Overview
- From 18 November 2025, identity verification is required for incorporations and new appointments, while existing directors must confirm verification at their next confirmation statement during a 12‑month transition.
- People with significant control must submit a verification statement and their personal code within a defined 14‑day window, which varies by whether they are also a director, their birth month, or the date they are added as a new PSC.
- Individuals can verify either for free via GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, after which they receive a Companies House personal code used to link their identity to each role.
- Failure to comply is a criminal offence that can lead to financial penalties, referral to the Insolvency Service, prosecution, and—for PSCs—an alert on the public register; PSCs may request a 14‑day extension before their deadline.
- More than 1.5 million people have already verified voluntarily since April, and the government, Companies House, and major business groups back the measures; verification for limited partnerships and certain corporate roles will commence later.