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Anyone else got an email from Companies House recently? It’s not a scam! Companies House Identity Verification is a new legal requirement, which will become legal in the Autumn of 2025. Companies House are encouraging all directors to complete the new verification as soon as possible.

For too long, the UK companies register has been vulnerable to misuse by fraudsters and criminals who exploited loopholes to set up shell companies, launder money and conceal their true identities. The new identity verification (IDV) regime is designed to close these gaps, ensuring that only real, identifiable individuals are associated with UK companies. This increased transparency will help legitimate businesses by building confidence and making it harder for illicit activities to flourish.

For small business owners, entrepreneurs and anyone involved in running or filing for a UK company, understanding these new requirements isn’t just about compliance – it’s about safeguarding your business and ensuring its smooth operation.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

You’ll need to verify your identity if you are:

  • a director
  • the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
  • a person with significant control (PSC)
  • an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent
  • someone who files for a company – for example, a company secretary

In most cases, you’ll only need to verify your identity once. You must not verify again unless we tell you to.

When Do You Need to Verify?

The implementation of these regulations is happening in phases:

  • Voluntary Verification (since 8 April 2025) – You can already choose to verify your identity now, getting ahead of the mandatory deadlines. This is highly recommended to avoid last-minute rushes.
  • Mandatory for Directors & PSCs (Autumn 2025) – From Autumn 2025, identity verification will become compulsory for all directors and PSCs appointed to existing companies.

Ways to verify your identity

Online – you can verify online if you have the identity documents or information required. This route uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity and is free of charge.

In person at a Post Office – If you cannot verify online and you live in the UK, you may be able to verify your identity in person at a Post Office. You’ll need to use the ’Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way. This route uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity and is free of charge.

What happens when you verify

When you have successfully verified, you’ll get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. The code is personal to you, not your company or a company you work for.

From autumn 2025, you’ll need it for various reasons. For example:

If you are currently a director or a PSC, you’ll need to use your Companies House personal code to connect your verified identity to our records. This is a legal requirement, and will ensure that we know the correct identity is linked to any roles you hold.

If you have any queries about the Companies House Identity Verification please get in touch. Based in Cornwall, we work with clients all over the UK.

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