Definition
Identity verification is the legal requirement, in force since 18 November 2025, for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to prove who they are to Companies House. It comes from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Each person verifies once, through GOV.UK One Login or an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), and receives an 11-character Companies House personal code.
Who must verify, and when
| Role | When the personal code is due |
|---|---|
| Existing director | On the company’s next confirmation statement |
| New director | On appointment or incorporation |
| Existing PSC who is also a director | Within 14 days, starting the day after the confirmation statement date |
| Existing PSC who is not a director | Within the first 14 days of their birth month |
| New PSC (after 18 November 2025) | When added to the register, or within 14 days |
The transition for existing directors and PSCs runs for 12 months, to around 18 November 2026.
If someone does not verify
Companies House will not accept a confirmation statement until every director has verified. A director who keeps acting after their deadline without verifying commits an offence, and the company may too. For the practical steps, see what directors must do to verify their identity.
Related questions
- Do I need to verify my identity with Companies House? Yes, if you are a director or PSC of a UK company.
- What is an ACSP, and does my accountant need to be one? An ACSP is a registered agent; only an ACSP can verify your identity on your behalf.
Related terms
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Companies House personal code
A Companies House personal code is the unique 11-character code a person receives after verifying their identity for Companies House.
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GOV.UK One Login
GOV.UK One Login is the government's single sign-in account for online services, protected by two-factor authentication.
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Person with significant control (PSC)
A person with significant control (PSC) is someone who owns or controls a UK company, sometimes called a beneficial owner.
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Authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)
An authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), also called a Companies House authorised agent, is a business or sole trader registered with Companies House to verify…
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Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is the UK law reforming Companies House and the information companies must file.
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