By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will have to verify their identity with Companies House starting from November 18, 2025.
The government hope that this will make the Companies House register more reliable while tackling economic crime and increasing investment in UK businesses.
What’s changing?
So, from November 18:
New directors will have to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company
Existing directors will need to verify their identity when they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period
From November 18, directors and PSCs will be able to check the Companies House register to find out verification due dates for all of their roles.
The option has been open to verify their identity on a voluntary basis since April 2025.
Steps to verify identity on Companies House
Companies House is advising company directors and PSCs to verify their identity as soon as possible.
You’ve got two options here:
Verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login – it’s free and can be easily completed online
Go through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Fortunately, you’ll only need to verify your identity once. If you’re still unsure,