You can’t file your company’s confirmation statement yourself anymore. Not without a Companies House personal code.
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, PSC, and equivalent officer to verify before they can file a confirmation statement or take on new appointments, whether that’s registering a new company, recording a director change, or updating company records.
In this guide, 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 have it.
Key Points Summarised for Busy Readers
- Companies House identity verification is a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. All directors, PSCs, LLP members, and equivalent officers must verify once and receive a personal code to use when filing or taking on new roles.
- Verification is free via GOV.UK One Login (10 to 20 minutes) or paid through a registered ACSP, such as an accountant or solicitor.
- Existing directors must verify before their next confirmation statement. New directors must verify before appointment. PSCs have a 14-day window to submit their code after verifying.
- Non-compliance is a criminal offence. Your company cannot file; you cannot take on new roles; and Companies House will publicly flag your name.
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, including executive directors, non-executive directors, and shadow directors. This applies regardless of company size or structure, and 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 are both a director and a PSC, you only verify once, but you must provide your personal code separately for each role.
- LLP Members and Equivalent Officers – Designated members of Limited Liability Partnerships, general partners of limited partnerships, and managing officers of other registered entities all fall within the current requirements.
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – Accountants, solicitors, company formation agents, and other AML-supervised professionals who want to register as a Companies House authorised agent to verify clients’ identities must verify their own identity as part of the registration process. This applies now. Agents who file on behalf of clients but do not offer identity verification are not yet required to register as an ACSP, but Companies House has confirmed this will become mandatory no earlier than November 2026.
Who Does Not Need to Verify Their Identity with Companies House?
Corporate directors, company secretaries who are not also directors, officers of corporate PSCs, and agents who file on behalf of clients (but are not registering as ACSPs) are not required to verify at this stage. Companies House has confirmed these groups will be brought into scope 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.
Companies House Identity Verification Deadlines
Companies House Identity Verification deadline is not the same for everyone. It depends on your role and when you took it on.
Here is how it breaks down.
The 18 November 2025 Start Date Explained
This date marks the point at which identity verification became a legal requirement, not a single deadline for everyone to meet simultaneously. Companies House introduced a 12-month transition period from this date. Your actual deadline depends on when you were appointed and what role you hold.
Timeline for Existing Directors
If you were already a director before 18 November 2025, you must provide your personal code when your company files its next confirmation statement. Every director at that company must be verified before the filing can go through. If any one director has not verified, the entire submission is blocked.
Since confirmation statements are filed annually, most existing directors had several months to complete verification. As of May 2026, if you have not yet verified, your deadline is likely very close or may have already passed. Verify immediately.
Timeline for New Directors
Anyone appointed from 18 November 2025 onwards must verify before or at the point of appointment. You cannot be validly appointed without providing your personal code when filing the appointment. The same applies to new companies: incorporation cannot be completed until all proposed directors have verified.
Timeline for PSCs (The 14-Day Window)
Once you have verified and received your personal code, you have a fixed 14-day window to provide it to Companies House for your PSC role. When that window starts depends on your specific situation.
If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company, your 14-day window begins the day after your company’s confirmation statement date. Note that if the company files its confirmation statement early, your window does not move. It is anchored to the stated confirmation statement date, not the actual filing date.
If you are a PSC but not a director of the same company, your 14-day window falls within the first 14 days of your birth month each year. For example, if your date of birth is 22 January, your window runs from 1 to 14 January.
If you became a PSC after 18 November 2025, you can provide your personal code when you are first added to the Companies House register, or within 14 days of being added.
You submit your code using the dedicated “Provide identity verification details for a PSC” service on GOV.UK. This is a separate step from the initial verification process. Missing your 14-day window is a criminal offence, but you can request a single 14-day extension through the same service before your deadline passes.
Timeline for ACSPs
If you are registering as a Companies House authorised agent to verify clients’ identities, you must verify your own identity as part of the ACSP registration process. There is no separate deadline. Verification is a prerequisite for registration and you cannot submit your ACSP application without it.
If you are an agent who currently files on behalf of clients but does not offer identity verification services, ACSP registration is not yet required. Companies House has confirmed this will become mandatory no earlier than November 2026.
What Documents Do You Need for Companies House Identity Verification?
To verify your identity for Companies House, you generally need a valid photo identity document and proof of your current address. The exact documents required depend on which verification route you take.
Via GOV.UK One Login
For the app-based route, you need a UK passport or a UK photocard driving licence with a working biometric chip. For the Post Office route, you bring the same original document; in-person photocopies and digital images are not accepted. For the security questions route, no physical document is needed; the system verifies you using credit reference data instead.
Via an ACSP
ACSPs work from an approved document list that meets the Companies House verification standard. Accepted documents commonly include a passport, photocard driving licence, national identity card, or biometric residence permit, alongside proof of address. Your ACSP will confirm the exact combination they require before starting. This route is particularly useful for overseas directors or those without UK photo ID, as ACSPs can work with a wider range of international documents.
In all cases, documents must be originals in good condition. Expired or damaged documents will be rejected. For the full current list, refer to the official Companies House identity verification guidance on GOV.UK.
Companies House Identity Verification Process
Companies House offers two 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)
GOV.UK One Login provides free identity verification directly with Companies House. Most people complete the entire process in 10 to 20 minutes from home.
The system asks a few simple questions about your residency, ID documents, and device. Based on your answers, it routes you to the most suitable method.
Option A: Using the GOV.UK ID Check App (Recommended)
The app-based route is the fastest option for anyone with a valid UK passport or photocard driving licence and a smartphone. THE GOV.UK ID Check app guides you through three steps:
- photograph your document,
- scan the biometric chip by placing your phone flat on it, and
- then take a selfie for facial recognition.
The whole process typically takes under 15 minutes.
Option B: Online Security Questions
If you don’t have suitable photo ID or prefer not to use the app, GOV.UK One Login can verify you through security questions based on data held by credit reference agencies. You’ll answer questions about your financial history that only you should know. This route doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re new to the UK or have a thin credit file, the system may not be able to verify you this way.
Option C: Post Office Verification
The Post Office route suits those who struggle with online-only verification. You first enter your photo ID details on GOV.UK One Login, which then emails you a letter containing a unique QR code. Take that letter and your original ID to a participating Post Office. Staff scan the QR code and verify your documents in person. Not all Post Offices offer this service, so check before visiting.
Once verified, you can use your GOV.UK One Login credentials to access over 110 government services, including HMRC, DBS checks, and mortgage deed signing.
Method 2: Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An ACSP is a professional regulated under UK anti-money laundering supervision, typically an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent registered with Companies House as an authorised agent.
ACSPs verify your identity on your behalf for a fee. Costs vary by provider, so it is worth checking with your existing accountant or solicitor first, as they may already be registered as an ACSP. You provide them with documents from an approved list, they conduct the necessary checks, and submit your verification to Companies House directly. The process works from anywhere in the world, making it the practical route for overseas directors.
This route suits people without UK photo ID, those who have struggled with GOV.UK One Login, or those who simply prefer 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 after multiple attempts, or you prefer to have the process handled for you. Both methods meet the same identity standard. If 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.
Reverification of Identity
Companies House may question whether your previously submitted information remains accurate or valid. When this happens, they’ll send you a Reverification Notice requiring you to submit fresh or supplementary evidence within 42 days.
Not responding to this notice can lead to your verified status being suspended or removed entirely.
Missing the 42-day deadline results in automatic loss of your verified status. Companies House will notify you that your verification has lapsed, meaning you’ll no longer hold verified status until you go through the entire application process again from scratch.
Special Cases: Harder to Verify Officers
Most people can complete verification through GOV.UK One Login in under 20 minutes. For some individuals, however, the automated process simply does not work. Companies House refers to these cases as “harder to verify” officers.
This typically affects people in the following situations:
People residing outside the UK who hold older, non-biometric passports or identity documents that the GOV.UK ID Check app cannot scan. The app relies on reading a biometric chip, so documents without one will fail at that stage.
People whose nationality or residency status cannot be confirmed through automated checks. This includes nationals of countries whose documents are not supported by the GOV.UK verification system.
People with no UK credit footprint, as the security questions route relies on data held by UK credit reference agencies. Those new to the UK or those who have never held UK financial products will find this route unavailable to them.
What to do if standard verification fails
An ACSP is the practical route for harder to verify officers. ACSPs can conduct manual document checks that meet the Companies House identity verification standard, working with a broader range of international documents and without relying on biometric chip scanning. The verification can be done remotely or in person depending on what the ACSP requires. You provide your original documents, the ACSP satisfies themselves your identity is genuine, and they submit the verification to Companies House on your behalf.
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 Your Identity With Companies House?
Failing to verify is a criminal offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Companies House can prosecute through the courts or issue financial penalties directly. If you continue acting as a director after your deadline passes, you commit an ongoing offence. The company itself may also be committing an offence for allowing an unverified director to continue serving.
Filing Restrictions
Your company cannot file its confirmation statement until every director is verified. You also cannot be appointed to new companies, and Companies House will publish a note against your name on the public register.
Impact on Company Operations
The practical consequences extend beyond the legal ones. Banks, suppliers, and investors routinely check the public register during due diligence. A non-compliance note signals a governance problem and can affect banking relationships, credit terms, and investment decisions.
The company also loses the ability to file any changes while verification remains outstanding, whether that is a new director appointment, a registered office update, or a change to share capital.
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.
If Companies House sends you a re-verification notice, you have 42 days to respond with updated or additional evidence. Treat this as a priority: missing the deadline results in automatic loss of your verified status. You’ll then need to complete the entire verification process from scratch to regain your Companies House Personal Code.
Yes. LLP members designated as responsible for filing duties must verify their identity, just like company directors. The same verification methods apply: you can use GOV.UK One Login or work with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Non-designated members may also need verification depending on their role and responsibilities within the LLP.
ACSPs are regulated professionals authorised by Companies House to verify identities on behalf of company officers and PSCs. This category includes accountants, solicitors, company formation agents, and chartered secretaries who meet specific AML supervision requirements. They must maintain robust compliance procedures and can face suspension if they fail to meet regulatory standards. ACSPs typically charge £100 to £150 per person for verification services.
Previously, Companies House accepted identity documents at face value without systematic verification. Officers could self-declare their identity information when filing appointments, with minimal checking. This created opportunities for fraud and made it easier for individuals to use false identities. The new verification regime introduces mandatory checks against government databases and biometric identity documents, significantly raising the bar for identity assurance.
Directors who miss verification deadlines cannot be legally appointed to new roles and risk having their existing appointments questioned. The company may face restrictions on filing its confirmation statement. For PSCs, failing to provide verification within the required 14-day window can result in penalties and complications with the company’s PSC register. Both situations can lead to compliance issues that affect the company’s good standing with Companies House.
You only verify your identity once through Companies House. After successful verification, you receive a single Companies House Personal Code (UID) that connects to all your appointments across different companies. However, you must provide this code separately for each role. If you’re both a director and PSC of the same company, you’ll submit the code twice through different processes. The code remains valid across all your current and future appointments unless your verification status is revoked.
There are two digital verification pathways:
GOV.UK One Login (free, self-service): You verify directly using UK photo ID (passport or driving licence) through the government’s online system. This involves biometric checks and is available 24/7.
Through an ACSP (paid service, £100 to £150): An authorised professional verifies your identity on your behalf using a broader range of acceptable documents. This works globally and suits those without UK ID or who prefer professional assistance.
Both routes achieve the same outcome (a verified identity and Companies House Personal Code) but differ in cost, documentation requirements, and level of support provided.
