From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. The requirement will be phased in over 12 months, and Companies House will contact companies directly with what to do and by when.
What’s changing
Identity verification is being introduced to ensure the people setting up, running, and controlling companies are who they say they are.
An estimated 6–7 million people will need to verify their identity by November 2026.
Verification will usually be a one-time process.
Who must verify
All company directors
People with significant control (PSCs)
How to verify your identity
GOV.UK One Login (online)
You’ll answer simple questions to find the best way to verify. You must provide answers about yourself, not your company. Depending on your answers, you’ll be guided to verify:
with an app, or
by answering security questions online, or
by entering details from your photo ID on GOV.UK One Login first, then visiting a participating Post Office.
Accepted photo ID for GOV.UK online verification
Biometric passport from any country
Full or provisional UK photo driving licence
UK biometric residence permit or card
UK Frontier Worker permit
If you don’t have accepted photo ID (UK residents)
You can verify in person at a Post Office or use details from your bank or building society account together with your National Insurance number.
If you cannot verify yourself
You can appoint an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify your identity on your behalf.
The ACSP must be registered with Companies House and a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
You’ll need to provide approved documents as evidence of your identity.
The agent may charge a fee.
What to expect next
Companies House will contact companies directly with guidance on what needs to be done and by when.