Companies House Identity Verification: Official Guide for UK Directors and PSCs

Published by: ASN Partners (asnuk.com)
Last updated: October 2025

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Index

1. Introduction
2. What Is Identity Verification?
3. Who Must Verify Their Identity
4. Key Dates and Legal Requirements
5. How to Verify Your Identity
6. Understanding Your Personal Code
7. What Happens If You Don’t Verify
8. Official GOV.UK Resources

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1. Introduction

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House now requires individuals involved in UK companies to verify their identity. This mandatory process helps prevent fraud and increase transparency in the UK business environment.

2. What Is Identity Verification?

Identity verification confirms that individuals setting up, managing, or controlling a UK company are who they claim to be. It helps protect the register from abuse and ensures accuracy and accountability.

3. Who Must Verify Their Identity

You must verify your identity if you are:

• A company director
• A person with significant control (PSC)
• A member of a limited liability partnership (LLP)
• A general partner or managing officer
• An individual filing documents at Companies House
• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

4. Key Dates and Legal Requirements

Date	Requirement
8 April 2025	Voluntary identity verification opens
18 November 2025	Mandatory for all new directors, PSCs, and LLP members
Autumn 2026	Deadline for all existing directors, PSCs, and LLP members

5. How to Verify Your Identity

You can verify your identity using one of the following three methods:

A. Online via GOV.UK One Login (Recommended)

This is the fastest, most secure, and free method for most users.

1. Create a GOV.UK One Login account: https://www.account.gov.uk/sign-in
2. Start the identity verification process through:
   • The GOV.UK ID Check app (mobile)
   • Online security questions
   • Post Office verification (if prompted)
3. Prepare one of the following documents:
   • UK photocard driving licence
   • UK passport
   • Non-UK biometric passport
   • UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
   • UK biometric residence card (BRC)
   • UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
4. Follow the steps to upload your ID and take a selfie
5. Receive your Companies House personal code

B. In Person at the Post Office

Available to individuals who cannot verify online.

1. Check your eligibility: GOV.UK Verification Guidance
2. Bring a valid passport or UK driving licence
3. Visit a participating Post Office branch
4. Documents are scanned and submitted by staff
5. Receive your personal code by post or email

C. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

If you’re working with a firm like ASN Partners, identity verification can be done on your behalf.

ASN Partners is a registered ACSP and can assist you with verification as part of our company formation and compliance services.

To verify with ASN Partners:

• Contact us via asnuk.com
• Securely upload your ID through our client portal
• We complete your identity verification and provide your personal code

6. Understanding Your Personal Code

After successful verification, you’ll receive an 11-character personal code. This code:

• Is unique to you, not your company
• Is required for:
  • Confirmation statement filings
  • New director/PSC appointments
• Can be saved in your Companies House account for future use

7. What Happens If You Don’t Verify

If you fail to verify your identity by the required deadline, you may face:

• Rejection of company filings
• Ineligibility to act as a director or PSC
• Potential penalties under the Companies Act 2006

8. Official GOV.UK Resources

• Verifying your identity for Companies House
• Verify your identity via GOV.UK One Login
• Changes to UK Company Law – Identity Verification

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About ASN Partners

ASN Partners is a UK-based accounting and advisory firm supporting startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs with compliance, tax, and company formation. We are a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and offer identity verification services as part of our compliance solutions.

Need help verifying your identity?
Visit: https://asnuk.com