From 18 November 2025 big changes come into force at Companies House. If you are a director or a person with significant control (PSC) there is a new step you will need to complete – identity verification.

What’s happening?

New directors will have to verify their identity before they can be appointed, while existing directors will be given up to a 12-month transition period to complete the verification. Either way, you will need to be verified by the time your company’s confirmation statement is due after 18 November 2025.

Why is this happening?

It’s all part of the government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act which aims to make company information more reliable and transparent as well as aiming to reduce identity misuse and fraud. Basically, it’s about making things safer and more transparent.

How will identities be verified?

When the changes come into effect you will have two options:

By using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like us! We’ll verify your documents and let you and Companies House know it’s all done;

OR

Use the GOV.UK One website to create an account with all your details and verify your identity via their app.

The code

Once verified by either method, Companies House issues you with a unique 11-character personal code. You’ll only get one, but it can be used across all the companies where you are an active director or PSC.

It will be needed for all future filings, so keep a copy of it somewhere safe and share it with us.

Feeling a big overwhelmed?

We get it! It is a lot to take in, and these changes are major. We can help you get it all sorted, whether you have a question about the process or would prefer that we take care of this for you. We are here to make things easier, just get in touch with me at ada@bnassociates.co.uk or by calling the office on 0141 334 1318 and I’ll be happy to help.

Ada