Companies House wants verification

Companies House wants verification

If you’ve had a notification from Companies House asking you to verify your identity as a company director, it’s not a scam!  From 18^th November 2025, under the Economic Crime & Corporate transparency Act 2023, any new directors appointed on or after 18^th November 2025 will be required to verify their identity with Companies House, as will persons with significant control.

Also, any current directors or persons with significant control will have until the company confirmation statement is due for filing to verify their identity with Companies House.  That includes non-executive directors, if they’re listed with Companies House.

A person with significant control is an individual or individuals who control a company or own a significant portion of the company (25% of the shares).

How to verify your ID

This verification process can be done through the gov.uk One Login.

You may have already had an email from Companies House with a link to the website.  You should be able to download the Gov.UK ID Check app, and you’ll need either your passport or a photo driving licence as proof of ID.  If your passport has a chip, the app can scan that. 

You’ll need to provide your full name and any other names you have been known by, date of birth, home address and 12 month address history and email address.

Once verified a code is sent to you and this will need to be sent to whoever normally files your confirmation statement for the company.

• Any director or persons with significant control who does not verify their identity could face prosecution and there can be penalties for both the company and individual director or person with significant control

While most accountants are happy to support their clients by helping with processes like this, for this you do have to do it yourself.  The good news is that it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.

Here’s some tips:

Before you start

• Gather your information: Have your full name, date of birth, and current residential address ready. The address must match the one on your ID.
• Get a valid ID: You’ll need a current passport or UK photo driving license. Some other government IDs are accepted, especially if using an ACSP.
• Use a unique email: You’ll need a unique email address for your GOV.UK One Login account. 

How to verify your identity

• Online (via GOV.UK One Login): This is a free and quick option, best done on a smartphone.
  • Start the process on the GOV.UK website and create a GOV.UK One Login if you don’t have one.
  • You will be prompted to use the GOV.UK ID Check App or enter details from your photo ID online. You may also need to take a selfie or video.
• In person (at a Post Office): If you can’t complete the process online, you can do so at a participating Post Office.

After verification

• Receive your code: You will receive a unique 11-character personal code via email or on-screen, depending on the method used.
• Keep it secure: This code is confidential. You will need to provide it to link your verified identity to your company roles. 

We’ve created a step-by-step guide and you can download your free copy here.

There’s also lots of useful information on the gov.uk website.