Companies House Identity Verification becomes mandatory from 18 November 2025. This change affects every company director and every person with significant control (PSC). The rules are designed to clean up the register, cut fraud, and give businesses more confidence in who they are dealing with.
In this blog, I explain what Companies House identity verification means, who must comply, and how to get verified quickly. You will also learn how identity can be verified directly or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), including I Hate Numbers, which is listed as an ACSP.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Why Companies House Identity Verification Matters
The new rules support the wider reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The government wants a more reliable and trustworthy register. Fraud, fake companies, and hidden ownership damage business confidence. Better verification helps reduce those risks.
Companies House identity verification confirms the real people who run, manage, and control UK companies.
More than 6–7 million people must verify by November 2026. That includes:
- Existing directors
- New directors
- Existing PSCs
- New PSCs
Verification is a one-off process for most individuals.
When the New Rules Start
The rollout began on 18 November 2025, and there is a 12-month transition period.
Here is what happens from that date.
New Directors
New directors must complete Companies House identity verification before they can:
- Form a new company, or
- Be appointed to an existing company
- No verification means no appointment.
Existing Directors
Existing directors must confirm they have been verified when they file their next confirmation statement. This is part of the transition period running until November 2026.
Acting as an unverified director once the duties apply will be an offence.
People With Significant Control (PSCs)
PSCs must verify their identity within their own specific 14-day window. The details vary:
- New PSCs (after 18 November 2025): 14 days from registration
- Existing PSCs who are also directors: 14 days from the company’s next confirmation statement date
- Where Existing PSCs who are not directors: 14 days from the first day of their birth month shown on the register
- Example: If a PSC’s birth month is March, their 14-day period starts on 1 March 2026.
How Companies House Identity Verification Works
There are two ways to complete Companies House identity verification:
1. Verify Directly Through GOV.UK One Login
This (in theory) is a simple, DIY online process. It is:
Free
Quick (usually under three minutes)
Accessible via app, browser, or supported Post Office route
Once verified, the individual receives a personal code from Companies House. This code must be used when confirming each company role.
2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
This is where we come in.
I Hate Numbers is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
This means we can verify your identity directly, manage the process, and deal with any issues.
Businesses choose ACSP verification because:
- It is supported and guided
- We check documents and manage submissions
- It reduces errors
- We see it as part as an integral part of wider company secretarial and compliance work
If your business already uses I Hate Numbers for accounts, compliance, or advisory work, we can handle identity verification as part of your support.
Your Personal Code and Verification Statement
Once verified, every individual receives a personal code.
From 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs must:
- Provide this code, and
- Confirm they have verified their identity
- They must do this for every role they hold across different companies.
- This personal code becomes an important part of future Companies House filings.
Companies Can Check Verification Status
From 18 November, directors and PSCs will be able to log in and see their verification status. Companies will also be able to see the due dates for each individual involved.
This makes compliance clearer and helps avoid accidental breaches.
What Happens if You Don’t Verify?
Failure to verify will be treated seriously. It becomes an offence to act as a director while unverified once the duties apply.
Companies House has said that enforcement will be proportionate. However, penalties and restrictions will be real and unavoidable.
If you file a confirmation statement without verified directors or PSCs, Companies House can:
- Reject the filing
- Flag compliance issues
- Start enforcement action
- This is why early action matters.
Why This Matters for You
Companies House identity verification is now part of everyday business compliance. This is not optional. You will need it to:
- File a confirmation statement
- Form a company
- Appoint a director
- Register a PSC
- Stay compliant with company law
- If you work with multiple companies, early verification keeps everything smooth.
And if you prefer guided support, an ACSP such as I Hate Numbers can manage the process.
How I Hate Numbers Can Help
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we can:
- Verify your identity
- Additionally, we can verify PSCs and new directors
- Check your company records
- Prepare filings
- Keep you compliant
- Remove the admin and confusion
We also support your wider financial and compliance needs, including cloud accounting, tax planning, financial training, and our analytics tools such as Budgetwhizz on Numbers Knowhow.
Final Word
Companies House identity verification is a major change. But it is manageable, simple, and quick with the right guidance. The sooner you act, the easier it will be.
If you want stress-free Companies House identity verification, let us help.
I Hate Numbers is an ACSP, and we can verify directors and PSCs for you.
👉 Book a call today with I Hate Numbers. Book a call today and stay compliant without the hassle.
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