Company Directors Identity Verification: Your Legal Requirements from November 2025

What is ID Verification and Why is it Important?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) aims to prevent the misuse of UK companies for illegal activities by ensuring that directors and PSCs can be clearly identified.

As part of this law, anyone who wishes to run, own, or control a UK company will need to verify their identity with Companies House.

This will help improve the accuracy of the information held on the Companies House register and significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent activities across the UK.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

If you fall into any of the following categories, you will need to verify your identity with Companies House:

• Company Directors (including members, general partners, and managing officers)
• Persons of Significant Control (PSCs)
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) (e.g., accountants, solicitors)
• Anyone who files documents on behalf of a company (e.g., company secretaries)

When Do I Need to Do This By?

From 18 November 2025, you will not be able to file any documents with Companies House, or set up a new company, without having verified your identity.

This is a legal deadline under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, so it's important to complete your verification well before this date to avoid disruption to your business operations.

What Do I Need to Verify My Identity?

To verify your identity with Companies House, you'll need the following:

If you don't have photo ID but live in the UK, you can verify your identity by visiting a Post Office in person or by using your bank or building society details along with your National Insurance number.

How Can I Verify My Identity?

You have several options to verify your identity with Companies House:

Option 1: Online via GOV.UK (Free)

You can verify your identity yourself through the free GOV.UK method online at: https://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create

Option 2: Visit a Post Office

If you prefer face-to-face verification or don't have suitable photo ID, you can visit a Post Office in person to complete the process.

Option 3: Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Your accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent who is registered as an ACSP can help verify documents and guide you through the verification process.

What Happens After I Verify My Identity?

Once your identity is verified, you'll receive a personal code from Companies House in the format XXX-XXXX-XXXX.

This code is unique to you, not your company, and will be required whenever you file certain documents or make changes with Companies House.

What Happens If I Don't Verify My Identity?

Failure to verify your identity will have serious consequences for your ability to operate as a company director in the UK:

• You will be prevented from filing documents with Companies House
• You will be unable to set up new companies
• Non-compliance could lead to fines and penalties
• Continuing to act as a company director without verification after 18 November 2025 could result in criminal charges

The UK Government is taking company transparency seriously, so it's essential to comply with these new requirements.

How 121 Accounting Can Help with Identity Verification

At 121 Accounting, we are official Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP) recognised by Companies House and supervised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for Anti-Money Laundering compliance.

As an authorised ACSP, we provide professional support throughout the identity verification process, ensuring you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.

Our company accounting services include:

• Professional guidance on Companies House identity verification as an authorised ACSP
• Document verification support for company directors and PSCs
• Limited company accounting and compliance
• Company formation and director support
• Annual filings and statutory accounts
• Ongoing compliance advice supervised by CIMA for Anti-Money Laundering

If you're unsure of how to proceed with identity verification or need help meeting the November 2025 deadline, our ACSP-qualified team can guide you through the entire process.

Common Questions About Companies House Identity Verification

Do I need to verify my identity if I'm already a company director?

Yes, all existing company directors and PSCs must verify their identity by 18 November 2025, regardless of how long they have been in their role.

Is there a fee to verify my identity with Companies House?

No, the GOV.UK identity verification method is completely free. However, if you use a third-party service or agent to help you, they may charge a fee.

What if I have multiple companies – do I need to verify for each one?

No, you only need to verify your identity once. Your personal verification code can be used across all companies where you are a director or PSC.

Can my accountant verify my identity for me?

No, you must verify your own identity personally. However, if your accountant is an authorised ACSP like 121 Accounting, they can verify documents and guide you through the process.

What happens to my personal code if I lose it?

You can request a new code from Companies House if you lose your original verification code. Keep it stored securely alongside other important business documents.