New rules from Companies House mean that all limited company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will soon be required to verify their identity. These changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and will help to improve transparency and reduce fraud in UK companies.
Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid any disruption.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- 8 April 2025:
Voluntary ID verification opens for directors and PSCs using the GOV.UK One Login system. - Autumn 2025:
ID verification becomes mandatory for all new directors and PSCs at the point of appointment. Companies House will not accept new incorporations or updates without verified individuals. - By Autumn 2026:
All existing directors and PSCs must be verified during the 12-month transition period.
How to Verify Your Identity
You can verify your identity using the GOV.UK One Login system.
To verify online, you’ll need:
- A biometric passport (from any country),
- OR a UK photo driving licence (full or provisional),
- OR a UK biometric residence permit, residence card, or Frontier Worker permit.
You will also need:
- Your current address and the year you moved in, and
- A unique GOV.UK One Login account. (Each person must use a different email address—shared email addresses cannot be used for ID verification.)
What is a biometric passport?
A biometric passport has a small rectangular symbol on the front cover. All UK passports issued since 2006 are biometric.
If you don’t have one of the accepted forms of photo ID:
You may still be able to verify your identity by:
- Visiting a Post Office branch to complete an in-person check, or
- Using your bank or building society details, along with your National Insurance number and answers to security questions.
Using Beany as an Authorised Agent
Companies House will allow identity verification to be completed by an authorised agent. We’ll be introducing this service in due course, and a fee will apply if you wish for us to carry out the verification on your behalf.
We’ll update you once our agent service is live and available to use.
What Happens After You Verify?
Once you’ve successfully completed your identity verification, you’ll be issued with a unique personal code. This code proves your verified identity and is essential for:
- Being appointed as a director or PSC
- Submitting filings or updates to Companies House
- Completing confirmation statements and other company admin
Where to find your code:
Log in to your Companies House account using your GOV.UK One Login and go to the “Manage Account” section. Your personal code will be displayed under “Identity Verification.”
Important: Store this code securely – we recommend keeping it with your company’s key records.
Why Verify Early?
Although the changes won’t become mandatory until later in 2025, we strongly recommend verifying your identity now.
Doing so will help you:
- Avoid any last-minute delays or stress
- Resolve any issues with verification well in advance
- Ensure your business stays compliant without interruption
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether you need to complete an ID verification, or if you’d like support during the process, our team is here to help. Contact us at: support@beany.uk