Director Identity Verification Problem UK

Professional Support for Companies House Director Verification Problems

A director identity verification problem UK companies face can prevent a director from completing Companies House requirements, obtaining a personal code or completing certain company filings.

Mandatory identity verification for company directors became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025. The requirement is being introduced through a 12-month transition period, with individual directors receiving different deadlines depending on their circumstances.

Common Director Verification Problems

A director may experience problems because:

• Personal details do not match Companies House records

• The date of birth has been recorded incorrectly

• Identity documents cannot be accepted

• The verification process cannot establish the director's identity

• There are technical difficulties using GOV.UK One Login

• The director cannot use the available direct verification route

• An overseas director requires an alternative verification method

Companies House requires the information used for verification to match its records. Incorrect details, particularly an incorrect date of birth, may need to be corrected before verification can be completed.

Check Your Companies House Information

If verification is unsuccessful, first check the director's information against the company's Companies House record and identity documents.

Pay particular attention to:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Personal details

• Director appointment information

If the date of birth on the Companies House record is wrong, a replacement filing may be required before identity verification can proceed. Companies House currently warns that correcting such information can take up to 20 working days.

Use an Alternative Verification Route

Directors can verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login using an eligible form of photo identification, including a biometric passport from any country.

If the director cannot use the direct route, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can verify the identity on the director's behalf. ACSPs include qualifying professionals such as accountants and solicitors and must meet Companies House and UK AML supervision requirements.

Problems for Overseas Directors

An overseas director does not necessarily need to travel to the UK to complete identity verification.

An ACSP can provide an alternative verification route from overseas, making professional assistance useful for international directors who cannot successfully complete the direct process.

This can be particularly relevant to UK companies owned by overseas investors, international entrepreneurs and non-UK resident directors.

What Happens If a Director Does Not Verify?

A company may be unable to file its confirmation statement unless all relevant directors have completed the required identity verification and provided their personal codes.

A director who continues to act after their applicable verification deadline without complying may be committing an offence and could face enforcement action, including financial penalties or prosecution.

Where a company has received a default letter concerning an overdue identity verification statement, Companies House has a formal representation process for exceptional circumstances. The representation must normally be made within 28 days of the date on the default letter.

Fraser Bond Director Verification Support

Fraser Bond provides professional corporate administration support for UK and international clients dealing with Companies House identity verification requirements.

Support can include:

• Director identity verification assistance

• ACSP verification coordination

• Overseas director support

• Director appointment administration

• Companies House filing assistance

• Personal code administration

• PSC administration

• Registered office services

• Corporate compliance support

If you have a director identity verification problem UK companies need to resolve, addressing the underlying issue promptly can help prevent delays with important Companies House filings.