Who Needs to Verify Identity at Companies House?
Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for people who hold certain roles in UK companies. The requirement was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to improve the accuracy of the company register and reduce the use of false identities.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
The main people who need to verify their identity are:
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Company directors - including new and existing directors
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People with Significant Control (PSCs) - individuals who own or control a company
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Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
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Certain equivalent officers and individuals covered by the Companies House reforms
A PSC can include someone who owns more than 25% of a company's shares or voting rights, has significant control over the company, or has the power to appoint or remove a majority of its directors.
Do Existing Directors Need to Verify?
Yes. Existing directors are included in the identity verification requirements.
The process is being phased in over a 12-month transition period. Directors generally provide their Companies House personal code when the company's confirmation statement is filed.
A company with several directors needs to ensure that each relevant director has completed the required verification before the confirmation statement is submitted.
Do New Directors Need to Verify?
Yes. New directors must complete the required identity verification when they are appointed or when a new company is incorporated.
After verification, the individual receives a personal code that is used to connect their verified identity with their Companies House role.
Do PSCs Need to Verify?
Yes. PSCs must also verify their identity.
A PSC who is not a director has a separate period in which to provide their personal code and verification statement to Companies House. If someone is both a director and a PSC, they only need to complete the identity verification process once, but their personal code must be provided separately for each relevant role.
Do Company Secretaries Need to Verify?
Company secretaries do not currently need to complete identity verification simply because they hold the role of company secretary.
This is different from directors and PSCs, who are within the current mandatory identity verification requirements.
How Can You Verify Your Identity?
There are currently two main routes:
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Directly through Companies House using GOV.UK One Login
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Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Once successfully verified, you receive a Companies House personal code. The same code can be used to confirm your identity for multiple company roles.
What Happens If You Do Not Verify?
Failing to comply with identity verification requirements can lead to enforcement action, including financial penalties and potential offences.
For directors, failure to meet the requirements can also affect the company's ability to complete certain Companies House filings.
Fraser Bond Companies House Verification Support
Fraser Bond provides practical UK company administration and compliance support for directors, PSCs, property companies and international businesses.
Support can include Companies House identity verification administration, personal code assistance, director compliance, PSC requirements, corporate filings and wider UK company administration.
If you are unsure whether you need to verify your identity or when your verification is due, professional support can help you understand the requirements and keep your company compliant.
