Companies House confirms start date for mandatory identity verification

Companies House has confirmed that the rollout of mandatory identity verification for directors and persons with significant control over companies (PSCs) will start from 18 November 2025.

From 18 November 2025:

• new directors will need to verify their identity before being appointed, both to an existing company or on incorporation of a new company
• existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity when the next annual confirmation statement for the company is filed (over a 12-month transitional period)
• new PSCs will need to verify their identity within a specified timeframe
• existing PSCs will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the start of mandatory identity verification.

Companies House will be contacting companies to tell them what their directors and PSCs need to do to meet the verification requirements. From 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the register at Companies House to see their individual due dates for verification.

Identity verification is not yet compulsory but directors and PSCs may choose to verify their identity at Companies House to get ahead of the upcoming legal requirement to do so. You can verify your identity directly with Companies House free of charge through the Verify your identity for Companies House service, which directs users to the most suitable method of verification for them (online via a web browser, a mobile phone app or in person at a post office). The government's guidance on verification gives further details of the process.

Identity verification arises from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 which aims to reform company law in an attempt to prevent organised criminals, fraudsters, and terrorists from abusing the UK's open economy. The government anticipates that it will help to deter people intending to use companies for illegal purposes and improve transparency, trust and accuracy of information on the Companies House register.