If you’re a company director or Person with Significant Control (PSC) in the UK, you need to verify your identity with Companies House by 18 November 2025. This isn’t optional – it’s a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Failure to comply could result in criminal prosecution, director disqualification, and your company being unable to file essential documents.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Companies House identity verification, including who is required to verify, when verification must be completed, how the process works, and the serious consequences of non-compliance.
What Is Companies House Identity Verification?
Companies House identity verification is a mandatory legal requirement introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The UK government has implemented this measure to combat economic crime, which costs the British economy billions of pounds annually and undermines trust in legitimate businesses.
From 18 November 2025, every person holding a qualifying role in a UK company must prove their identity to Companies House. This includes company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and certain other officers. The verification process confirms you are who you claim to be and creates a cleaner, more trustworthy business environment by making it significantly harder for criminals to hide behind shell companies or impersonate legitimate business owners.
Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, you’ll receive a unique Companies House personal code – a permanent identifier that you must use when filing certain documents, particularly confirmation statements. Without this code, Companies House will reject your filings, and your company will fall out of compliance.
Why Has Identity Verification Become Mandatory?
The UK government introduced mandatory identity verification to address several critical problems:
Preventing Economic Crime
Economic crime – including fraud, money laundering, and corporate identity theft – costs the UK economy an estimated £290 billion per year according to government figures. Criminals have long exploited the ease of UK company formation to create shell companies, launder money, and commit fraud while hiding their true identities.
Protecting Legitimate Businesses
Identity verification protects honest business owners from being impersonated by criminals. Before this requirement, fraudsters could falsely register companies using stolen identities, damaging the credit ratings and reputations of innocent people who had no connection to the fraudulent activities.
Improving Register Accuracy
The Companies House register contains information on over 5 million UK companies. However, historically, there has been no systematic way to verify that the people listed as directors or PSCs are genuine. Identity verification dramatically improves the accuracy and trustworthiness of this public register.
Meeting International Standards
The UK is aligning with international best practices for corporate transparency. Many other jurisdictions have already implemented similar verification requirements, and the UK’s measures help combat cross-border economic crime and improve the country’s reputation as a place to do legitimate business.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity with Companies House?
You must verify your identity if you hold any of the following roles:
Company Directors
All company directors must verify their identity, including:
- Directors of private limited companies
- Directors of public limited companies (PLCs)
- Shadow directors (people who give instructions that directors usually follow)
- Corporate directors will need to verify at a later date (not yet implemented)
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
A PSC is someone who has significant influence or control over a company, typically defined as:
- Owning more than 25% of shares in the company
- Holding more than 25% of voting rights
- Having the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors
- Otherwise, exercising significant influence or control
Equivalent Officers in Other Entity Types
Identity verification also applies to equivalent positions in:
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- General partners in limited partnerships
- Managing officers of other corporate bodies
Company Secretaries Who File Documents
If you’re a company secretary who files documents with Companies House, you’ll need to verify your identity.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
If you provide company formation or filing services professionally, you must register as an ACSP and verify your identity. This includes accountants, solicitors, and company formation agents who file documents on behalf of clients.
When You Only Need to Verify Once
In most cases, you only need to verify your identity with Companies House once in your lifetime. Once verified, your Companies House personal code remains valid across all your current and future roles. However, you must not verify again unless Companies House specifically instructs you to do so.
When Do You Need to Verify Your Identity?
The deadline for identity verification depends on your specific circumstances:
The Key Date: 18 November 2025
Identity verification becomes a legal requirement on 18 November 2025. From this date, Companies House will enforce strict compliance, and the penalties for non-compliance will come into effect.
Your Personal Deadline
Your individual deadline depends on:
- What role do you hold (director, PSC, etc)
- When you were appointed to that role
- Whether you hold multiple roles
From 18 November 2025, the Companies House register will display the specific due date for each role you hold. You can check your personal deadline by viewing your company’s information on the Companies House register.
For Current Directors
If you’re already a director on 18 November 2025, you must provide your Companies House personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement filing. This means you should verify your identity before your next confirmation statement is due.
For New Director Appointments
If you become a director after 18 November 2025, you must provide your personal code as part of your appointment filing or when incorporating a new company. You cannot be validly appointed without a verified identity.
For PSCs
PSCs face specific deadlines. Every PSC will have a 14-day period during which they must provide their Companies House personal code. The exact dates of your 14-day period depend on whether you were registered as a PSC before 18 November 2025 and whether you’re also a director of the same company.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
While you have until specific deadlines to comply, we strongly recommend verifying your identity as soon as possible. The verification process can take several days, and if there are any issues with your documents or the system is experiencing high volumes near the deadline, delays could result in non-compliance and penalties.
How to Verify Your Identity with Companies House
There are two main routes to verify your identity with Companies House: doing it yourself through GOV.UK One Login, or using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like Mint Formations.
Option 1: DIY Verification Through GOV.UK One Login
The government provides a free identity verification service through GOV.UK One Login. However, this route has several challenges:
How the DIY process works:
- You create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login account
- The system asks you questions to determine the best verification method for your circumstances
- Depending on your answers, you may need to:
- Answer multiple security questions about your credit history and personal details
- Upload photos of identity documents using specific formats and quality requirements
- Visit a participating Post Office branch in person with original documents
Challenges with DIY verification:
- The system requires precise document formats and may reject submissions for minor errors
- Security questions can be difficult to answer accurately if your credit history is limited or you’ve moved addresses frequently
- Post Office visits are inconvenient and require you to find a participating branch during business hours
- Many users report confusion navigating the different pathways and requirements
- If your initial attempt fails, you may need to start the entire process again
- The system doesn’t provide guidance on which documents will work best for your situation
Timeline: Verification timing varies significantly depending on which method the system assigns you. It can range from immediate approval (rare) to several weeks if you encounter document rejections or need to visit a Post Office.
Option 2: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An ACSP is a professional agent registered with Companies House and a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body. ACSPs are legally authorized to verify identity on your behalf, and this route offers significant advantages over DIY verification.
How ACSP verification works:
- You engage an ACSP like Mint Formations (£19 + VAT per person)
- The ACSP provides clear guidance on which documents you need
- You securely upload your documents through the ACSP’s portal
- The ACSP conducts the verification and AML checks to Companies House standards
- The ACSP submits your verification to Companies House
- You receive your Companies House personal code
Advantages of using an ACSP:
- Expert guidance: ACSPs know exactly which documents Companies House will accept and can advise you before submission
- No government system navigation: You avoid the complexity of GOV.UK One Login entirely
- Remote verification: Everything is done online – no Post Office visits required
- International accessibility: ACSPs can verify identity for directors living anywhere in the world
- Error prevention: Professional review of your documents before submission reduces rejection risk
- Faster processing: Most ACSP verifications are completed within 48 hours
- Peace of mind: You’re confident it’s done correctly the first time
Who can act as an ACSP:
Not just anyone can verify identities. To become an ACSP, an organization must:
- Register with Companies House as an authorised agent
- Be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulatory body
- Meet strict compliance and verification standards
Common ACSPs include accountancy firms, solicitors, and specialist company formation agents like Mint Formations.
Understanding Your Companies House Personal Code
Your Companies House personal code is central to the new verification system. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is a Personal Code?
A Companies House personal code is a unique identifier issued to you after successful identity verification. Think of it like your National Insurance number – it’s personal to you as an individual, not to any company you’re associated with.
Why You Need a Personal Code
From 18 November 2025, you must provide your personal code in various situations:
- Confirmation statements: Every confirmation statement must include the personal codes of all directors
- Director appointments: New directors must provide their code when being appointed
- PSC notifications: PSCs must provide their code when notifying Companies House of their status
- Company formations: Directors of newly incorporated companies must include their codes
Without personal codes, Companies House will automatically reject these filings.
How to Get Your Personal Code
You receive your personal code immediately after successful verification, whether you verify through GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP. The code is delivered to you electronically, and you should store it securely.
Sharing Your Personal Code
You may need to share your personal code with:
- Your company secretary or accountant who files confirmation statements on your behalf
- Your ACSP, if they handle Companies House filings for you
- Other trusted professionals who make filings for your company
Important security note: Only share your personal code with people you trust completely. Treat it with the same level of security as your HMRC Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or other sensitive identifiers. While identity verification makes impersonation much harder, it’s not impossible if someone gains access to your code.
Connecting Your Code to Your Roles
Simply having a personal code isn’t enough – you must actively connect it to each of your registered roles. For directors, this happens automatically when you provide the code in your confirmation statement. For PSCs, there will be an online service to provide your code when the requirement comes into force.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify Your Identity
The consequences of failing to verify your identity are severe and can affect both you personally and your company.
Immediate Filing Rejections
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will automatically reject any filing that doesn’t include the required personal codes. This means:
- Your confirmation statement will be rejected if any director hasn’t provided their code
- Director appointment forms without valid codes will be refused
- You cannot incorporate new companies without verified directors
- PSC notifications without codes will be rejected
Late Filing Penalties
When your confirmation statement is rejected, you still have a legal obligation to file it by your deadline. If you miss your deadline because of verification issues, your company faces:
- Late filing penalties starting at £150 for private companies
- Escalating penalties the longer the statement remains overdue
- Potential strike-off proceedings if the company appears non-compliant
Criminal Offences for Directors
This is the most serious consequence: acting as a company director without verifying your identity is a criminal offence once verification becomes mandatory for your role.
If you continue to act as a director after your verification deadline passes, you:
- Commit a criminal offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
- Face potential prosecution by Companies House or other authorities
- Risk director disqualification, preventing you from being a director for a specified period
- May face personal financial penalties or fines
Offences for the Company
The company itself also commits an offence if it allows unverified directors to continue acting in that capacity. This means:
- The company faces a prosecution risk
- All directors (even verified ones) may be held jointly responsible
- The company can face substantial financial penalties
- The company’s reputation and ability to do business may be damaged
Offences for PSCs
PSCs who fail to verify their identity and provide their personal code also commit criminal offences. This is true whether you’re currently a PSC or were a PSC during the relevant period.
Enforcement Action
Companies House has stated it will take enforcement action against non-compliance, including:
- Formal investigation of unverified directors and PSCs
- Referral to law enforcement authorities for prosecution
- Director disqualification proceedings
- Potential criminal court proceedings with associated legal costs
Business Disruption
Beyond legal penalties, non-compliance causes serious business disruption:
- You cannot make any changes to company information at Companies House
- You cannot open new business bank accounts (which require Companies House verification)
- You may struggle to secure business contracts if customers see compliance issues
- Your company may be struck off the register if prolonged non-compliance suggests it’s no longer operating legitimately
What Documents Do You Need to Verify Your Identity?
Companies House requires documents from an approved list to verify your identity. The exact requirements may vary depending on your verification route, but typically include:
Photo Identification
You’ll need one of the following:
- Valid UK or international passport
- UK photocard driving licence
- National identity card from an EEA country
- Biometric residence permit
Important: The document must be current and not expired. Low-quality photos or scans may be rejected, particularly for DIY verification.
Proof of Address
You’ll typically need to provide proof of your current residential address, such as:
- Recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water) dated within the last 3 months
- Council tax bill from the current year
- Bank or building society statement dated within the last 3 months
- Mortgage statement from the current year
- UK or EEA driving licence showing your current address
Important: The address on your proof of address must match the address you’re registering with Companies House. P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable.
Additional Documents for AML Compliance
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documentation for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, particularly when using an ACSP. This might include:
- Proof of previous addresses if you’ve moved recently
- Additional identification if your current documents have issues
- Business documentation showing your role in the company
Document Quality Requirements
Whether verifying through GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP, your documents must:
- Be clearly legible with no blurring or obscured text
- Show all corners and edges of the document
- Not be photocopies (original documents or certified copies only)
- Match the information you’ve provided about yourself
- Be in color if they’re photo ID documents
Pro tip: Using an ACSP like Mint Formations eliminates guesswork about document requirements. We’ll tell you exactly which documents to provide based on your specific situation, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Verifying Your Identity
Many people encounter problems during identity verification. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Don’t wait until your confirmation statement is due to start the verification process. If you encounter any problems – document rejections, system errors, or need to source better documents – you may miss your deadline and face penalties.
Solution: Verify your identity as soon as possible, ideally well before 18 November 2025.
Mistake 2: Using Poor Quality Document Scans
Blurry photos, documents with corners cut off, or scans with shadows and reflections are frequently rejected, especially by the automated GOV.UK One Login system.
Solution: If you’re verifying yourself, take high-quality photos in good lighting on a contrasting background. Better yet, use an ACSP who can guide you on acceptable document quality.
Mistake 3: Address Mismatches
Your proof of address must exactly match the address you’re registering with Companies House. Even small differences (like “Street” vs “St” or apartment numbers) can cause rejections.
Solution: Double-check that all your documents show your address in the same format before submitting.
Mistake 4: Using Expired Documents
An expired passport or driving licence will be rejected, even if it expired recently.
Solution: Check expiry dates before starting verification. If your documents have expired, renew them first.
Mistake 5: Not Understanding the Verification Methods
The GOV.UK One Login system may assign you a verification method that’s unsuitable for your circumstances – such as credit check questions if you have no UK credit history, or Post Office verification when you live abroad.
Solution: If you’re not a straightforward UK resident with standard documents and a credit history, an ACSP verification is more reliable.
Mistake 6: Verifying Multiple Times
Companies House explicitly states you must only verify once unless instructed otherwise. Some people mistakenly think they need to verify separately for each company they’re involved with.
Solution: You verify once, receive one personal code, and use that code for all your roles across all companies.
Mistake 7: Not Keeping Your Personal Code Secure
Treating your personal code carelessly exposes you to potential fraud risk.
Solution: Store your personal code securely, like you would a password or PIN. Only share it with trusted professionals who legitimately need it to file on your behalf.
Mistake 8: Forgetting to Actually Provide the Code
Simply having a personal code isn’t enough – you must actively provide it in filings. Some directors verify successfully, but then forget to include their code in the next confirmation statement.
Solution: Make a note of when your next confirmation statement is due and ensure whoever files it has your personal code.
How Mint Formations Can Help You Verify Your Identity
Mint Formations is a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House. We’ve helped thousands of UK company directors navigate Companies House requirements, and we’re now offering professional identity verification services.
Why Choose Mint Formations?
1. Expert Guidance: We know exactly what Companies House requires and can tell you which documents will work for your specific circumstances before you submit anything.
2. Fast Processing: Most verifications are completed within 48 hours of receiving your documents, compared to unpredictable timing with DIY methods.
3. Remote & Convenient: Everything is handled online through our secure portal. No GOV.UK One Login confusion, no Post Office visits, no hassle.
4. International Directors Welcome: We regularly verify identity for directors living abroad. Our ACSP status allows us to handle international verifications that the DIY route makes difficult.
5. Error Prevention: We review your documents before submission to Companies House, dramatically reducing rejection risk and avoiding the need to restart the process.
6. Affordable & Transparent: Our verification service costs just £19 + VAT per person – a small investment for peace of mind and professional handling.
7. Established & Trusted: We’ve been helping UK businesses with company formations and compliance for years. We’re not a freelancer or new entrant – we’re an established ACSP with proven expertise.
Our Verification Process
- Contact Us: Let us know you need identity verification
- Document Guidance: We tell you exactly which documents to prepare
- Secure Upload: You upload your documents through our encrypted portal
- Verification: Our ACSP team conducts AML checks and verifies your identity
- Submission: We submit your verification to Companies House
- Receive Your Code: Your Companies House personal code is delivered to you
- Ongoing Support: We can handle your confirmation statements and other filings using your code
Book Your Verification Today
Don’t risk penalties, rejected filings, or criminal offences. Let Mint Formations handle your Companies House identity verification professionally and efficiently.
Price: £19 + VAT per person
Visit www.mintformations.co.uk or contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Verification
Do I need to verify again if I’m already a director of multiple companies?
No. You only verify once, and you receive one personal code that you use across all your companies and roles.
What if I live abroad? Can I still verify?
Yes. You can use an ACSP like Mint Formations to verify your identity from any country. We handle international directors regularly.
Is identity verification a one-time thing, or do I need to renew it?
For most people, identity verification is a one-time requirement. You should not verify again unless Companies House specifically instructs you to.
Can I be a director while my verification is pending?
If you’re already a director before your verification deadline, you can continue acting in that role while verification is pending. However, you must complete verification by your deadline to remain compliant.
What happens if I sell my company? Do I still need to verify?
If you’re still a director or PSC at the point when verification becomes mandatory for your role, yes, you must verify even if you’re planning to leave the company. If you resign before your verification deadline, you don’t need to verify for that specific role.
Can a company secretary verify the identity of directors?
No. Each individual must verify their own identity. A company secretary or ACSP can facilitate the process, but they cannot verify on behalf of someone else without that person’s documents and cooperation.
What if my documents are in a foreign language?
Documents in foreign languages typically need to be accompanied by certified translations. An ACSP can guide you on whether your specific documents require translation.
Is my personal data safe when I verify?
Yes. Both GOV.UK One Login and registered ACSPs must comply with UK GDPR regulations. Mint Formations uses encrypted portals and follows strict data protection standards. Your documents are handled securely and deleted after verification is complete.
Can I verify my identity now, even though the requirement doesn’t start until November 2025?
Yes. The verification service is available now, and we recommend verifying as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
What if I’ve changed my name?
You should verify using your current legal name. If your documents show different names (for example, your passport shows your maiden name but you now use your married name), you may need to provide additional evidence like a marriage certificate. An ACSP can guide you through this.
Will I get reminders from Companies House about my verification deadline?
Companies House will display due dates on the register from 18 November 2025, but it’s your responsibility to check and comply. Don’t rely on receiving reminders – take proactive action.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for UK Business
Companies House identity verification represents a fundamental shift in how the UK regulates corporate transparency. While it creates an initial administrative burden, the long-term benefits for legitimate businesses are significant:
Creating a Trustworthy Business Environment
When every director and PSC is verified, the Companies House register becomes a more reliable source of truth. This benefits:
- Customers and clients who can trust they’re dealing with real, accountable individuals
- Business partners who can conduct better due diligence
- Investors who can make more informed decisions
- Banks and financial institutions that can better assess risk
Leveling the Playing Field
Unverified companies have an unfair advantage when they can operate with hidden ownership or fraudulent directors. Identity verification creates a level playing field where all businesses operate under the same transparency standards.
Protecting Your Business Reputation
As identity verification becomes universal, being verified will become an expected standard. Companies without verified directors may face:
- Suspicion from potential business partners
- Difficulty opening business bank accounts
- Challenges securing business loans or investment
- Reduced credibility in the marketplace
Aligning with International Standards
The UK’s verification requirements align with global trends toward greater corporate transparency. This helps UK businesses:
- Operate more easily in international markets
- Meet overseas compliance requirements
- Demonstrate credibility to international partners
Take Action Now: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Companies House identity verification is not optional, and the consequences of non-compliance are severe. Whether you’re a director of one company or multiple businesses, whether you live in the UK or abroad, you must verify your identity by your personal deadline.
The smart approach is to verify now, before the rush:
- Avoid last-minute system overloads as the deadline approaches
- Give yourself time to resolve any document or technical issues
- Ensure your company can file its next confirmation statement without problems
- Eliminate the risk of criminal prosecution or director disqualification
Two Paths Forward
You can either:
- Navigate GOV.UK One Login yourself – Free but complex, with unpredictable processing times and high rejection rates
- Use Mint Formations’ ACSP service – £19 + VAT for professional handling, expert guidance, and peace of mind
For most directors and PSCs, the small cost of professional verification is a smart investment that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures compliance.
Get Started with Mint Formations Today
Mint Formations makes Companies House identity verification simple, fast, and stress-free. As a registered ACSP, we’re legally qualified to verify your identity, and we’ve helped thousands of UK business owners stay compliant with Companies House requirements.
Our verification service includes:
- Expert guidance on document requirements
- Secure document upload portal
- Professional AML checks
- Direct submission to Companies House
- Your Companies House personal code was delivered promptly
- Ongoing support for your compliance needs
Price: Just £19 + VAT per person
Don’t risk penalties, prosecution, or business disruption. Verify your identity with Mint Formations and stay ahead of the 18 November 2025 deadline.
Visit www.mintformations.co.uk or contact us today to get started.
About Mint Formations
Mint Formations is a leading UK company formation agent and Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House. We specialize in company formations, compliance services, and helping UK businesses navigate Companies House requirements efficiently and affordably. With years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, we’re your trusted partner for all Companies House matters.
