Companies House Identity Verification Guide (2026): What Every Director and PSC Needs to Do

Identity verification is now a legal requirement for every director and person with significant control (PSC) of a UK company. The transition period for existing directors and PSCs ends on 18 November 2026. However, for many directors, the practical deadline will arrive much sooner because identity verification generally needs to be completed before the company’s next confirmation statement is filed.

What has changed?

The changes, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and make it more difficult for fraudsters to misuse UK companies.

Since 18 November 2025, anyone appointed as a new director or PSC must verify their identity before their appointment can be registered. The requirement also applies when incorporating a new company, as well as to LLP members and directors of overseas companies with a UK establishment.

For existing directors and PSCs, a transition period runs until 18 November 2026. Your personal due date within that window depends on your role:

Directors must verify before the company’s next confirmation statement is filed — each director’s personal code is now required as part of that filing.
PSCs who are also directors of the same company must provide their verification details within 14 days of the company’s confirmation statement date.
PSCs who are not directors have a separate deadline: within 14 days of the first day of their birth month. If this is you, don’t assume the confirmation statement date applies.

Identity verification is a one-off process. Once completed, you’ll receive a Companies House personal code that links your verified identity to your current and future appointments — you won’t need to verify again for each new role.

What does this mean for your business?

Every director and PSC needs to act on this personally — whether you run a one-person consultancy or sit on several boards. The consequences of not verifying are significant. If the relevant identity verification requirements have not been met, your confirmation statement may not be accepted by Companies House, you may be unable to take up new director or PSC appointments, and certain filings could be delayed or rejected. Failing to comply with the requirements may also result in financial penalties.

One point catches many people out: 18 November 2026 is the backstop, not necessarily your personal deadline. If your confirmation statement is due in August 2026, that is effectively your deadline. Completing verification early costs nothing, avoids unnecessary delays, and gives you peace of mind that your company’s statutory filings can proceed as expected.

What should you do now?

Check when your next confirmation statement is due — this determines when your verification is needed.
Complete identity verification as soon as practical. The main route is free through GOV.UK One Login and typically takes 10 to 20 minutes with a biometric passport or photo driving licence.
Store your Companies House personal code securely as soon as it is issued, as you will need it for future Companies House filings and appointments.
Provide your code to whoever prepares your confirmation statement, so filings are not held up.
Ensure every director and PSC within your business — not just the person who handles the paperwork — has completed verification.

Verification can also be completed through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). At J. Dauman & Co., we’re helping clients navigate these changes with confidence. We can confirm who in your company needs to verify, explain the relevant deadlines and make sure nothing is missed before your confirmation statement falls due. While the final transition deadline is 18 November 2026, we recommend acting well before then.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to verify for every company?

No. Verification is completed once, and your personal code can be used across all of your current and future appointments as a director or PSC.

What happens if I miss my deadline?

Your confirmation statement may not be accepted if the relevant identity verification requirements have not been met, and you won’t be able to take up new director or PSC appointments until verification is complete. If you think you may have missed a due date, verify as soon as possible and seek advice — the sooner the issue is resolved, the better.

Can someone help me complete the process?

Yes. An ACSP, such as J. Dauman & Co., can guide you through the process and complete the verification with you.

Need advice?

If you’re unsure when your identity verification is due, or would like support with the process, our team is here to help. We’ll make sure everything is completed correctly and on time, allowing you to focus on running your business with confidence.