How to verify your identity for Companies House

5th March 2026

In November 2025, Companies House launched its new identity verification policy. Verifying your identity is now compulsory and all new and existing directors and PSCs must complete this process or risk being struck off the public register. 99p Company Formations have kept across this change in policy so our existing customers and clients are fully informed, but how exactly do you verify your identity and what does it mean for the future of your business?

Why identity verification has been introduced

Historically, it has been possible to register a UK limited company with minimal identity checks. While this made incorporation fast and accessible, it also created opportunities for inaccurate or misleading information to appear on the public register.

The UK government has introduced reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to strengthen trust in company data. Identity verification is a key part of this reform.

In practical terms, the aim is to ensure that:

• Every director is a real, verified individual

• People with Significant Control (PSCs) are properly identified

• Those submitting filings are authorised to do so

Who needs to verify their identity?

Identity verification will apply to individuals who are directly involved in forming or running a company.

This includes:

• Company directors

• People with Significant Control (PSCs)

• Members of LLPs

• Anyone filing information on behalf of a company

If you are setting up a new limited company, identity checks will form part of the incorporation process. Existing directors and PSCs will also be required to complete verification within a specified timeframe once the rules are fully implemented.

If you fail to verify when required, you may be prevented from:

• Acting as a director

• Submitting filings

• Incorporating new companies

There may also be penalties for non compliance.

When will identity verification be required?

The changes are being introduced in phases by Companies House.

For new companies, identity verification is expected to become mandatory as part of the formation process. For existing companies, directors and PSCs will be given a transition period to complete verification:

Existing directors: Verification must be completed before your next confirmation statement. Because the new changes were introduced in November 2025, this means you will need to be verified by November 2026. Those who are not registered before their following confirmation statement risk being struck off the public register

Existing PSCs (who are directors): Must be verified before their next confirmation statement.

Existing PSCs (who are not directors): must be verified within 14 days of their birth month.

How to verify your identity directly with Companies House

There are two primary ways to verify your identity: directly with Companies House or through an authorised intermediary.

If verifying directly, you will typically:

1. Create or log in to your Companies House account

2. Provide personal information (such as full name, date of birth, and address history)

3. Submit identity documentation

4. Complete digital checks using approved systems

Verifying through an authorised agent

An alternative option is to verify your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). These are regulated businesses permitted to carry out identity checks on behalf of clients.

Verifying your identity at the Post Office

For individuals who cannot complete digital identity checks, or who prefer an in person option, identity verification may also be completed at selected branches of the Post Office. The in branch process typically involves presenting your valid photographic identification to a trained staff member, who will verify the authenticity of the document and confirm your details.

You will still need to begin the verification process online to generate the necessary reference or application details before attending an appointment. Once completed, your identity verification will be recorded with Companies House in the same way as a digital submission.

This route can be particularly helpful if:

• You experience technical difficulties using online verification tools

• Your smartphone cannot support biometric checks

• Your documents fail automated digital validation

Which documents can be used for identification?

Accepted identification documents may include:

• A valid UK passport

• UK driving licence

• Biometric residence permit

• UK Frontier Worker Permit

• Other government issued photo ID

You may also be asked to complete facial recognition checks or upload images of documents to confirm authenticity.

What information will you need?

Although the exact process may vary slightly depending on the verification route, you should be prepared to provide identifying information about yourself. The details you provide must match the information recorded for your company. Even minor discrepancies in spelling or formatting can delay approval.

You will need:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Current residential address

• Previous address history (if requested)

• Valid photographic identification

What happens if you do not verify?

Companies House will have enhanced enforcement powers under the new reforms, meaning non compliance is likely to be treated more seriously than in the past.

You could:

• Be prevented from acting as a director

• Be unable to file confirmation statements or accounts

• Commit an offence under company law

• Face financial penalties

Your new Companies House personal code

A Companies House personal code is a unique identifier linked to an individual that is used to confirm authority when submitting certain filings. It is an 11 character code that that will be given to you once you verify your identity and is completely personal to you.

Once identity verification becomes fully integrated into the filing system, personal codes will help ensure that only verified individuals can make changes to company records.

After registering, you will be able to find your personal code by logging into your Companies House account and going to ‘Manage Account.’

Preparing for Companies House identity verification

If there are discrepancies between your ID documents and the public register, these may need correcting before verification can be approved. Taking these simple preparatory steps significantly reduces the likelihood of delays, particularly if you are verifying as part of a new company formation.

Before you verify your identity, make sure you:

• Confirm your full legal name matches your passport or driving licence exactly

• Check that your date of birth is correctly recorded on the Companies House register

• Review your residential address details for accuracy

• Ensure your photographic ID is valid and in date

• Check that your appearance matches your ID photograph (if using biometric verification)

• Gather any supporting documents you may need in advance

• Have access to your Companies House login details

How 99p Company Formations can help

At 99p Company Formations, we understand that regulatory changes can feel overwhelming for first time directors and frustrating for existing businesses.

Identity verification is designed to strengthen corporate transparency, but it also introduces new compliance steps that business owners must navigate carefully, and 99p Company Formations can assist you through this process.