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Companies House Identity Verification: What Directors Need to Know Before 18 November
08 Oct 2025
If you’re a company director or person with significant control, you have a legal obligation to complete identity verification with Companies House from 18 November 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to complete this requirement smoothly.
What’s Changing and Why
From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. This isn’t a voluntary registration – it’s a legal requirement that affects every director, regardless of company size or trading status.
The change comes from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which gives Companies House significantly enhanced powers. The government’s aim is to improve transparency, prevent fraud, and maintain better accountability across UK business operations.
Who Needs to Verify
This requirement applies to:
All company directors, whether executive, non-executive, or nominee directors. If you’re listed as a director at Companies House, you must verify your identity.
All persons with significant control (PSCs) – typically individuals who own more than 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights, or who have significant influence over the company.
This applies regardless of whether your company is actively trading, dormant, or in the process of being dissolved. If you’re a director of multiple companies, the good news is you only need to verify once – your verification code will apply to all your director appointments.
How to Verify Your Identity
The verification process requires you to set up a GOV.UK One Login account and prove your identity using one of three methods. The entire process typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
Setting up your GOV.UK One Login
You’ll need a personal email address – and this is important – it must be an email that only you can access. Don’t use shared company email addresses like accounts@yourcompany.com or info@yourcompany.com. This is your personal verification, so it needs your personal email.
Once you’ve created your account, you’ll set up two-factor authentication for security. This is standard practice for government services and helps protect your identity.
The Three Verification Methods
GOV.UK ID Check App
This is the fastest and most straightforward method for most people. You’ll need a smartphone – either an iPhone with iOS 15 or higher, or an Android phone running version 10 or higher – and one of the accepted documents: a biometric passport from any country, or a UK photo driving licence.
The process involves downloading the app, placing your document on a flat surface, following the on-screen instructions to scan it, and then taking a selfie. The technology reads the chip in your document and matches it to your photo. Most people complete this in 15-20 minutes, and verification is usually immediate.
Online Security Questions
If you don’t have a compatible smartphone or prefer not to use the app, you can verify by answering security questions about your credit history. This method works well if you have an established UK credit history, as the questions are generated from credit reference data.
You’ll need one of the accepted photo ID documents and will answer five questions about your financial history. The process takes around 20-30 minutes. However, if you have limited UK credit history – for instance, if you’ve recently moved to the UK – this method might not work for you.
Post Office Verification
The third option is in-person verification at selected Post Office branches. This is particularly useful if you’re having technical difficulties with the other methods, or if you need help with the process.
You’ll need to bring your identification documents and proof of address to a participating Post Office branch. Not all branches offer this service, and many require appointments, so if you’re planning to use this method, book your appointment soon.
Documents You’ll Need
Whichever method you choose, you’ll need one of these identification documents:
- A biometric passport from any country – this is the most widely accepted document and works with all three verification methods.
- A UK photo driving licence, either full or provisional.
- A UK biometric residence permit, biometric residence card, or Frontier Worker permit.
All documents must be current and valid. Expired passports or driving licences won’t be accepted, so check your documents before you start the process.
You’ll also need to know your current address and the year you moved there. Make sure the address you provide matches the one on your identification documents, as mismatches can cause verification to fail.
What Happens After Verification
Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, Companies House will issue you a unique 11-digit verification code. This code follows a specific format: XXX-XXXX-XXXX.
You’ll see this code displayed in your GOV.UK One Login account whenever you log in. This is your personal verification identifier, and it’s permanent – it doesn’t expire and you won’t need to reverify in the future.
Using Your Verification Code
This code needs to be linked to your director and PSC records at Companies House. How this happens depends on who handles your company’s filing.
If you submit your own confirmation statements and company documents, you’ll need to add this code to your director record yourself when you next file.
If you use an accountant or company formation agent to handle your filings, you’ll need to provide them with this code. They cannot complete future filings for your company without it. At WR Partners, we’ll be requesting verification codes from all our clients who haven’t already provided them.
Common Questions and Concerns
Do I need to verify if my company is dormant?
Yes. The requirement applies to all directors and PSCs, regardless of whether the company is actively trading. Dormant companies still need to file confirmation statements, which will require verified director details.
What if I’m a director of several companies?
You only verify once. Your verification code applies to all your director appointments across all companies. You don’t need to repeat the process for each company you’re involved with.
Can someone else verify on my behalf?
No. This is similar to passport verification – it must be completed by you personally. Your accountant, company secretary, or family members cannot complete this process for you, even with your permission.
I live abroad – can I still verify?
Yes. The GOV.UK ID Check app works internationally if you have a valid biometric passport from any country. If you’re using other verification methods, you may need to plan a UK visit or explore the specific requirements with Companies House.
What if I don’t have any of the required documents?
If you don’t have a passport, driving licence, or the other standard documents, contact Companies House directly on 0303 1234 500. They can advise on alternative documentation that might be accepted through the Post Office verification route.
Technical Issues and Support
Technology doesn’t always work perfectly first time. If you’re having difficulties with the GOV.UK ID Check app, don’t spend hours troubleshooting – switch to one of the alternative methods.
Similarly, if the online security questions aren’t working (perhaps because you have limited credit history), move to the Post Office option rather than repeatedly attempting the same method.
Companies House operates a support line on 0303 1234 500 if you’re experiencing technical problems or have questions about the verification process.
Why You Should Act Now
While 18 November might seem reasonably far away, there are good reasons to complete your verification sooner rather than later.
If you encounter technical issues, expired documents, or other problems, you’ll have time to resolve them without the stress of a looming deadline. Post Office appointments are becoming increasingly booked as the deadline approaches, so if you think you might need that option, secure your appointment early.
Completing verification now also means you’re prepared for any company filings that might arise unexpectedly. If you need to file a confirmation statement or update company information before November, you’ll already be verified and ready.
Looking Ahead
This identity verification requirement is just the first of several significant changes coming from Companies House over the next two years. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 contains multiple reforms that will be introduced in stages.
We already know that from April 2027, all companies will need to file their accounts using commercial software – the current web and paper filing options will be discontinued. There will also be changes to reporting requirements for small companies, including mandatory profit and loss disclosure.
By completing your identity verification now, you’re getting ahead of these regulatory changes and demonstrating good compliance practices.
For full guidance, please visit the official GOV.UK page:
The key message is simple: don’t leave this until mid-November. Set aside 30 minutes this week, gather your documents, and complete your verification. It’s one less thing to worry about as we approach the year-end business period.
