Mandatory ID Verification for individual directors, LLP Members and persons with significant control (‘PSC’) is required from 18 November 2025.

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 the UK government has introduced identity verification for individuals involved in UK corporates. This is a major reform aimed at improving corporate transparency and tackling economic crime.

Companies House is urging businesses to get ahead of the curve in respect of ID Verification to avoid unnecessary delays when filing certain documents with the Registrar.

Who is required to verify their ID with effect from 18 November 2025?

All new and existing:

• Directors
• Persons with significant control (‘PSC’); and
• Members of limited liability partnerships.

Before attempting to verify their identity, individuals should ensure that the personal details they have already disclosed to Companies House (if any) are accurate and up to date.

When will ID Verification be required?

Notwithstanding the stated twelve-month transition period from 18 November 2025, the deadline for ID verification will depend on the circumstances.

ID Verification will be required

• for new directors on the incorporation of a company, and before being appointed to an existing company;

• for new members on the incorporation of an LLP, and before being appointed to an existing LLP;

• for existing directors and LLP members, at the same time as the entity files its next annual confirmation statement; and

• for PSCs within a specified 14 day window.

For PSCs the 14 day window is dependent on whether they are also a director of the company:

• For existing appointments at 18 November 2025:

  • if the PSC is also a director of the company, the 14 day window will commence with the confirmation statement date (though in practice notification is likely to be simultaneous).
  • if the PSC is not a director of the company, the 14 day window will commence with the start of their birth month following 18 November 2025 (eg a deadline of 14 December 2025 if born on 20 December).

• For new notifications from 18 November 2025, the deadline will be 14 days from the date the PSC is registered with Companies House.

The Companies House website will show the due dates for each director, LLP Member and PSC from 18 November 2025, which should be helpful for those that have multiple roles or appointments. By the end of the 12-month transition period all relevant individuals should have had their identity verified.

Records of ID verification will be maintained at Companies House so it will only be necessary to verify someone's identity once, except in specific circumstances (eg if someone changes their name).

What happens if you fail to verify ID?

Individuals will be committing an offence and may have to pay a fine if they don’t comply with ID Verification requirements.

Non-compliance may result in the entity and other directors committing an offence, the inability to file documents or create a new company at Companies House in a timely manner, or disqualification from acting as a director.

How does ID verification work?

There are two methods of ID verification available (direct and indirect), both having the same level of identity assurance. A personal code will be generated once a person’s ID has been verified.

Direct – via Companies House and the GOV.UK One Login

There should be no charge for ID verification using any of the following methods outlined by Companies House.

Individuals can verify their identity directly with Companies House via a GOV.UK One Login.  This is a free service which matches a person to their primary ID document (e.g. a passport or photo driving licence) using biometric technology. The aim is to make the process as easy as possible and verification can be done via a smartphone.

Those who do not have acceptable photo ID but who live in the UK may still be able to verify their identity using their bank or building society details and National Insurance number through the GOV.UK service. This will also require the applicant to answer some security questions.

Individuals that cannot verify online, may be able to complete the ID verification process at a participating Post Office that offers 'in branch’ verification.

Indirect – using an agent

For those unable to use or access the direct service, ID verification can also be carried out by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), being an intermediary such as a professional services firm or company formation agent. Please be aware that ACSPs will charge for this service.

While RSM does not offer an ID verification service, we can provide the details of ACSPs we have worked with previously upon request.

Every individual must interact personally with GOV.UK or an ACSP to verify their identity. No-one can do this on someone else’s behalf.

Everyone whose identity has been verified will receive a unique identity code which they will need to keep in a safe place and disclose when making certain filings at Companies House.If you would like further information about how the Companies House reforms might impact your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Trish Sankey or your usual RSM contact.

_{This article was updated on 07 November 2025 to reflect the latest guidance from Companies House regarding the implementation of mandatory ID verification for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs), effective from 18 November 2025.}

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