What is Companies House Identity Verification?

Enacted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, mandatory identity verification requires all UK company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and corporate service providers to verify their identity using official photo ID.

How do directors verify their identity with Companies House?

Verification can be completed digitally via GOV.UK One Login using a biometric passport or driving licence, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as a solicitor or chartered accountant.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Directors who fail to verify their identity within the transition window commit a criminal offence, face fines up to £2,000, disqualification from holding directorships, and restriction from filing company documents.

What is Companies House Identity Verification?

Enacted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, mandatory identity verification requires all UK company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and corporate service providers to verify their identity using official photo ID.

How do directors verify their identity with Companies House?

Verification can be completed digitally via GOV.UK One Login using a biometric passport or driving licence, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as a solicitor or chartered accountant.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Directors who fail to verify their identity within the transition window commit a criminal offence, face fines up to £2,000, disqualification from holding directorships, and restriction from filing company documents.

Home/Uk/Companies House Id Verification Guide

Economic Crime Act 2024Companies House MandatoryGOV.UK One Login

Companies House ID Verification Guide 2025/2026

Complete legal and compliance guide to Companies House mandatory identity verification for UK directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and LLPs using GOV.UK One Login or ACSP agents.

UK Business Registration →Company Setup Guide →

Director & PSC Verification Timeline Checker

Check your verification deadline and required documentation

Company Role

Company Incorporation Status

12-Month Transition Window (By November 2026)

Must verify identity upon filing next annual Confirmation Statement (CS01)

Non-Compliance Penalty: Fine up to £2,000, director disqualification, and company strike-off notice

Economic Crime Act Reforms Explained

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 represents the biggest reform to UK company law in 170 years. Designed to prevent fraudulent incorporations, money laundering, and shell company abuse, Companies House now requires verifiable proof of identity from all individuals who control or register UK entities.

Two Approved Verification Methods

Feature	Method 1: Direct via GOV.UK One Login	Method 2: Via Authorised Agent (ACSP)
Cost	100% Free	Varies by accountant / solicitor fee
Required ID	Biometric Passport, UK Driving Licence, BRP	Certified identity documents verified by agent
Process	NFC smartphone app scan & facial selfie match	ACSP submits verification statement to Companies House
Personal Code	Issued directly to your GOV.UK account	Issued directly to your GOV.UK account

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All directors of UK limited companies, regardless of nationality or residence, must complete identity verification using an international biometric passport via GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP agent.

Verification is a one-off process. Once verified, your unique Companies House personal code is linked to all your current and future directorships.

Failing to verify is a criminal offence. The unverified director faces fines up to £2,000, disqualification, and Companies House will block the filing of the company's annual Confirmation Statement.