PSC Verification Service - Companies House Identity Checks for UK Businesses
A PSC verification service helps People with Significant Control - PSCs - complete the identity verification requirements introduced by Companies House. Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025, with deadlines applying according to the individual's circumstances.
What is PSC verification?
A PSC is an individual who ultimately owns or controls a UK company. This can include someone who holds more than 25% of the company's shares or voting rights, can appoint or remove a majority of directors, or otherwise exercises significant control.
PSC verification confirms the individual's identity and connects it to their Companies House record.
Once verification is completed, the PSC receives a unique Companies House personal code.
How does a PSC verification service work?
A PSC can verify their identity directly with Companies House or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider - ACSP.
An ACSP can be an accountant, solicitor or other eligible professional registered with Companies House and supervised for UK Anti-Money Laundering purposes. The provider checks the required identity evidence and reports the verification to Companies House.
The ACSP route can be particularly convenient for business owners who want professional assistance with the process.
What happens after PSC verification?
After an ACSP completes the identity check, Companies House sends the PSC a personal code to the email address supplied during verification.
The PSC then uses the personal code to connect their verified identity to their Companies House record. The public register can show a verification statement containing the person's name, verification date and the ACSP that carried out the check.
PSC verification for overseas business owners
PSC verification is also relevant to beneficial owners who live outside the UK. Companies House allows identity verification through an ACSP from any country, provided the agent is appropriately authorised.
This can make professional verification useful for international entrepreneurs who own or control UK companies but are based overseas.
What happens if a PSC does not verify?
A PSC who fails to meet the applicable identity verification requirements may be committing an offence and could face a financial penalty or fine. Companies House can also display a compliance note against the individual's name on the public register.
Companies and PSCs should therefore keep track of their applicable verification deadlines.
Choosing a PSC verification provider
If you use an ACSP, check that the provider is properly registered with Companies House and appropriately supervised for AML purposes.
Companies House publishes a list of ACSPs, although the list may not contain every registered provider. Businesses should also consider the provider's experience, reputation, services, fees and whether verification can be completed remotely.
PSC compliance support from Fraser Bond
PSC verification is only one part of UK corporate compliance. Businesses may also need support with Companies House filings, confirmation statements, director verification, registered office services and maintaining accurate ownership information.
Fraser Bond can help UK and international clients understand these requirements and coordinate appropriate professional corporate support.
Speak to Fraser Bond
If you need a PSC verification service, beneficial owner verification or wider Companies House compliance support, Fraser Bond can help you understand the applicable requirements and arrange practical professional assistance.
