The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced an identity verification requirement for everyone who manages or controls a company in the UK. The transition period for people already on the register ends on 17 November 2026.
Companies House estimates that 6–7 million people must be verified. According to data from the end of June, 55% of directors, 50% of LLP members and only 42% of people with significant control (PSCs) had done so. That means around three in ten directors and more than half of PSCs are still unverified.
Existing directors give their personal code with the next confirmation statement. Acting as a director without verification is an offence. After the transition period Companies House plans enforcement: restrictions on filing, financial penalties, a flag on the register and, in serious cases, disqualification.
Verification can be done free of charge through GOV.UK One Login, usually in a few minutes in the app with a biometric passport, or in person at the Post Office. People who cannot do it themselves can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), including from outside the UK.
Editorial comment
This is the most important deadline this autumn for Polish owners of UK companies, especially those who live in Poland and rarely look at Companies House. Verification takes a few minutes, and failing to do it can block the company: you won’t be able to file documents or change a director, and the bank may start asking questions. Don’t wait for the last week, when the systems will be overloaded.
What to do
- Check on Companies House who the directors and PSCs of your company are. Each of them needs their own code.
- Verify through GOV.UK One Login. Have your biometric passport and a phone with the app ready.
- Save your personal code and pass it to whoever files documents for the company, e.g. your accountant.
- Check the date of your next confirmation statement. It will not be accepted without the directors’ codes.
- If you don’t have a biometric passport or live abroad, use an authorised ACSP.
What do you think?
Do you feel this threat in your business? What are you already doing, and what worries you? Tell us in the comments below the article. We will cover the most interesting views in future editions.
Sources
Original editorial content by The Business Time, based on the sources listed. Illustrative photo.
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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