Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for individual company directors and people with significant control, known as PSCs. You must verify your identity and connect it to each relevant role on the company register.
The requirements began on 18 November 2025, with a transition period for existing directors and PSCs. Your deadline depends on your role and circumstances. Companies House verification guidance.
For small business owners, the key is understanding what needs doing personally and what information the person handling company filings needs.
This guide explains the process using the rules checked on 15 September 2026.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
Individual directors and individual PSCs must meet the verification requirements. The rules also cover certain equivalent roles and Companies House authorised agents.
Some other categories, including corporate directors and people who only file documents, have a later timetable. Being responsible for paperwork does not automatically mean the same deadline applies to you.
Most people should verify once. Companies House says you should not repeat verification unless instructed. Who needs to verify.
Start by checking how you appear on the register. You may hold more than one role, even if you run a small company on your own.
When Must Directors Complete Verification?
Existing directors must provide their personal code with their company’s next confirmation statement under the requirements introduced on 18 November 2025.
For new directors, the code is required as part of the appointment or company incorporation filing.
If you direct several companies, each appointment needs to be linked to your verified identity. Check the filing position for every company rather than assuming one submission covers them all. Companies House personal code requirements.
Do not treat November 2026 as a universal deadline. An individual requirement may fall earlier.
What Are the Deadlines for PSCs?
PSCs have a specific 14-day period for providing their verification details.
| Your position | When to provide your PSC details |
| Existing PSC who is also a director of the same company | Within 14 days starting the day after the company’s confirmation statement date |
| Existing PSC who is not a director of that company | During the first 14 days of your birth month in the transition period |
| New PSC added after 18 November 2025 | When first added to the register or within 14 days of being added |
Check your dates on the Companies House register. Filing a confirmation statement early does not change the PSC window for an existing director who is also a PSC. Official verification deadlines.
How to Verify Your Identity
There are two main routes.
Verify directly through GOV.UK One Login
The Companies House service is free. It asks questions to identify an appropriate method. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve an app, online security questions or a participating Post Office.
Use an Authorised agent
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can carry out verification. This may be an accountant, solicitor or company formation agent registered with Companies House.
Agents may charge a fee. Confirm their ACSP status before arranging verification. Approved verification routes.
Choose a route that suits the documents and support available to you. Leave time to resolve problems before a filing is due.
What Documents Will You Need?
For the online photo ID route, accepted documents include a biometric passport from any country or a UK photo driving licence. Certain UK residence documents are also accepted.
You will need your current address and the year you moved there. You must sign in to, or create, your own GOV.UK One Login.
Each person needs a separate email address for identity verification. Two directors should not try to verify through one shared login.
If you lack the listed photo ID, the service can explain whether another route is available. Document rules vary by method, so check before starting. Documents and account requirements.
What Is a Companies House Personal Code?
After successful verification, you receive an 11-character personal code. It belongs to you and can be used to confirm your verified status across relevant appointments.
If you verified through GOV.UK One Login, you can find it under “Manage account” when signed in with the same email address.
If an authorised agent verified you, Companies House sends the code to the email address supplied for you. Contact the agent if it has not arrived.
Keep your code secure. Share it only with trusted people who need it to file on your behalf. How to find and manage your personal code.
What if You Are Both a Director and a PSC?
Completing verification does not finish every filing requirement.
Your director details and PSC details must be connected separately. For the PSC role, use the Provide identity verification details for a PSC service.
You will need the company number and personal code. The service also asks you to confirm that your identity has been verified. An authorised person can provide these details on your behalf. Submit PSC verification details.
For example, an owner-director may have their code included in the company’s confirmation statement. They must still arrange the separate PSC submission within the applicable window.
Keep confirmation of both submissions with the company records. This makes it easier to see what has been completed and what remains outstanding.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
Failure to meet the requirements can lead to an offence, financial penalties or prosecution.
A company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors are verified. Companies House guidance on non-compliance.
PSCs who need more time can request a 14-day extension through the PSC service before their deadline passes. Do not assume that an extension has been granted simply because you have requested one. PSC extension guidance.
If you are running into problems, record the issue and contact the relevant support service promptly. Tell whoever manages your company filings so they can review the outstanding requirements.
Prepare Your Company Records Before Filing
A short review can prevent confusion between directors, owners and advisers.
- List each director and individual PSC.
- Confirm who has completed verification.
- Record the applicable filing dates.
- Agree who will submit each set of details.
- Keep submission confirmations in one place.
Avoid leaving this review until the day a filing is due. An unavailable director, missing email or incomplete submission can take time to resolve.
Get Help with Your Company Filing Requirements
RMA Accountants LTD supports businesses in Tameside with company administration and filing requirements.
Our company secretarial services can help you organise the information needed for company filings and review upcoming obligations.
If you need help understanding what remains outstanding, call 0161 222 8040 or email info@rma-accountants.com.
