More than one million people have already verified their identity with Companies House ahead of new requirements coming into effect later this month.
From 18 November 2025, all new and existing company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity with Companies House.
The measure is part of ongoing reforms aimed at making the company register a more trusted and transparent source of information, supporting “a fairer and safer business environment,” according to Companies House.
The new verification requirement is designed to give greater assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. Officials say that improving the reliability of data on the register will benefit businesses, users, and efforts to tackle economic crime.
Companies House launched its identity verification service on a voluntary basis in April, and over one million individuals have already completed the process.
Companies House chief executive Andy King said:
“One million identities verified is an important milestone, but it’s only the beginning.
Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling companies are who they say they are. This will make our data more reliable and less open to misuse, supporting a more transparent and trusted business environment.”
Individuals will be able to verify their identity in two ways: directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
The process can usually be completed in minutes, and verified individuals receive a personal code through the service. From 18 November, directors and PSCs will need to provide their personal code and a verification statement for each company role they hold.
Companies House is contacting companies directly to confirm specific deadlines for each director or PSC. From the same date, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to view their identity verification due dates.
For more information, visit the Companies House guidance on verifying your identity and details of the wider reforms.
For Company Directors
There are two ways for individuals to verify their identity:
- directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login
- through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
