Companies House identity verification requirements: a major compliance change for company directors, PSCs and LLP members

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will introduce new identity verification (IDV) requirements for individuals involved in the management or control of UK companies and LLPs. This change forms part of the UK government’s wider corporate transparency reforms, designed to strengthen the integrity of the Companies House register and help prevent misuse of UK entities.

Who must complete identity verification

The following individuals will be required to verify their identity with Companies House:

• Company directors
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• LLP members. Further categories of individuals may be added at a later stage.

Verification deadlines

Verification is a one-time process per individual. Once verified, Companies House will issue a personal code, which can be applied to all the individual’s appointments (whether as director, LLP member or PSC).

Why is it important?

This is a mandatory requirement.

Failure to complete the identity verification process may result in:

• Fines and/or disqualification from acting as a director, PSC or LLP member
• A criminal offence being committed by non-compliant companies and their officers
• Inability to act and take up new appointments as a director, PSC or LLP member
• Inability to make filings for the company or LLP.

Individuals who are required to verify their identity are therefore encouraged to do so well in advance of 18 November 2025 to avoid disruption or potential non-compliance.

How to complete the identity verification

Companies House has introduced several methods for completing IDV, namely:

• Directly with Companies House
• In person at the Post Office
• Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider such as HCR Law or the company’s accountants.

Regardless of the method used to complete the IDV, directors, PSCs and LLP members will receive their Companies House “personal code” directly – either through their Companies House login or to their personal email address. This private code should be retained for their records, as it will be required whenever they are appointed as a director, PSC or LLP member of any company in the future.

IDV only needs to be completed once. The personal code issued can then be applied to all other appointments and companies.

Completing IDV directly with Companies House

Directors, PSCs and LLP members can complete IDV free of charge by visiting the GOV.UK website and following the steps provided. A biometric passport or UK photo driving licence is required.

If directors, PSCs and LLP members do not have the necessary forms of ID to complete their IDV on the GOV.UK website, their identity may be verified by visiting a Post Office or providing their bank or building society details and answering security questions.

Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

Some firms are offering to verify individuals with Companies House. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, HCR Law can verify identity for existing clients – subject to them holding the necessary documentation – at a cost.