You can’t file your company’s confirmation statement yourself anymore. Not without a Companies House Personal Code.
Yes, you heard that right. Since 18 November 2025, the system simply won’t let you proceed without identity verification. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act now requires every director and PSC to verify before they can file anything. This is applicable for confirmation statements, director changes, registered office updates, or any other company records.
In this blog post, you’ll learn who must verify and how to complete the process via GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, and what to do with your personal code once you’ve got it.
Key Points Summarised for Busy Readers
- Identity verification became mandatory from 18 November 2025, marking the start of a 12-month transition period, not a hard deadline
- All directors, PSCs, and LLP members must verify once to receive a unique Companies House personal code for future filings
- Free verification takes 10 to 20 minutes via GOV.UK One Login using a passport or driving licence
- Failure to verify means you cannot file confirmation statements, face financial penalties, or commit a criminal offence
- Your personal code connects your verified identity to all your Companies House roles and must be provided when filing
What is Companies House Identity Verification?
Identity verification is Companies House’s new system for confirming that people running, owning, or controlling UK companies are who they claim to be.
The system addresses a critical weakness in UK company law. Previously, anyone could register a company using false details with minimal checks. This made it easy for criminals to hide behind shell companies and commit fraud.
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House now has enhanced powers to verify identities and maintain accurate records. The legislation transforms Companies House from a passive registry into an active gatekeeper against economic crime.
When you verify your identity, you receive a Companies House personal code. This unique identifier acts like a digital signature that links you to your various company roles. You’ll need this code whenever you file documents or take on new directorships.
The verification process uses two main routes. You can verify directly through:
- GOV.UK One Login for free, or
- pay an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to handle it for you.
Both methods must meet the same identity assurance standards set by Companies House.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity with Companies House?
The requirements target specific roles where identity confirmation matters most for preventing economic crime.
- Company Directors – Every director must verify their identity, including executive directors, non-executive directors, and shadow directors. This applies regardless of company size, structure, or whether the company is UK-based or an overseas entity registered in the UK.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) – Anyone who owns more than 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights, or who can appoint or remove the majority of directors. If you’re both a director and a PSC, you only verify once. Your personal code covers all roles across different companies.
- LLP Designated Members – Members of Limited Liability Partnerships who are designated must verify their identity to maintain the LLP’s good standing with Companies House.
- Equivalent Officers in Other Structures – Managing officers of companies, general partners of limited partnerships, and members of limited liability partnerships all fall under the verification requirements.
However, corporate directors, company secretaries who aren’t also directors, limited partnerships as entities, and officers of corporate PSCs don’t need to verify immediately. Companies House will introduce requirements for these groups at a later date.
Pro Tip:
If you're unsure whether your role requires verification, check the official Companies House guidance or consult with your accountant.
When Must You Verify Your Identity? Critical Deadlines Explained
The timeline depends on your role and when you were appointed.
Existing directors must verify before their company files its next confirmation statement. New directors appointed from 18 November 2025 onwards must verify before or at the point of appointment. PSCs have just 14 days to provide their personal code to Companies House after verification.
See below for a detailed explanation.
The 18 November 2025 Start Date Explained
This date marks when identity verification became a legal requirement, not a deadline for everyone to complete it. Companies House introduced a 12-month transition period starting from this date. Your actual deadline depends on when you were appointed and what role you hold.
Timeline for Existing Directors
If you were a director before 18 November 2025, you must verify before your company files its next confirmation statement after 5 March 2026. Since confirmation statements are filed annually, most directors have several months to complete verification. Verifying early is smart because if any director hasn’t verified when the confirmation statement is due, your company cannot file at all.
Timeline for New Directors
Anyone appointed from 18 November 2025 onwards must verify before appointment. You cannot be validly appointed without providing your Companies House personal code on the appointment filing. New companies incorporating after this date cannot complete incorporation until all proposed directors have verified.
Timeline for PSCs (The 14-Day Window)
Once you verify and receive your personal code, you have 14 days to provide it to Companies House for your PSC role. The start of your 14-day window depends on whether you were already registered as a PSC before 18 November 2025 and whether you’re also a director. Missing this deadline is a criminal offence.
You provide your code using the dedicated “Provide identity verification details for a PSC” service on GOV.UK. This is separate from the initial verification process.
How to Verify Your Identity: Two Methods
Companies House offers two distinct verification routes. Both meet the same identity assurance standards, but they differ in cost, convenience, and who performs the checks.
Method 1: Direct Verification via GOV.UK One Login (FREE)
The UK One Login service provides free identity verification directly with Companies House. Most people can complete the entire process in 10 to 20 minutes from home.
GOV.UK One Login asks simple questions about your circumstances. Based on your answers about residency, ID documents, and device availability, the system routes you to the most suitable verification method.
Once verified through the GOV.UK One Login, you can use the same login credentials to access over 110 government services. This includes:
- DBS checks,
- HMRC services, and
- signing mortgage deeds.
The verification has value beyond just Companies House compliance.
Option A: Using the GOV.UK App (Recommended)
The app-based route is fastest for anyone with a valid UK passport and a smartphone. You’ll download the GOV. THE UK ID Check app guides you through three simple steps.
- First, photograph your passport using your phone’s camera. The app captures the data page and checks for security features.
- Second, scan your passport’s biometric chip by placing your phone on the passport. This verifies that the passport is genuine.
- Finally, take a selfie for facial recognition matching. The system compares your live photo against your passport image to confirm you’re the passport holder.
The whole process typically takes under 15 minutes.
A valid UK driving licence with a photo also works through a similar app-based process. The app checks differ slightly, but the principle remains the same: document verification plus facial recognition.
Option B: Online Security Questions
Suppose you don’t have suitable ID documents or prefer not to use the app.UK One Login can verify you through security questions. This route checks your identity against data held by credit reference agencies.
You’ll answer questions about your financial history that only you should know. These might include previous addresses, accounts you’ve held, or other information from your credit file.
Not everyone will successfully verify via security questions. If you’re new to the UK, have a thin credit file, or have a complex financial history, this route may not work. The system will tell you immediately if it cannot verify you this way.
Option C: Post Office Verification
The Post Office route works for people who struggle with online-only verification. You must first enter your photo ID details on GOV.UK One Login. The system then emails you a confirmation letter with a unique QR code.
Take this letter and your physical ID documents to a participating Post Office. Staff scan your QR code and verify your documents in person. Not all Post Offices offer this service, so check the eligibility tool before visiting.
The Post Office checks your ID against the details you entered online. If everything matches, they confirm your identity back to the GOV.UK One Login. You’ll receive your Companies House personal code by email shortly after.
Method 2: Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An ACSP is a professional regulated under the UK anti-money laundering supervision. This includes accountants, solicitors, company formation agents, and chartered secretaries registered with Companies House as authorised agents.
ACSPs can verify your identity on your behalf for a fee. Costs vary by provider but typically range from £100 to £150 per person. Your existing accountant or solicitor may offer this service if they’re registered as an ACSP.
You’ll need to provide the ACSP with documents from an approved list. They perform the same identity checks required under AML regulations, then submit your verification to Companies House. The process can work from anywhere globally, making it suitable for overseas directors.
The ACSP route suits people without UK ID documents or those struggling with GOV.UK One Login’s technical requirements. Some older directors or those uncomfortable with technology prefer having professional assistance.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Try GOV.UK One Login first. It’s free, instant, and available 24/7.
Choose an ACSP if you don’t have UK photo ID, GOV.UK One Login hasn’t worked for you after multiple attempts, or you prefer professional assistance. ACSPs charge fees but handle the process for you.
Both methods require the same proof of identity. Suppose you’re struggling with GOV.UK One Login, contact an ACSP or Companies House support, rather than delaying.
Step-by-Step: Verifying via GOV.UK One Login
Let’s walk through the complete verification process using GOV.UK One Login. This assumes you’re using the recommended app-based route with a UK passport.
What You'll Need Before Starting
Gather your UK passport before beginning. It must be current and valid, with the biometric chip working. Damaged passports often fail the chip scanning stage.
You’ll need access to both a computer or tablet and a smartphone. The process starts on any device but requires a phone for the app-based verification steps.
Have your email address ready. You’ll create a GOV.UK One Login account using this email, and you’ll receive your Companies House personal code at this address. Use an email you check regularly.
Know the year you moved into your current home address. The system asks this as part of confirming your address details against official records. Be as accurate as possible.
The Verification Process in Detail
Follow these steps to verify your identity and receive your Companies House personal code:
- Start the Process – Visit the official GOV.UK guidance page and click “Verify your identity for Companies House.” Confirm you have a valid UK passport or driving licence.
- Create GOV.UK One Login – Enter your email address and verify it with the six-digit code sent to your inbox. Create a strong password and set up two-factor authentication via text message or an authenticator app.
- Answer Screening Questions – Select your ID type (UK passport or driving licence), confirm UK residency, and choose your device. Your answers determine the verification method.
- Download the ID Check App – Scan the QR code on your screen with your smartphone. This downloads the GOV. THE UK ID Check app links it to your session. Grant camera and location permissions.
- Scan Your Passport – Photograph your passport data page with clear lighting. Then place your phone flat on your closed passport to scan the embedded chip (takes 10-30 seconds).
- Complete Facial Recognition – Take a selfie with good lighting and your face clearly visible. Remove glasses if possible. The system compares your live photo against your passport image.
- Enter Your Address – Switch back to your computer and enter your UK residential address using your postcode. Select your exact address from the dropdown and enter the year you moved there.
- Receive Your Personal Code – Wait 30 seconds for processing. Your Companies House personal code appears on the confirmation screen. Copy it immediately and store it securely.
Understanding Your Companies House Personal Code
Your personal code is a unique identifier that proves you’ve completed identity verification. It’s personal to you as an individual, not to any specific company. If you’re a director of five companies, you use the same personal code for all five.
Companies House generates your code automatically once verification succeeds. The code never expires unless Companies House explicitly tells you to verify again, which only happens if fraud concerns arise or verification standards change substantially.
How to Get Your Personal Code
Your personal code appears on screen immediately after successful verification. The system also emails it to the address you used for your GOV.UK One Login account.
If you verified via an ACSP, they’ll provide your personal code once Companies House processes your verification. This typically takes a few days rather than being instant like the GOV.UK One Login route.
Store your personal code securely in a password manager or write it down in a safe location. Don’t rely solely on the email.
Where to Find Your Personal Code After Verification
If you’ve lost your personal code, you can retrieve it by signing in to Companies House using your GOV.UK One Login credentials. Navigate to “Manage account,” and your personal code displays clearly on this page.
If you can’t see your code, check you’re using the correct email address. Many people use different email addresses for GOV.UK One Login and their existing Companies House account.
Email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk if you cannot locate your code. Include details about when and how you verified your identity.
When & How to Use Your Personal Code
Directors provide their codes when filing confirmation statements. The WebFiling system prompts you to enter codes for all directors. Your company cannot submit the confirmation statement until all directors’ codes are entered correctly.
New directors must provide their code as part of their appointment filing. The appointment cannot be completed without it.
PSCs use a separate service to provide their codes. After verifying, visit the “Provide identity verification details for a PSC” service on GOV.UK. Enter your code within your 14-day window.
If someone files on your behalf, such as an accountant or company secretary, you’ll need to share your code with them. They enter it during the filing process.
🔒 Keep Your Personal Code Private
Never share your personal code online or send it to unknown recipients.
Only share it with trusted professionals who handle your company filings, such as your accountant or company secretary. If you suspect your code has been compromised, contact Companies House immediately at enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk.
What Happens If You Don't Verify?
Failing to verify your identity by the deadline is a criminal offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Companies House can prosecute you through the courts, leading to criminal records and fines, or issue administrative penalties directly.
If you continue acting as a director after your verification deadline passes, you commit an ongoing offence. The company itself may also commit an offence for allowing an unverified director to continue serving.
Filing Restrictions
Your company cannot file its confirmation statement if any director remains unverified. The system rejects the submission until all directors comply. You also cannot be appointed to new companies without verifying first.
Companies House will publish a note against your name on the public register indicating non-compliance. This public notice damages your reputation and signals to business partners that you’re not meeting legal requirements.
Impact on Company Operations
Beyond personal consequences, unverified directors harm their companies. Banks and suppliers may refuse to deal with companies whose directors appear non-compliant on the public register.
Investment opportunities vanish when due diligence reveals verification issues. Investors want confidence in company leadership, and verification problems raise red flags about professionalism and compliance culture.
The company faces operational paralysis if it cannot file the necessary documents. Changes to share capital, director appointments, registered office addresses, or other matters cannot be registered while verification remains outstanding.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Identity verification sounds straightforward, but many people encounter problems. Here are the most common issues and their solutions.
I Can't Find My Personal Code.
Sign in to Companies House using the exact same email you used for GOV.UK One Login verification. Many people use multiple email addresses and forget which one they used initially.
Check your spam or junk folders. Search your entire mailbox for emails from Companies House or GOV.UK.
If you completed verification but cannot find your code, email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details about when you verified and which method you used.
Verification Failed - What Next?
Try a different verification route within GOV.UK One Login. If the app method failed, try security questions or the Post Office route.
Use an ACSP if multiple attempts fail. They perform manual document verification and can help people who cannot pass automated checks.
Don’t retry the same method repeatedly. Switch approaches after two or three failures.
Post Office Verification Problems
You cannot walk into a Post Office and verify directly. You must start verification on GOV.UK One Login first, enter your photo ID details online, and complete the initial steps. The system then emails you a letter with the QR code needed for Post Office verification.
Not all Post Offices offer the service. Use the Post Office finder tool on GOV.UK to check your local branch before visiting.
Bring the exact ID documents you entered online. Mismatches cause verification failure
Email & Account Linking Issues
GOV.UK One Login and Companies House WebFiling are separate systems. Use the same email address for both to link them properly.
If you used different emails, create a new GOV.UK One Login account using your WebFiling email address, then verify through this new account.
Contact Companies House support if linking problems persist.
Additional Resources
- Official Companies House Guidance on Identity Verification– Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
- When You Need to Verify Your Identity for Companies House– When you need to verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
- List of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – List of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – GOV.UK
- Three Easy Steps to Complete Client ID Verification– 3 Easy Steps to Client ID Verification | FigsFlow
- Identity Verification through ACSP– Identity Verification Through ACSP Is Now a Business Essential
Conclusion
Identity verification is now mandatory for every UK director and PSC. It enables you to file confirmation statements, appoint directors, update company records, and submit any changes to Companies House. Without identity verification and your personal code, you cannot file anything with Companies House.
Most people complete it for free through the GOV.UK One Login in under 20 minutes. Others may need ACSP support.
We suggest verifying now rather than waiting for your deadline. The process is straightforward, and completing it early gives you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For GOV.UK One Login verification: you need a valid UK passport or UK photocard driving licence, with biometric passports working best for app-based verification. If you lack these documents, you may verify through online security questions using credit reference data, or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider who accepts wider evidence, including birth certificates and bank statements.
Yes, identity verification became legally mandatory from 18 November 2025, though this isn’t a hard deadline requiring immediate action from everyone. The date marks the start of a 12-month transition period, with your personal deadline depending on your role and when your company files its next confirmation statement.
Yes, all proposed directors and people with significant control must verify identity before incorporating a new company, as you cannot complete incorporation without providing Companies House personal codes. This requirement applies equally to UK residents and overseas individuals taking roles in UK-registered companies.
Most people complete GOV.UK One Login verification in 10 to 20 minutes, with the app-based route using a UK passport typically taking around 15 minutes. Post Office verification takes longer as you must complete online steps first, then visit a branch, while ACSP verification usually takes several days for document review and submission.
Visit the official Companies House guidance page and use GOV.UK One Login for free verification, which guides you through using your passport or driving licence via smartphone app or security questions. For Post Office verification, enter your photo ID details online first to receive an email with a QR code, or alternatively, pay an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to handle the process professionally.
