From 18 November 2025, every UK company director, including contractors running their own limited company, will need to complete a formal identity verification with Companies House.

This isn’t something you can ignore or put off. Without a verified ID, you won’t be able to continue in your role, take on new directorships, or file essential company documents.

It’s part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to stop fraudsters exploiting gaps in the system and to improve the accuracy of the public register.

Why the rules are changing

Until now, you could become a company director or set up a business without proving who you are. That loophole has been abused by fraudsters.

The new rules close the gap:

• Every director and person with significant control (PSC) must prove their identity.
• This applies whether you’re UK-based or overseas.

When it starts and who it affects

The verification system is already live on a voluntary basis – so you can do it now.

From 18 November 2025:

• New directors and PSCs must verify before they’re appointed.
• Existing directors and PSCs have 12 months to comply. For most, the check will be tied to the next confirmation statement.
• This includes contractors with small, single-director limited companies.

How to verify your identity

There are three official routes (details on GOV.UK):

1. Online via GOV.UK One Login – Free and straightforward for anyone with a valid photo ID (UK driving licence or biometric passport).
2. At a participating Post Office – Start online, then complete the process in a branch.
3. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – For example, an accountant or solicitor registered with Companies House. This may be the best option if you’re overseas or don’t have the right ID.

Once verified, you’ll get a personal Companies House code. This belongs to you (not your company) and links your identity to every directorship you hold.

Why you should act early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Millions of people will need to verify in late 2025, so delays are inevitable.

Acting now helps you avoid:

• Bottlenecks as the deadline approaches.
• Mismatches between your ID and Companies House records (e.g. date of birth or name format errors). Fixing these can take time.
• Disruptions caused if a co-director or PSC hasn’t verified – one missing person can hold up your company’s filings.

What happens if you don’t comply

Failure to verify when required is a legal offence. Possible consequences include:

• Being unable to file confirmation statements or other Companies House documents.
• Financial penalties or, in serious cases, disqualification as a director.
• For new appointments, you simply won’t be registered.

What to do now

✔️ Check your details – Make sure your Companies House record matches your ID exactly.
✔️ Choose your method – Online, Post Office, or ACSP.
✔️ Talk to your accountant – Ask if they’ll handle ACSP verification on your behalf (some may charge separately).
✔️ Brief your co-directors/PSCs – Everyone needs to complete the process for your company to stay compliant.

For most contractors, the process should be quick and painless – especially if you tackle it early. Full guidance is available on GOV.UK.

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