Companies House: Mandatory ID verification for Directors and PSCs begins today
From today, 18 November 2025: (a) existing companies begin a 12-month transitionary period during which directors, LLP members and persons with significant control need to verify their identity; and (b) new companies cannot be incorporated unless directors and PSCs have already verified their identity.
Recap
Following the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all company directors, LLP members, persons with significant control (PSCs) and persons filing on behalf of a company need to undergo ID verification.
The requirement supports the objectives of Companies House to enhance transparency, improve accuracy of the register, and reduce the misuse of companies for fraudulent purposes.
Existing Companies
The deadline for directors and PSCs to verify their identity will depend on their role in the Company:
- Directors (including those who are also PSCs) must verify their ID by the date of the Company’s next confirmation statement. This deadline also applies to LLP members.
- PSCs who are not also a director of the company must verify by the 14th day of their birth month.
A company will not be able to file its confirmation statement without the relevant ID verification codes.
Failure to comply could result in criminal proceedings and civil penalties for the individual and the company. Directors who fail to comply may be prohibited from acting as a director.
New Companies
Before a new company can be incorporated, the directors and PSCs will need to have already undergone the ID verification process. Without the necessary ID verification codes, the company cannot be incorporated.
Comment
Companies House have a wide remit of powers to deal with non-compliance. We would suggest that existing companies promptly determine the applicable deadlines for its directors and PSCs and undertake the verification process without delay to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
For new companies it will be important to identify proposed directors and PSCs at an early stage to allow sufficient time for ID verification and avoid delays to incorporation.
If you would like to discuss how we can assist with the process, please contact either Giao Pacey or Louise Jordan.
