Identity verification launches November 2025 — make sure you’re ready!

From 18 November 2025, new legal requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023 mean all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House.

This change is designed to reduce fraud and improve corporate transparency.

What You Need to Do

1. Get your documents ready
   Have valid photo ID to hand (e.g. passport or driving licence).

2. Choose how to verify

   • Use the Verify your identity for Companies House service (via GOV.UK One Login).

   • Or verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

   Tip: When setting up a GOV.UK One Login, use a personal email address (not shared or group emails).

3. Complete your verification
   Once verified, you’ll receive a personal code. This code must be included on your company’s next confirmation statement from 18 November 2025. Find out more about when to include your code, depending on the role(s) you hold.

4. Check your deadlines

   • Directors: add your code to your company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November.

   • PSCs: provide your code within 14 days of your confirmation statement date, or within the first 14 days of your birth month (if not also a director).

   • If you don’t complete identity verification on time, you could be committing an offence and may face financial penalties or fines.

5. Keep your records accurate
   Make sure the personal details Companies House holds (e.g. date of birth) match your ID documents. You can check the information on file for you by signing into WebFiling.

• You only need to verify once, but you must use your code for every role you hold.

• Find out more about verifying your identity for Companies House.

• You cannot file a confirmation statement without directors’ codes after 18 November 2025.

• Failing to comply could result in fines or penalties.

• Verifying early gives you time to fix any issues and keeps your company compliant.

Key Reminders

• Keep your personal code safe – never share it except with trusted agents or accountants.

• From 13 October 2025, you’ll need GOV.UK One Login to access WebFiling.

• Forward this information to all directors and PSCs connected to your company.

• Requirements for limited partnerships, LLP members, corporate directors, and corporate PSCs will follow later.

Stay Updated

• Visit the Companies House changes hub for the latest updates.

• Sign up for email newsletters to stay informed.

For questions, contact enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk.

👉 In short: verify once, get your code, and stay compliant from 18 November 2025.

For more detail, you can review the official HMRC guidance here:
👉 CHANGES TO COMPANY LAW

If you would like support in understanding these changes, or require assistance with bookkeeping and accounts, please contact The Hollies Bookkeeping, Shropshire:
📞 01743 790086
📧 info@holliesbookkeeping.co.uk
🌐 www.holliesbookkeeping.co.uk   

                               .