New identity verification rules at Companies House

Big changes are coming to Companies House from Spring 2026, aimed at increasing transparency and tackling economic crime. While we're busy ensuring our practice is fully prepared as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), some key updates will also directly involve you.

What's it all about?

All company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) (anyone holding more than 25% of a company's shares or voting rights) need to verify their identity to prove who they are. This is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to help prevent people using companies for illegal purposes.

How to verify your identity

There are a few different way you can verify your identity:

1. online using GOV.​UK One Login – if you have the identity documents or information required.

2. in person at selected Post Offices – you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way.

3. using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – for example, an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent (you’ll need to provide suitable identity documents if they do not already have these).

We can assist you directly with this. We utilise Xama, a cutting-edge software that integrates with Companies House, enabling us to efficiently complete the necessary AML and identity verification checks. This means that if you're not already registered, we can help take care of the entire process for you. 

💡Top Tip - check the register before verifying

It’s important to make sure Companies House hold the correct details for each director and PSC of your company. You will not be able to complete identity verification if the personal information on your identity documents, such as your date of birth, does not match the information held on the Companies House register.

What happens once you verify?

Step 1 - Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code

This code is personal to you, not the company. Keep this information secure until you need to use it.

Step 2 - From Autumn 2025, link your verified identity to Companies House records

You’ll need to provide your personal code and a verification statement for each company role you hold.

What do you need to do now?

You'll need to decide how you are going to complete your verification, by selecting one of the methods outlined above.

💡Top tip

You'll need to have your verification confirmed from 18th November in order to make any submissions to Companies House. Remember, to leave enough time for the Companies House personal code to be issued.

Consequences of failure to comply

If you or any other directors do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you will not be able to file your company’s confirmation statement or other filings.

You’ll also be committing an offence and there are a range of consequences, including a financial penalty and being unable to start a new company.

More guidance on verifying your identity with Companies House is available on the GOV.UK website here.