You may have seen in the press, or received an email/letter from Companies House, regarding changes being implemented later in the year, including identity verification. This information can sometimes be confusing, or misleading, so this blog attempts to clarify what is required, why, and how you can get help.
New Limited Companies and new Directors/PSCs
From Autumn 2025, anyone setting up a limited company will be required to verify their identity to prove who they say they are.
Each officer and person with significant control (PSC) will be required to do this.
To be able to complete identity verification, the personal information on your identity documents (for example, your passport or driver’s licence), such as your date of birth, must match the information on the incorporation documentation, which will go on to the Companies House register.
Current Directors and PCSs
From Spring 2026, anyone running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK will also need to verify their identity with Companies House before their accounts can be filed, etc.
To be able to complete identity verification, the personal information on your identity documents (for example, your passport or driver’s licence), such as your date of birth, must match the information on Companies House.
Ways to verify your identity
You’ll be able to verify your identity yourself, free of charge, using GOV.UK One Login, which can be found https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login/proving-your-identity or at selected Post Offices.
Or you can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. This includes Accountants and Solicitors, etc.
What happens once you have verified your identity
When you have successfully verified your identity, you will get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you, and each Director or PSC will need to have one.
Why do you need to verify your identity?
It’s a legal requirement. But also, without the Companies House personal code for each Director or PSC, it will not be possible to submit a confirmation statement, a change to any of the information held on the register, for example, a change of registered address, or submit your accounts.
Companies House personal code.
If you verify your own identity, your accountant will need the Companies House Personal Code, so that we can make any submissions to Companies House.
You can contact us at:
hello@businessworksuk.co.uk if you would like our help with this
or call us on: 0113 286 4486
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