Anyone who sets up, runs, owns or controls a company in the UK must verify their identity with Companies House. The requirement applies to directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and LLP members. The twelve-month transition period began on 18 November 2025 and ends on 17 November 2026.
By the end of June 2026, 55% of directors, 50% of LLP members and 42% of PSCs had verified their identity. Companies House estimated that 6–7 million people in total need to be verified.
When exactly you must do it
- Director of an existing company: you give your personal verification code with the company’s next confirmation statement.
- A PSC who is not a director: the deadline depends on the birth month shown on the register (the first 14 days of that month).
- A director who is also a PSC of the same company (common in small Ltds): you verify your identity once, but give your personal code separately for each role. As a director – in the company’s confirmation statement. As a PSC – through a separate online service, within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.
- A new company or new director: verification is needed straight away.
How to do it
- Free, on your own: through GOV.UK One Login in the app, with a biometric passport. It usually takes a few minutes. A Polish biometric passport is accepted.
- At the Post Office: if the app does not work or you do not have such a passport, you can do it in person at a Post Office branch.
- Through an agent (ACSP): an accountant, lawyer or company formation agent. This is a paid service, useful if you are abroad.
What it means for you
If you have a Ltd and do not verify your identity in time, the company will not be able to file documents with Companies House. Acting as a director without verification is an offence and can lead to a fine. Lack of verification may also be visible on the public register, which is a signal to business partners and the bank.
Editorial comment
This is one of the few official tasks that can be done for free in a few minutes. There is no point waiting until the last day or paying agents if you have a passport and a phone. Also watch out for fake emails “from Companies House”, which fraudsters are sending right now.
What to do
- Check the date of your company’s next confirmation statement.
- Verify through GOV.UK One Login and save your personal code.
- Remind your co-directors and the PSCs in your company.
- Open verification links only from the gov.uk website, not from emails.
Sources: ACCA – Companies House ID verification; Companies House – Changes to UK company law; Law Debenture (17 August 2026).
Sources & documents
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