Big Changes Are Coming to Companies House

The UK government is rolling out one of the biggest reforms to Companies House in decades — introducing digital identity verification for all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and authorised filing agents.

From 18 November 2025, you won’t be able to form a company, become a director, or act as a PSC unless your identity has been verified through the new Companies House Digital ID system. This new framework forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at stopping fraud and improving trust in UK businesses.

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💡 What Is the Companies House Personal Verification Code?

Once you verify your identity (using GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised agent), you’ll receive a unique personal verification code — sometimes called a digital ID code.

This personal code:
✅ Confirms your identity with Companies House
✅ Links you to all companies you’re involved in
✅ Must be used for future filings, such as confirmation statements or appointments
✅ Is unique to you, not your company — and can be reused for multiple roles

If the code is ever lost or compromised, you can request a new one from Companies House. You should only share it with trusted professionals (for example, your accountant or company agent).

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🧾 Who Must Verify Their Identity?

From 2025, identity checks will apply to:

• Company Directors (new and existing)
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• LLP Members
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) — such as accountants and company formation agents

Existing directors and PSCs will need to complete verification by their next confirmation statement after November 2025.

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🗓️ Key Dates to Remember

Date	Change
April 2025	Voluntary digital verification opens via GOV.UK One Login
18 November 2025	Identity verification becomes mandatory for new directors and PSCs
2026 onwards	Full enforcement and integration with all company filings

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🧠 Why the Change?

For years, Companies House relied on self-reported information — meaning anyone could form a company using false details. These reforms aim to:

• Increase transparency and accountability
• Reduce fraud and money-laundering
• Improve public confidence in the UK business register
• Ensure every director or PSC is a verified real person

It’s all part of a wider move to strengthen the integrity of UK business data and protect the reputation of the UK as a safe place to trade.

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⚙️ How to Verify Your Identity

There are two main routes to verification:

1. Direct Verification via GOV.UK One Login
   You’ll log in using your existing GOV.UK account and follow the secure ID check process (uploading passport, driving licence, or similar).
2. Through an Authorised Agent (ACSP)
   Accountants, tax advisers such as Taxes Done Right Ltd, or company formation agents can verify on your behalf, provided they’re registered and supervised under anti-money-laundering regulations.

Once verified, you’ll receive your personal verification code by email or within your Companies House dashboard.

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🚀 What Businesses Should Do Now

To prepare for the 2025 deadline:

1. Create your GOV.UK One Login if you don’t already have one.
2. Verify early – don’t wait until the last minute.
3. Record your personal code safely once issued.
4. Update internal records and procedures – ensure directors and PSCs are verified before your next confirmation statement.
5. If you’re an agent, register as an ACSP to verify clients’ identities legally.

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⚖️ What Happens If You Don’t Verify?

Failure to verify by the deadline could mean:

• You cannot act as a company director
• Your company may be unable to file legally required documents
• Possible financial penalties or disqualification

Companies House will not accept filings from unverified individuals after the system goes live.

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✅ The Bottom Line

The new digital ID and personal code system mark a major step forward in transparency and trust for UK businesses.

While it adds an extra layer of admin, it will ultimately make it harder for criminals to misuse company structures — and easier for legitimate business owners to prove who they are.

If you’re a director, PSC, or company agent, take early action now so you’re ready well before the November 2025 deadline.

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📞 Need help with compliance?

At Taxes Done Right Ltd, we’re already registered and preparing for these Companies House changes.
We can help you:
✔ Verify your identity smoothly
✔ Register your company or file confirmation statements correctly
✔ Stay compliant under the new 2025 verification rules