Identity verification at Companies House is now a legal requirement for all directors and PSCs of UK companies. You have until autumn 2026 to complete it.
What is Companies House identity verification?
From 18 November 2025, Companies House requires all directors and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) of UK companies to verify their identity before they can submit any official documents.
It is part of the reform of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to combat fraud and improve transparency of the British business register.
Who needs to verify?
- ✅ Directors of UK Ltd companies — all, regardless of nationality or place of residence
- ✅ PSC (Persons with Significant Control) — those who own more than 25% of shares or have control over the company
- ✅ Designated members of LLP
- ✅ New appointments — must verify before being appointed
Do not need to verify at the moment: company secretaries, corporate directors or LP partners.
When do you need to do it?
| Situation | When to verify |
|---|---|
| New director (from Nov 2025) | Before appointment |
| New PSC (from Nov 2025) | Within 14 days of registration |
| Existing director or PSC | Before your next Confirmation Statement |
| Maximum deadline | Autumn 2026 (12 months transition) |
How to verify your identity — Step by step
There are two ways: on your own with GOV.UK One Login (free) or through an authorised agent (ACSP).
Option A: GOV.UK One Login (free)
You need a biometric passport (with chip) or photo driving licence. The process takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Step 1 — Access GOV.UK One Login
Go to gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house and click «Start now». Create your GOV.UK account or sign in if you already have one.
Step 2 — Download the GOV.UK ID Check app
GOV.UK will ask you to download the GOV.UK ID Check app on your mobile (iOS and Android). You will use it to scan your identity document.
Step 3 — Scan your identity document
Open the app and follow the instructions to scan your passport or driving licence. The app will read the NFC chip from the document (biometric passports) or capture images of it.
Step 4 — Verification selfie
The app will ask you to take a selfie to compare it with the photo on your document. Make sure you have good lighting and your face is clearly visible.
Step 5 — Receive your Companies House personal code
Upon completing verification you will receive your Companies House personal code by email: a unique 11-character code in the format XXX-XXXX-XXXX. Save it in a safe place — you will need it for all your future Companies House transactions.
Option B: Through an ACSP (Authorised agent)
An ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider) is a professional authorised by Companies House to verify your identity on your behalf. You can do this from any country. Aiden can help you manage this process — open a support ticket.
What is the Companies House personal code?
When you verify, you will receive a unique 11-character code (format XXX-XXXX-XXXX). It is personal (not your company’s) and you will need it for:
- Submitting your company’s Confirmation Statement
- Appointing new directors
- Any changes to your Companies House register entry
What happens if you don’t verify your identity?
- ❌ You will not be able to submit your Confirmation Statement
- ❌ You will not be able to appoint or change directors
- ❌ You will not be able to update any data at Companies House
- ❌ Financial penalties and potentially criminal offence
- ❌ A public note may appear against your name at Companies House
How Aiden can help you
The Aiden team can guide you on which people in your company need to verify and when, advise you on the options available, and act as an ACSP to verify your identity on your behalf.
For any enquiries, open a support ticket from your dashboard or email us at support@aiden.es.