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🇬🇧 Registry18 Nov 2025

Identity verification becomes compulsory for UK directors and PSCs

From 18 November 2025, anyone becoming a director or person with significant control of a UK company must verify their identity with Companies House. Existing directors confirm verification with their company's next confirmation statement over a 12-month transition. More than 1.5 million people had already verified voluntarily. Failing to comply on time is an offence.

Compulsory identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 began on 18 November 2025.

What applies now
  • Anyone who becomes a director or a person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity with Companies House.
  • Existing directors confirm their verification with a statement and personal code when the company files its next confirmation statement, over a 12-month transition. Companies House is writing to companies with their dates.
  • Directors and PSCs can check the register for the verification due date of each role.
  • Verification is free through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. It is usually done once.
Enforcement

Not complying on time is an offence. Companies House said consequences could include financial penalties, referral to the Insolvency Service and prosecution, with a transparent, consistent and proportionate approach set out in its compliance and enforcement framework.

Take-up

More than 1.5 million people verified voluntarily between April and 18 November 2025, passing one million by early November.

What to do

Check that every director's verification and personal code is ready before each company's confirmation statement date, and track PSC deadlines separately.

Sources