How to Verify Your Identity for Companies House

Starting 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes a legal requirement for anyone who sets up, runs, owns, or controls a company in the UK. This process is part of Companies House’s new rules to make company information more transparent and to help prevent fraud.

If you’re a director, company owner, or person with significant control (PSC), you’ll need to verify your identity to prove you are who you say you are and we’ve created a short video to walk you through the process step by step.

Take note: If you’re a director of multiple companies, you only need to verify your identity once. You’ll then use the same personal code to confirm you are verified for each of your appointments.

🎥 Watch the step-by-step video guide below.

Why You Need to Verify Your Identity

Identity verification confirms that you are who you say you are. This helps to:

  • Reduce fraud and misuse of company information

  • Increase transparency and trust on the Companies House register

  • Protect your business reputation

Who Must Verify

You’ll need to verify if you are:

  • A company director (existing or newly appointed)

  • A person with significant control (PSC)

  • A member, general partner, or managing officer

  • A company secretary or anyone who files on behalf of a company

  • An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as an accountant or solicitor

You’ll usually only need to verify once unless Companies House asks you to repeat it.

When You Need to Verify

From 18 November 2025, you’ll need your verification complete before you can:

  • File your confirmation statement

  • Incorporate a new company

  • Be appointed as a director

  • Register as a PSC

Failing to verify on time could result in penalties or disqualification.

What Happens If You Don’t Verify

If you fail to verify by your required date, you won’t be able to:

  • File documents with Companies House

  • Register or start a new company

  • Act legally as a director or PSC

You could face fines or disqualification, and your company may also commit an offence.

Fraud Warning

Never give your identity or verification access to anyone you don’t trust.
Fraudsters can misuse verified accounts to take out loans or register companies in your name.

Need Help? 

If you’re a Clever Bean Accounting client, we can guide you through the entire process or complete it for you as your Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). 

Contact us today to verify securely and stay compliant: https://cleverbeanaccounting.co.uk/contact/ 

Sources

Adapted from official GOV.UK guidance: