Understanding the New Identity Verification Requirements for Directors, PSCs, and LLP Members

From 18 November 2025, new identity verification (IDV) requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 take effect.

These rules apply to all UK companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and will impact the following:

1. directors;
2. persons with significant control (PSC);
3. LLP members or designated members;
4. authorised corporate service providers (ACSP); and
5. anyone who files for the company, including company secretaries.

Why Does This Matter?

The new regime strengthens trust and transparency in UK business by ensuring that everyone who owns, controls, or manages a company or LLP has a verified identity recorded at Companies House, helping to prevent misuse and corporate fraud.

When to Verify

IDV becomes mandatory from 18 November 2025. The deadline for verification varies depending on the role and the role start date. Companies House has provided the following guidance, and has confirmed that details relating to other roles shall follow at a later date.

New directors (or equivalent) appointed on or after 18 November 2025

• Directors/LLP members appointed on or after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code upon appointment.

New PSCs appointed on or after 18 November 2025

• PSCs appointed on or after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code upon appointment, or within 14 days of being appointed.

Existing directors (or equivalent)

• Existing directors/LLP members must have verified their identity in order to provide their Companies House personal code with the next confirmation statement (CS01) filed after 18 November 2025 (a transition period of up to 12 months).

Existing PSC (who is not a director of the same company)

• PSCs must have verified their identity in order to provide their Companies House personal code within the first 14 days of their birth month. By way of illustration, if the PSC’s date of birth is 30th September, the 14-day period begins on 1st September.

Existing PSC (who is also a director of the same company)

• Will need to verify their identity and provide their personal code following verification separately for their role as PSC and their role as director.
• In their role as director, the code must be provided in the CS01.
• In their role as PSC, the code must be provided within 14 days of the CS01, using a different service (such service shall be made available by Companies House on 18 November 2025).

How to Verify

There are two ways to complete the IDV:

• Directly with Companies House via GOV.UK One Login – it’s quick, free, and online. You can prove your identity in one of three ways:

1. Using the GOV.UK One Login app – scan your photo ID (e.g. passport or driving licence) and take a selfie to confirm your identity.
2. By answering security questions online – verify using financial or personal details, such as your mobile contract or bank account. You will also need to enter details from your passport, driving licence and current account.
3. At a Post Office – enter details from your photo ID online. Then, take your photo ID to a participating branch, where staff will check and confirm your identity in person.

Once verified, your identity is saved to your GOV.UK One Login, so you won’t need to repeat the process.

• Through an ACSP e.g. an accountant or solicitor, who verifies on your behalf.

Get Ready Now

Verify early to avoid rejected filings, penalties, or restrictions on acting as a director once the rules take effect. Start here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

Please note, this article covers changes with effect from 18 November 2025 only. Further requirements are to be implemented at a later date, including for limited partnerships, corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs and officers of corporate PSCs.

This article was written by Redkite Solicitors, Rhys Davies. To find out more about Rhys and the support he and his team can offer you, please visit her website profile here.