Companies House identity checks: what directors need to know

A major change to Companies House is entering its final stages, with millions of company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) required to verify their identity.

Identity verification became a legal requirement in November 2025, but Companies House has been phasing the requirement in over a 12-month period. With that rollout approaching its November 2026 conclusion, now is a good time for business owners to make sure they understand what is required.

Who needs to verify?

The requirement applies to company directors and PSCs, including those already associated with companies on the register.

Verification can be completed directly through Companies House using GOV.UK One Login, or through an authorised corporate service provider.

Once verified, individuals receive a unique Companies House personal code. Directors will need to provide this code when it is required as part of their company’s filings.

If you are a director of more than one company, your identity only needs to be verified once, but your personal code will need to be connected to each relevant company role.

Why is Companies House introducing this?

The changes form part of wider reforms designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of the Companies House register and make it harder for companies to be created or controlled using false identities.

For legitimate businesses, the practical impact is another compliance requirement to factor into the normal running of a company.

It is also part of a wider shift towards Companies House taking a more active role in checking the information submitted to the register.

What should business owners do?

1. If you are a company director or PSC and have not yet completed your identity verification, it is worth doing so rather than leaving it until a filing deadline approaches.
2. You should also make sure you know where your Companies House personal code is held and understand when it will be needed.
3. For businesses with multiple directors or shareholders, checking that everyone who needs to complete the process has done so can help avoid unnecessary delays with future filings.

Need help keeping your company compliant?

If you would like advice on your company’s compliance requirements, get in touch with Verallo and our team will be happy to help.