Companies House Verification Deadline Approaching - What to Do
If your Companies House identity verification deadline is approaching, the safest approach is to complete the process as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day. Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs. The exact deadline depends on your role and circumstances.
Check Your Exact Verification Deadline
Do not assume that 18 November 2026 is your personal deadline. Existing directors generally need to verify before their company's next confirmation statement, while PSCs have specific 14-day verification periods depending on their circumstances.
Companies House provides information about the relevant due dates, so check the position for each company role you hold.
Complete Verification Before the Deadline
There are currently two main ways to verify your identity:
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Directly through GOV.UK One Login and the Companies House verification service
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Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as an eligible accountant or solicitor
An ACSP can verify your identity on your behalf and can be particularly useful if you are overseas or experiencing problems with the direct verification process.
Once verification is successful, you receive an 11-character Companies House personal code. Keep this code safe because you will need it to confirm your verified status for relevant company roles.
What If Verification Is Not Working?
Do not leave the problem until the deadline.
Check that your personal details held by Companies House match your identity information. Incorrect details, including a date of birth recorded incorrectly, can prevent your verified identity from being connected to your Companies House record.
If the direct verification route continues to fail, consider using an ACSP instead.
What If You Cannot Meet the Deadline?
For PSCs, Companies House can extend the verification period by up to 14 days in appropriate circumstances, and the extension should be requested before the original deadline passes.
For directors, failing to complete the required verification can put both the individual and company in breach of the relevant requirements. Companies House can use enforcement measures including financial penalties, register annotations and prosecution in appropriate cases.
Do Not Wait Until the Last Day
If your verification deadline is approaching, the practical steps are simple:
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Check your exact Companies House deadline.
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Start identity verification immediately.
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Make sure your Companies House personal details are accurate.
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Complete the process through GOV.UK One Login or an authorised agent.
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Save your personal code after successful verification.
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Make sure the code is provided for each relevant company role when required.
Completing verification early also reduces the risk of a failed check, technical problem or filing deadline leaving you without enough time to resolve the issue.
Fraser Bond Can Help
Fraser Bond can assist directors, PSCs, overseas business owners and UK companies approaching Companies House verification deadlines.
Support can include identifying the applicable verification requirement, helping with the appropriate verification route and assisting with related Companies House compliance and filing issues.
If your deadline is close, dealing with verification now is far safer than waiting until your filing is blocked or enforcement action becomes an issue.
