PSCs who are also directors must also provide their code for their PSC role, within 14 days from the day after the confirmation statement date. Giving it as a director is not enough.
• PSCs who are not directors have a 14-day window starting on the first day of their birth month.

You can check your own due dates on the Companies House register. If you need more time, you can ask for a 14-day extension online before the deadline passes.

Check your details match

Your name and date of birth on the Companies House register must match your identity documents. If they do not, correct them before you link your verified identity.

What happens if you do not verify?

Failing to verify may be an offence and can lead to a financial penalty. Companies House has also said a note may appear against your name on the public register in future. Missing deadlines can also block filings, such as the confirmation statement.

Steps to take now

1. Make a list of every director and PSC in your company.
2. Check when your next confirmation statement is due.
3. Decide whether each person will verify with GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP.
4. Collect valid ID.
5. Verify and record each personal code securely.
6. File the confirmation statement, or provide PSC codes, on time.

Common mistakes

• Thinking verification as a director also covers a PSC role.
• Waiting until the last few days before the confirmation statement.
• Using a name on the register that does not match your passport.
• Sharing your personal code publicly.

How Form My Company can help

We are a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). That means we can verify your identity for you, remotely, and give you your Companies House personal code. You do not have to use GOV.UK One Login yourself, unless you prefer to. For new companies, it is part of every formation order. For existing companies, we can verify directors and PSCs when we file your Confirmation Statement, and our Compliance and Due Diligence service covers wider checks.

Frequently asked questions