Companies House identity verification is now a mandatory legal requirement for people within the scope of the new corporate transparency regime.

Introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the requirement is designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, strengthen transparency and make it harder for UK companies to be used for fraud and other economic crime. Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025, with individuals required to verify according to the timetable that applies to their particular role.

For directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and other individuals affected by the reforms, Companies House identity verification is now an important part of ongoing corporate compliance.

Our legal consultant is a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify your identity on your behalf.

What is Companies House identity verification?

Companies House identity verification is a process used to confirm that an individual is a real person and that they are who they claim to be.

Historically, Companies House did not routinely verify the identities of company directors and PSCs. The new identity verification regime changes that.

The purpose of Companies House ID verification is to:

• Improve the accuracy of information held on the Companies House register
• Confirm the identities of people who own or control UK companies
• Reduce the misuse of companies and false identities
• Support the fight against fraud, money laundering and other economic crime
• Increase confidence in the UK company register

Companies House describes identity verification as a new legal requirement introduced to deter people intending to use companies for illegal purposes.

For legitimate businesses, the practical effect is straightforward: people behind UK companies increasingly need to prove who they are before they can carry out certain Companies House activities.

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Who needs to complete Companies House ID verification?

The current identity verification requirements apply to a number of roles, including:

• Company directors
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
• Certain equivalent roles
• Individuals applying to become a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Companies House is introducing some other identity verification requirements at later stages, including requirements affecting limited partnerships, corporate directors, corporate LLP members and officers of corporate PSCs.

Importantly, not everyone who files information at Companies House is currently within the same identity verification requirement. Companies House has stated that identity verification for people who file documents on behalf of companies will be introduced at a later stage.

The precise timing of verification depends on your role and circumstances, so directors and PSCs should check the current Companies House guidance rather than relying on a single date.

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How do you verify your identity for Companies House?

There are two main routes for Companies House identity verification.

1. Verify your identity directly with Companies House

You can verify your identity yourself through the official GOV.UK One Login route, where you meet the requirements.

Depending on your circumstances, Companies House may require photographic identification and other information to confirm your identity. GOV.UK provides the current list of acceptable verification routes and documents.

Direct identity verification through Companies House is available without an ACSP professional fee.

2. Use a Companies House ACSP

You can instead use a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

An ACSP is authorised to carry out identity verification for clients and report the completed verification to Companies House. Companies House specifically provides an online service for ACSPs to notify the registrar when they have verified someone’s identity.

Our legal consultant is an ACSP and can carry out the Companies House identity verification process for you.

For people who prefer professional assistance, this can be a much simpler way to deal with the new requirement.

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What is an ACSP?

ACSP stands for Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

An ACSP is a professional or organisation authorised by Companies House to provide specified services, including identity verification.

Companies House says ACSPs can include professionals such as solicitors, accountants and company formation agents, subject to the required registration and anti-money laundering supervision.

An ACSP is not simply someone who helps you complete a form.

The ACSP carries out the required identity checks to the Companies House standard and then confirms to Companies House that the person’s identity has been verified.

This makes an ACSP particularly useful for directors and PSCs who want a professional to manage their identity verification rather than completing the process alone.

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Why use an ACSP for Companies House identity verification?

You can verify your identity yourself, but using an ACSP provides a professional alternative.

An ACSP service can be particularly useful if you:

• Are a director of one or multiple companies
• Are a PSC
• Have several Companies House appointments
• Live outside the UK
• Want professional assistance with the verification process
• Prefer a legal professional to handle your Companies House compliance
• Want support where your circumstances are more complicated

Our legal consultant can complete the required checks and notify Companies House that your identity has been verified.

You do not have to manage the Companies House identity verification process alone.

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What happens during Companies House identity verification?

The exact process depends on whether you verify directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.

Where an ACSP performs the verification, Companies House requires the ACSP to follow its identity verification standard.

This includes:

1. Obtaining information about the individual
2. Obtaining suitable evidence of identity
3. Checking that the evidence is genuine
4. Checking that the identity belongs to the person claiming it
5. Keeping appropriate records of the checks
6. Deciding whether the individual can be verified

Companies House has published a specific identity verification standard that ACSPs must follow when carrying out checks for clients.

Once the ACSP has completed the verification, it reports the verification to Companies House.

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What is a Companies House personal code?

Once your identity has been verified, Companies House gives you a personal code.

This is a unique identifier linked to your verified identity.

For example, directors need to provide their personal code as part of the relevant Companies House process, including confirmation statement filings. Companies House says that where a company has multiple directors, the relevant personal codes are required for each director.

For PSCs, the personal code is used to connect the verified identity to Companies House records.

Your personal code is important and should be kept secure.

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Do you only have to verify your identity once?

For most people, Companies House identity verification is a one-off process.

Once you have successfully verified your identity, you generally do not need to repeat the verification simply because you become a director or hold another relevant role.

However, you may need to use your personal code in connection with different Companies House appointments and filings.

That is why it is important to keep your personal code safely after your identity has been verified.

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What happens if you do not complete Companies House identity verification?

Failing to complete Companies House identity verification when required can have serious consequences.

Companies House states that a person who does not comply with the identity verification requirements on time may be committing an offence and may face:

• Prosecution and a fine through the courts
• A financial penalty
• A note published against the individual’s name on the Companies House public register
• Restrictions on being appointed as a new director
• Restrictions on registering a new company or other entity
• Restrictions on registering as an ACSP

Companies House has also stated that it will use a range of enforcement measures depending on the circumstances, including enforcement through the courts and other government agencies.

Serious cases of non-compliance

Companies House says that, in serious cases, it is more likely to use its strongest enforcement powers.

This can include cases involving fraudulent or criminal activity, or repeated non-compliance.

Companies House states that serious cases may include situations where an individual or company has committed three or more offences within five years. Prosecution may result in:

• Criminal conviction
• Director disqualification
• Fines

The consequences therefore extend beyond simply having an incomplete Companies House record.

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Can Companies House restrict your company’s filings?

Yes.

Identity verification is linked to the ability to complete certain Companies House filing obligations.

For example, Companies House states that a company will be unable to file its confirmation statement unless its directors have completed the required identity verification and the relevant personal codes are provided.

This can create practical problems for a business.

A company that cannot complete required filings may experience disruption to its normal corporate administration, particularly where other parties need up-to-date Companies House information.

For a business dealing with banks, investors, lenders, suppliers or counterparties, an unresolved Companies House compliance issue may also create additional questions or delays.

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What counts as non-compliance with Companies House identity verification?

Non-compliance can arise where a person who is legally required to verify their identity fails to satisfy the requirement.

Examples can include:

• Failing to complete identity verification within the applicable timeframe
• Failing to provide required identity verification information
• Continuing to act in a role without completing the required verification
• Providing false, misleading or inaccurate information
• Repeatedly failing to comply with Companies House requirements

Companies House takes a risk-based approach to enforcement and considers factors such as the seriousness of the conduct, aggravating factors, previous non-compliance and whether there is evidence of fraud or criminal activity.

Importantly, not knowing about the requirement does not remove the obligation to comply.

Directors and other individuals within scope remain responsible for meeting their Companies House obligations.

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What if you have not completed your identity verification on time?

If you discover that you have missed an applicable verification requirement, the most important step is to address the issue promptly.

A sensible approach is to:

1. Check whether identity verification applies to you

Confirm your Companies House role and the current requirements that apply.

2. Check Companies House correspondence

Look for any emails, letters, notices or filing information from Companies House relating to identity verification or overdue filings.

3. Complete the verification

You can verify directly through the official Companies House service or use an ACSP.

4. Keep your personal code

Once verified, keep your Companies House personal code secure and available for future filings.

5. Get professional help where necessary

Where the position is unclear or you have already received a Companies House notice, professional advice can help you understand what needs to happen next.

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What if you receive a Companies House default letter?

Companies House has a formal process for people who receive a default letter relating to an overdue identity verification statement.

If you receive a default letter, you can make a representation where you believe there were exceptional circumstances or that enforcement would be disproportionate.

The representation must be submitted within 28 days of the date on the default letter. Companies House states that representations submitted outside that timeframe will not be considered.

If Companies House accepts the representation, enforcement action will generally be paused for up to two months to allow the required filing or identity verification to be completed.

A representation is not an alternative to completing identity verification. The individual still needs to verify their identity to remain compliant.

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Companies House identity verification for directors

If you are a company director, identity verification is now a core part of your Companies House obligations.

Each director has an individual responsibility to verify their identity.

Companies House states that each director receives a personal code when they verify, and that the company needs the relevant codes when filing its confirmation statement.

For companies with several directors, it is therefore important that each relevant director has completed the required verification.

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Companies House identity verification for PSCs

A Person with Significant Control (PSC) is an individual who owns or controls a company in accordance with the Companies Act rules.

PSCs are also subject to identity verification requirements.

Once a PSC has verified their identity, they receive a personal code and need to provide the relevant verification details so Companies House can connect the verified identity to the correct PSC record.

If you are a PSC but not a director, your identity verification obligations can work differently from those of a director, so you should follow the Companies House guidance applicable to your role.

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Companies House identity verification for LLP members

Members of limited liability partnerships are also within the current identity verification regime.

LLPs have their own Companies House filing requirements, including identity verification information for relevant members.

If you are an LLP member, you should check the requirements that apply to your role and ensure that your identity verification is properly recorded with Companies House.

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Companies House identity verification for overseas directors and PSCs

The Companies House identity verification regime can apply to people who live outside the UK.

For overseas directors and PSCs, using an ACSP can provide a professional alternative to completing the verification process independently.

Our legal consultant can assist eligible individuals with the Companies House verification process and explain what information and documentation is required.

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Companies House identity verification: direct verification or ACSP?

Both routes are legitimate.

Route	Direct with Companies House	Through an ACSP
Verification	Completed by you	Completed by an authorised professional
Companies House fee	No professional ACSP fee	ACSP may charge a professional fee
Professional assistance	No	Yes
Suitable for complex cases	May require more self-management	Professional support available
Personal code	Issued by Companies House	Issued by Companies House following verification

Companies House confirms that individuals can verify themselves or ask an ACSP to verify them.

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Why Companies House identity verification matters for your business

Companies House identity verification is more than another administrative task.

It forms part of a wider change in how the UK company register operates.

The objective is to create a register that provides greater confidence about the people behind UK companies and makes it more difficult to use false identities for unlawful purposes.

For businesses, maintaining accurate and compliant Companies House information is increasingly important.

For directors and PSCs, completing identity verification is therefore part of protecting both your position and your company.

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Get Companies House Identity Verification Through an ACSP

You can verify your identity yourself through Companies House.

Or, for professional assistance, you can use our Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Our legal consultant can carry out the identity verification checks on your behalf and notify Companies House once the verification has been completed.

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Companies House Identity Verification FAQs

What is Companies House ID verification?

Companies House ID verification is the process of confirming an individual’s identity so Companies House can establish that the person behind a company role is who they claim to be.

Is Companies House identity verification mandatory?

Yes. Identity verification is a legal requirement for individuals within the current scope of the Companies House regime.

Who needs to verify their identity for Companies House?

Current requirements include company directors, PSCs, certain LLP members and other specified roles. Companies House is introducing additional categories in stages.

Can a solicitor verify my identity for Companies House?

Yes. A solicitor who is registered as a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider can verify clients’ identities and report the verification to Companies House.

Can I verify my identity myself?

Yes. You can use the official Companies House identity verification service through GOV.UK One Login where eligible.

Is Companies House identity verification free?

Direct verification through Companies House does not involve an ACSP professional fee. An ACSP may charge its own fee for providing the verification service.

What happens after I verify my identity?

Companies House issues you with a personal code. The code is used to connect your verified identity to relevant Companies House records and filings.

What happens if I do not verify my identity?

You may be committing an offence and could face prosecution, fines or a financial penalty. Companies House may also publish a note against your name and restrict certain activities, including becoming a new director or registering a new company.

Can an unverified director continue acting as a director?

Companies House states that if a director continues to act after the applicable requirement has taken effect without complying with the verification requirements, the director and potentially the company may be committing an offence.

Can an unverified company file its confirmation statement?

Companies House states that a company will be unable to file its confirmation statement unless its directors have completed the required identity verification and the necessary personal codes are provided.

What should I do if I have received a default letter?

If you have received a Companies House default letter concerning an overdue identity verification statement, act promptly. You may be able to make a representation within 28 days where exceptional circumstances apply.

Can Companies House prosecute for identity verification offences?

Yes. Companies House says that in serious cases it may use prosecution, and this can lead to criminal conviction, fines and director disqualification.

Do I need to verify my identity more than once?

For most people, identity verification is a one-off process, although you may need to use your personal code for subsequent Companies House filings.

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Need help with Companies House identity verification?

Our legal consultant is a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify your identity on your behalf.

Complete the process with professional support and ensure your Companies House identity verification is handled correctly.

This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House guidance and requirements may be updated from time to time. Always check the latest official Companies House guidance for your circumstances.