UK to Begin Mandatory Director ID Checks Nov. 18 With Low Verification Rates

Fresh data shows widespread gaps in verification compliance alongside low readiness for the new corporate fraud offence.

Overview

From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes compulsory at incorporation for new directors and registrable persons with significant control, with a 12‑month transition for existing individuals through November 2026.
Companies House figures indicate fewer than one in five of an estimated seven million required individuals have verified to date, and a Vistra survey reports 52% of directors at international firms operating in the UK are not yet compliant.
Awareness and preparedness remain weak, with nearly a third of surveyed respondents unaware of key requirements and only 56% of directors confident they have correctly identified all PSCs.
Non‑compliance can trigger fines, filing bans or director disqualification, Companies House may flag unverified status on the register, and enforcement is expected to escalate through 2026.
Next steps include verification for anyone presenting filings by spring 2026 and use of Authorised Corporate Service Providers for third‑party filings, followed by software‑only accounts filing and new small‑company reporting rules from 1 April 2027.