Updated: November 2025
Mandatory identity verification implementation date is 18th November 2025.
From November 2025, Companies House is bringing in major changes that affect every UK company director and anyone with significant control (PSC).
It’s all part of the government’s plan to improve transparency and prevent misuse of company information, but it also means business owners need to take action.
Here’s what’s changing, when it comes into force, and how to make sure your business stays compliant without extra stress.
What’s Changing from 18 November 2025
From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory for:
- All new company directors
- Existing directors (by their next confirmation statement)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
If you’re a company director or PSC, you’ll need to prove who you are through Companies House before you can act in that role.
A voluntary verification system has already been available since April 2025, but from mid-November it becomes compulsory.
Existing directors and PSCs have up to 12 months (until their next confirmation statement is due) to complete the process.
Who Needs to Verify and When
Different deadlines apply depending on your role:
New Directors
- Must verify before they can be appointed or incorporated after 18 November 2025.
- Companies House won’t accept new appointments until verification is complete.
Existing Directors
- Must verify by their next confirmation statement filed after 18 November 2025.
- The 12-month transition window allows time to complete verification, but it’s best not to wait.
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Must verify their identity within 14 days of being registered as a PSC, or by their company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November.
Other entities
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs), overseas companies and certain corporate directors will also be brought into scope.
- Further guidance will follow, but the process will be similar.
How the Process Works: Step-by-Step
There are two main ways to verify your identity:
You can verify directly with Companies House using the government’s new digital identity system.
2. Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
ACSPs such as an accountant or company-formation agent, who can verify on your behalf (though this can be more complex).
Once verified, you’ll receive an 11-character personal code called a Companies House personal code that proves your identity has been confirmed.
You’ll need to use this code whenever:
- You’re appointed as a director
- You make filings on behalf of the company
- You submit your confirmation statement
If you’re a director, here’s what to do next:
- Make sure all directors and PSCs in your company have completed identity verification
- Keep everyone’s personal code in a safe place so it’s ready for future filings
- If you’re planning to add a new director or PSC, make verification part of the process
- Encourage anyone who hasn’t yet verified to do it before your next confirmation statement
Why This Matters
These changes are designed to make the UK business register more trustworthy and transparent.
But for companies, failing to comply can have serious consequences:
- Unverified directors can’t act, and their appointments won’t be accepted
- Filings may be rejected if a code isn’t provided
- Penalties may apply for those who continue acting without verification
There are also benefits to getting ahead:
- It shows your company takes compliance seriously
- It protects against identity misuse and fraudulent appointments
- It strengthens your company’s credibility with suppliers, clients, and lenders
Key Deadlines to Remember
| Role | What you must do | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New directors | Verify identity before appointment | From 18 November 2025 |
| Existing directors | Verify by next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025 | Within 12 months |
| PSCs | Verify within 14 days of notification or by next confirmation statement | From 18 November 2025 |
What to Do Now (Your Action Plan)
- Check who needs to verify. Look at your list of directors and PSCs and make sure everyone is still active and will need to complete ID verification.
- Ask each person to verify as soon as possible. The voluntary process is already open.
- Keep a note of each personal code. Every director and PSC will receive their own 11-character code once verified. Store these safely as you’ll need them for future filings.
- If you’re adding a new director or PSC, make sure they complete identity verification as one of the first steps.
- Check your next confirmation statement date. Make sure everyone has verified before your next statement is due after 18 November 2025.
- Ask Glow Accounts if you’re unsure. We can help you check what applies to your company and make sure nothing is missed.
How Glow Accounts Can Help
Glow Accounts can’t carry out the ID verification process directly (that’s done through GOV.UK or an authorised agent), but we can help you:
- Check which directors and PSCs need to be verified
- Plan your filings around the new deadlines
- Help you understand what applies to your company and make sure your filings stay on track.
- Help you understand what applies to your company, and support you in planning ahead for your filings (identity verification itself must be completed directly through GOV.UK)
If you’d like a quick compliance check-in, we can walk through your setup and make sure you’re ready ahead of the November deadline.
Final Thoughts
The new verification system might sound like another admin task, but it’s a key part of building a stronger, more transparent register for UK companies.
If you’re a director or PSC, take ten minutes now to verify your identity and note your personal code. It’ll save you time and stress later.
Though you’ll need to complete the verification directly through GOV.UK, if you’d like advice or help understanding what applies to your company, contact Glow Accounts and we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take.
