Companies House identity verification services at HCR Law

From 18 November 2025, identity verification (IDV) will become a legal requirement for all company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and members of LLPs in England and Wales.

This is part of an initiative by Companies House to enhance corporate transparency and reduce fraud.

What you need to know

Once the requirements come into force, new appointments as a director, PSC, or LLP member cannot be made unless the individual has first completed their IDV. For current appointments:

• Directors or LLP members – existing directors or LLP members must verify their identity by the time of their company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November.
• PSCs – if not also a director, they must complete their IDV within 14 days of the start of their next birth month after the new rules take effect.

Each individual will only need to complete their IDV once. The code provided by Companies House can then be applied to any other appointments, regardless of position or company.

Failure to comply could result in fines, disqualification, and an inability to file documents or incorporate companies.

IDV options: Do it yourself or use our support

Companies House offers free and simple methods to complete your IDV online using any biometric passport or a UK driving licence. We recommend that clients complete this process themselves directly, where possible, as this will usually be the most cost-effective and efficient option available.

However, for those who would prefer assistance or are unable to verify their identity online, we are pleased to offer IDV services as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (also known as an ACSP or authorised agent).

Our IDV service

As an ACSP, HCR Law can verify your identity with Companies House on your behalf. This service is available to existing clients at an additional cost, subject to having the necessary documents available and passing the required checks.

We will need:

• Copies of your ID documents which we may already hold.
• Your personal email address.
• Your explicit consent to share your information with Companies House.

Once completed, you will receive your unique Companies House personal code, which you should keep safe and provide to us, and any other professionals making filings on your behalf. You will need this code whenever you are being appointed to a company.

Need help?

If you have already completed your IDV, please send us your personal code so we can update our records. We will hold this code securely.

For further guidance or to request assistance, contact our team at [email protected].