Verifying your identity for Companies House – now a legal requirement

Since 18^th November 2025, it has been a legal requirement for the directors and PSC’s (Persons of Significant Control) of companies, and the members and PSC’s of LLP’s (Limited Liability Partnerships) to verify their identity with Companies House.  There is a twelve month transition period with a specific schedule for the verification of identities.

The new requirement means that from 18^th November 2025, certain filings (including Confirmation Statements) can only be made on behalf of the company with the ID Verification code of ALL of the company’s directors or LLP members.  Requirements for PSCs are to be staged over 12 months.   Details are below.

Two-step process

Identity verification is a 2-step process:

1. Step one is to complete your ID verification and receive your Companies House personal ID code.  This code is unique to you and should be kept secure for each time it is required. If RPG Chartered Accountants file documents such as Confirmation Statements on behalf of your company, please also send us the code as soon as possible to avoid any delays in future filing.  See more details below about how to verify your identity.
2. Step two is, from 18^th November, to submit your code to Companies House for each company role you hold.   For company directors and LLP members this is dictated by the date of your Confirmation Statement, but the requirements vary for PSC’s – see below.

It is important keep your personal ID code safe in case it is needed in future.

Check your company and personal details

1. Before embarking on your ID Verification, it is advisable to make sure your personal information matches what is held on the Companies House register.
2. If the date of birth, for example, on your identity documents does not match the date of birth on the register, you will not be able to complete the verification process. Incorrect names (for example inconsistent use of middle names or married and maiden names) can also cause a problem.
3. Please also ensure that you provide the correct email address otherwise you may not receive your Personal ID Verification Code.
4. If you currently share an email address with somebody else whose identity needs to be verified, you will need to have two separate email addresses.  Companies House will send only one ID code to each email address, and any additional IDV application using the same email address will be rejected.

How to check the information held by Companies House

Check the information Companies House holds – click here

Update the information that Companies House holds – click here

How to verify your identity

You have two options.  You can verify your identity for Companies House by:

1. Using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service by accessing the GOV.​UK One Login to verify your identity. proving your identity with GOV.​UK One Login.

GOV.​UK One Login will ask you a few simple questions to work out the best way for you to verify your identity online which can then be done with an app; by answering security questions online or at a Post Office.  The options available may depend on your device, whether you have photo ID, and the type of ID you have.

2. Alternatively, you can use the RPG ID Verification Service which is available to existing clients of RPG Chartered Accountants. Please email your usual contact at RPG or email cosec@rpg.co.ukand we will send you further details. This is a highly personal service and does not require the use of apps.  RPG Chartered Accountants are registered with Companies House as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) and therefore able to conduct the authorisation.

Where to find your personal code

1. You will receive your Companies House 11 character personal ID code by email directly from Companies House. The code comprises three sets of characters separated by two dashes. This will be sent to the email address you provide during the ID Verification process.
2. After verifying your identity, you can also find your personal code here  where to find your code 
3. Please keep your personal ID code secure until you are able to use it.
4. We are asking clients of RPG Chartered Accountants to send us their Personal ID provided we file on behalf of your company, otherwise your Personal ID code should not be shared.

ID Verification – what to do next

This is what you will need to do once you have received your personal Companies House ID code.  The precise requirements and timing vary according to your role(s) within the company.

1. ID Verification Requirements of a Company Director
a) You will need to provide your Companies House personal ID code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement from 18 November 2025.
b) If you are a director of more than one company, you will need to do this for each company, using the same code each time.
c) From 18 November, you will also need to provide personal identity verification details to incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing or new company.
d) We suggest that you ensure that all of the company’s directors are aware of these requirements.

2. ID Verification Requirements of a Person with Significant Control (PSC)
PSCs must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal IDV code. The time period for doing this depends on your situation.
a) If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company – you will need to provide your personal code separately for each role (ie director and PSC).
• As a director, you must provide the personal ID code in the company’s confirmation statement.
• As a PSC, you must also provide your personal ID code using a separate service within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date.
b) If you’re a PSC but not a director of the same company
• You must provide your personal ID verification code to Companies House within the first 14 days of your birth month. For example, if your date of birth is 22 August, your 14 day period will begin on 1 August.
c) If you become a PSC after 18 November 2025
• You must provide your personal code within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register.

3. Personal ID Verification Requirements of a Company Secretary
If you are a company secretary but NOT a director or PSC, there are no immediate requirements for you to verify your identity. This is expected to come into force during 2026.

Personal ID Verification Statement

Once your personal code has been used to connect your identity with the relevant companies, Companies House will publish your identity verification statement on the public register.  The statement will contain the name of the verified person, the date the ID checks were completed and how your identity was verified (eg through a named ACSP).

Don’t wait – verify your identity now

We recommend that you take action now to:

• Ensure that each director and PSC completes the ID Verification process as quickly as possible
• Avoid delays and ensure your company remains compliant.

Without ID Verification, it will not be possible to

• File the company’s Confirmation Statement
• Form a new company or entity
• Notify Companies House of a new Director, LLP Member or PSC

Penalties may be severe for non-compliance including Director’s disqualification and the striking off of the company.

Penalties

Please be aware that there is no soft landing for personal ID Verification.  There will be penalties for the late filing of Confirmation Statements including when the delay is caused by the lack of personal ID codes.

Companies House were granted more effective investigative and enforcement powers through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.  This means that they are expected to continue to issue new guidance and investigate any non-compliance.

Please be aware that further changes are scheduled for 2026.  We will keep you updated.

RPG Chartered Accountants provide a comprehensive Company Secretarial Services to help you remain compliant with Companies House requirements.  Full details about RPG’s Company Secretarial Services are here Company secretarial | RPG Chartered Accountants | Manchester   If you would like more details, simply email us at our Manchester office at info@rpg.co.uk and we will arrange a time to discuss your requirements in more detail.