There have been many changes to the filing requirements for a limited company throughout recent years, with some of the proposed changes that are due to be implemented in the coming years and other changes that have been implemented in late 2025.
The most talked about change that falls into the latter category is Companies House's identity verification which as of the 18th November 2025 has now become a legal requirement for all limited company directors and persons with significant control both new and existing. We will now go into more detail about what this means for you and your limited company.
What is the reason for the introduction of identity verification?
In 2023 the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act was published by the UK Parliament with the aim to prevent crimes committed through limited companies, by improving the accuracy of filed documents and providing support with the overarching goal to increase the growth of the UK economy.
To enhance the effectiveness of this Act Companies House has introduced identity verification to ensure that all limited company directors and persons with significant control are who they claim to be. The aim is to boost transparency and increase the public's trust in the information that limited companies are submitting to Companies House thereby inhibiting the few individuals who may utilise limited companies for unlawful purposes, such as money laundering.
What actually is the identity verification code?
In a one sentence answer, the identity verification code is an 11-character code that is unique to each individual that is required to verify their identity and is emailed to the individual upon the successful verification.
Key Facts and Things to Remember About Your Verification Number
- First and foremost, your verification number is unique to each individual and should be kept secure as this is confidential information
- An identity verification code is made up of 11 characters but it can be made up of both letters and numbers
- When choosing the email address your verification number may be sent to it is important to ensure that this address is not able to be viewed by anyone else within your business (do not choose the general business email that can be accessed by multiple employees)
- All limited company directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity to allow the company to submit its Confirmation Statement
Who will need an identity verification code?
We have briefly mentioned who will be required to verify their identity to Companies House but here is a clear list of those for whom it is compulsory:
- New limited company directors - Will need to verify their identity to incorporate a limited company as well as to be appointed as a director of an existing company
- Existing limited company directors - Must confirm their successful identity verification before the next annual confirmation statement is due to be submitted, during a 12-month transition period
- New persons with significant control - Will need to verify their identity within 14 days of being appointed as a person with significant control of a limited company
- Existing persons with significant control - Must verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the commencement of mandatory identity verification
During the persons with significant control's allotted 14 day period, they must submit a statement confirming they have verified their identity, alongside their Companies House personal code. It should be noted that the 14 day period's dates would differ for each persons with significant control but they would depend on the following:
- If they were already a PSC when identity verification requirements were introduced on 18th November 2025
- If they are also a director of the company in question
If they are registered as a PSC after 18th November 2025, their 14-day period starts from the date they register with Companies House.
If they are already a PSC on 18th November 2025, their 14-day period starts from the company’s confirmation statement date - if they are also a director of the company.
If they are not a director of the company, only a persons with significant control, then their 14-day period starts from the first day of their month of birth, as it is shown on the Companies House register. For example, date of birth shows on the register as December 1995, the 14 day period would start on the 1st December 2026.
How you can verify your identity?
There are a couple of ways how you can verify your identity with Companies House. You can either do this yourself by creating a GOV.UK One account and following the steps procedures outlined including the uploading of your documents to their app and awaiting their approval. Or alternatively, you can be verified by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider such as ourselves. Therefore, we have introduced our AML identity verification package where a member of our incorporations team will create verify your identity to Companies House on your behalf. If you wish you can read more about how to get verified by an ASCP
Looking For Further Information?
Hopefully this article has helped clarify why identity verification was introduced and how you can navigate it successfully. For more information on topics related to verifying your identity, feel free to explore our Knowledge Base. If you are looking for any further information about identity verification, do not hesitate to contact us.
