A major change for UK company directors is coming, here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
From 18 November 2025, every company director, Person of Significant Control (PSC), and anyone filing on behalf of a company will need to verify their identity with Companies House.
It’s one of the biggest updates in recent years to how UK companies are regulated. Part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), aimed at making the register more reliable and reducing fraud.
At Grasp Accountants, we know legislation like this can feel daunting, especially when you’re already running a busy business. So we’ve broken down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you can do now to stay compliant.
Why is identity verification being introduced?
For years, Companies House has operated on trust. You could set up or manage a company without formally proving who you were. That’s changing. The new rules are designed to make the UK’s corporate register more transparent, tackling fraud, false appointments, and misuse of companies for financial crime.
In short: Companies House wants to make sure everyone listed as a director or PSC is genuinely who they say they are.
Who needs to verify and when?
If you’re a company director, designated LLP member, or a Person of Significant Control, you’ll need to verify your identity once the system goes live on 18 November 2025.
You’ll also need a personal verification code (issued after verification) to:
- File a confirmation statement (either personally or through your accountant)
- Accept a director appointment
- Be recorded as a PSC on any company
Without that code, filings can’t be made, even if your accountant normally handles them on your behalf.
How to check if you’re already verified
Some people may already have verified their identity through GOV.UK One Login, which Companies House will integrate with.
To check:
- Visit Companies House: Get information about a company
- Click Start now, then Sign in / Register in the top-right corner
- Choose Sign in with GOV.UK One Login
- Follow the prompts to enter your email, password, and 6-digit security code
- Once logged in, go to Manage account — if you’ve already verified, you’ll see your 11-character personal code displayed there
If you can’t find it, don’t worry — the system will guide you through verification once it launches.
We’ve recorded a short walkthrough video showing exactly how this process works.
How to complete verification (if you haven’t yet)
Verification will be handled through the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service, which uses GOV.UK One Login. The process is free and takes only a few minutes. Depending on your situation, you can verify:
- Online with an app — scanning your passport or photo ID
- By answering security questions through GOV.UK One Login
- In person at a participating Post Office, if you prefer not to use a digital method
Once verified, you’ll receive your unique Companies House personal code. Keep it safe, it’s personal to you, not to your company.
How Grasp can help
Grasp is now registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). That means we can verify identities on behalf of our clients, simplifying the process and ensuring your business remains fully compliant.
Even if we complete the verification on your behalf, the code will still be issued directly to you by email. We’ll simply need a copy for our records so we can make filings for your company when required.
In true Grasp fashion, our goal is to make this change as clear, simple, and seamless as possible, so you can focus on running your business, not wrestling with compliance.
What you can do now
- Check if you already have a GOV.UK One Login account.
If not, set one up, it will be your key to verification. - Keep your ID handy.
A valid passport, driving licence, or national ID card will usually be needed. - Mark your calendar for November 2025.
Verification becomes mandatory from 18 November 2025, so plan ahead to avoid delays when filing. - Stay informed.
We’ll continue to update clients as the rollout begins and publish step-by-step reminders closer to the date.
Need support?
We’ve created a free, easy-to-follow PDF guide that walks through the full process, including screenshots and links, so you can keep it for reference or share with your fellow directors.
Download the Grasp Guide to Companies House Identity Verification
And as always, if you’d prefer us to handle it as your ACSP, just get in touch. We believe good compliance shouldn’t feel complicated.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Always seek tailored advice before taking action.
