Every affected individual must verify their identity on or before 18 November 2025. If this is not completed, Companies House will not accept filings made in your name, and penalties could follow.
ID Verification – why this is happening
These new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. They are designed to make the UK company register more transparent and to ensure that those controlling and filing for companies can be properly identified.
Once verified, you will be issued with a Companies House personal code. This code will be required whenever you file, or we file on your behalf, after 18 November 2025.
ID Verification – how to verify your identity
You can complete the process in one of three ways:
ID verification – verify directly with Companies House
You can use the “Verify your identity for Companies House” service on GOV.UK.
This is a secure, free process conducted using GOV.UK One Login.
You will need:
- A valid photographic ID, such as a UK passport, photocard driving licence, or biometric residence permit.
- Your current address and, where required, your recent address history.
- Access to a smartphone or computer with a camera to capture and confirm your image.
Once verified, you will receive your personal code. Please keep this safe, as it will be needed for future filings.
If you are based overseas or do not have suitable identification, you may find this route difficult. In that case, we can help through the second option.
Verify through a participating Post Office
- Your original identity documents (e.g., passport, UK/EU photocard driving licence)
- The verification letter or code you received from the company online
Verify through RPGCC Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Later this month our firm will be able to function as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), allowing us to verify our clients’ identities on their behalf and report that verification to Companies House.
We will ask you to provide proof of identity (passport, driving licence or equivalent) and proof of address, and we will conduct checks in line with the official Companies House verification standard. Once completed, we will confirm your verification status directly to Companies House and advise you of your personal code.
This process is particularly helpful for clients who are based overseas or prefer professional assistance. An administrative fee may apply to cover the additional compliance work. Our fees will be in the region of £250 for an electronic ID verification check, we we need to confirm your identity in person at our office, these costs will be higher.
ID Verification – what to do now
- Do not delay – identity verification may take time, particularly if further evidence is required.
- Choose your method – either complete the process directly with Companies House via GOV.UK or allow us to carry it out for you as your ACSP.
- Inform us once complete – please let us know when you have verified your identity so we can update your company records.
You can read more about these requirements on the official GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house. You can also read more about this topic on our other blog post here. If you would like us to arrange ID verification for you, we plan on offering this service in the coming weeks. Please contact your usual RPGCC contact and we can work together to ensure you are compliant well before the 18 November 2025 deadline.
ID verification – next steps
If you are a director, PSC, or company secretary, now is the time to prepare. Waiting until November 2025 could leave you scrambling to complete verifications or risk non-compliance. With our support, you can manage director identity verification smoothly, avoid penalties, and focus on running your business with confidence. If you would like to speak to a member of our team regarding director identity verification, please contact us or telephone our office on 020 7870 9050.
