New Companies House Rules

It will soon be mandatory for directors to verify their identities. We explain how you can prepare.

New Companies House Rules

New rules mean it will soon be mandatory for directors and people with significant control to verify their identities with Companies House. We explain when the changes will take place and how you can prepare.

Companies House Identity Verification – Coming Soon

The Government has announced new rules affecting companies and business owners. From 18 November 2025, it will be mandatory for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identities with Companies House.

The new identity verification will be phased in over 12 months to enable all companies and individuals to comply. Companies House will be contacting companies to tell them what their directors and PSCs need to do to meet their identity verification requirements.

With an estimated 6-7 million individuals needing verification by 18 November 2026, we advise you to act early to avoid last-minute stress and potential delays in filing.

From 18 November 2025, you’ll need to provide your personal code and a verification statement confirming you’ve successfully verified your identity for each company role you hold.

How we can help

These changes may feel like yet another layer of admin, but you don’t need to handle it alone. As accountants, we can:

• Guide you through the verification process.
• Make sure your company’s confirmation statements are filed correctly and on time.
• Help PSCs and directors meet their deadlines with minimal fuss.
• Act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), managing the process on your behalf.

Although the rules don’t come into force until 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs are encouraged to voluntarily verify their identity early. Verifying early will give you peace of mind and keep your company running smoothly.

Get in touch with us to discuss how we can support you and make sure your business is ready for these important changes. Call 01603 812131 or email enquire@swintonaccountants.co.uk

How to verify

There are two main ways you can verify your identity:

GOV.UK One Login

A free online process which should be relatively quick and easy. You can read more about this here.

Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

As accountants, we can verify on behalf of our clients.

Once verified, individuals will receive a personal code from Companies House, which they’ll use alongside a verification statement whenever they take on new roles.

Whichever way you choose to verify, if we handle your Confirmation Statements and other filings, you’ll need to send us your personal code.

What happens if you don’t verify?

It will be a legal requirement to verify your identity if you act as a director. Although Companies House has stated it will support businesses to comply, non-compliance could mean disruption to your role, or penalties, as well as being unable to file which, in turn, could lead to further penalties.