Director Verification UK - Companies House Identity Checks
Director verification UK is now an essential part of company compliance. Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a legal requirement for UK company directors, with a 12-month transition period for existing directors to complete the process by their applicable deadlines.
What is director verification in the UK?
Director verification is the process of confirming a company director's identity with Companies House. It was introduced to reduce fraud, improve transparency and make it more difficult for individuals to use companies for unlawful purposes.
Each director who successfully verifies their identity receives a personal code. This code is used to connect the verified identity with the director's company appointments and may need to be provided when filing the company's confirmation statement.
How does UK director verification work?
There are two main routes for completing Companies House identity verification:
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Directly through the Companies House service using GOV.UK One Login
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Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider - ACSP
An ACSP can include an eligible accountant, solicitor or company formation professional. The provider carries out the required identity checks and confirms the verification to Companies House.
The process is generally straightforward, but directors should make sure their personal information held by Companies House matches their identity documents before completing verification.
What happens after verification?
Once verification is successful, Companies House issues the director with a personal code. A director can use the same code to confirm their verified status for multiple company appointments, meaning they do not need to repeat the identity verification process for every company they direct.
Directors should keep the personal code secure and only share it with an authorised person when necessary, such as an accountant or filing agent acting on their behalf.
Director verification for overseas directors
UK companies can have directors based outside the UK, and identity verification can be completed through an appropriate ACSP from any country. This can be useful for international entrepreneurs establishing or managing a UK company.
For overseas company directors, Fraser Bond can provide practical guidance on UK company requirements and help coordinate appropriate professional support for corporate compliance.
What if a director does not verify their identity?
Failing to comply with Companies House identity verification requirements by the relevant deadline can result in an offence, financial penalties or prosecution. Companies House may also restrict certain activities for individuals who have not completed the required verification.
This makes director verification an important part of maintaining a compliant UK company.
UK company compliance support from Fraser Bond
Director verification is only one part of running a compliant UK company. Businesses may also need support with company formation, registered office requirements, PSC information, corporate administration and ongoing compliance.
Fraser Bond helps UK and international clients understand practical company and property-related requirements and can assist with coordinating appropriate professional services.
Speak to Fraser Bond
If you need help with director verification UK, Companies House identity checks or wider UK company compliance, Fraser Bond can help you understand the requirements and identify the appropriate professional support.
