Companies House Identity Verification, are you ready?

Law Debenture - trusted ACSP - Delivering approved solutions for UK entity compliance

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If you’re a director, Person of Significant Control, or act on behalf of a UK entity, on the 18^th of November 2025 Companies House identity verification requirement becomes mandatory.

Don't bury your head in the sand.

As an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) for identity verification we take on the process for in house teams managing this for those affected within their company, reducing the burden and mitigating risk.

Companies House Approved : We mitigate your risk and relieve pressure on your in-house team

Law Debenture provides comprehensive Companies House identity verification services to ensure your UK entity meets mandatory compliance requirements. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we guarantee secure, efficient verification that protects your business from penalties and filing restrictions under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Reach out to our expert team at IDV@lawdeb.com to find out more.

Get Verified Now

Verification timeline : Key compliance deadlines

Already available: Voluntary identity verification - Since 8 April 2025

Mandatory deadline: All Directors, PSCs, and LLP members - 18 November 2025

Future requirements: Extended to all Companies House filers, Corporate Directors and Officers - Spring/Summer 2026

Risks of non-compliance

Failing to complete identity verification by the mandatory deadline can result in:

Criminal offences and financial penalties
Filing restrictions - inability to file documents with Companies House
Incorporation blocks - restrictions on starting new UK companies
Potential director disqualification in serious cases

Don't risk non-compliance – get verified with Law Debenture today.

Why choose Law Debenture as your ACSP?

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House and supervised under UK AML regulations, Law Debenture ensures your organisation meets compliance requirements on time and with minimal disruption.

Comprehensive Solution

Client dashboard for streamlined access and monitoring
Secure data retention to safeguard sensitive information
Clear instructions for all individuals on their obligations

Efficient Process

Electronic verification for quick compliance
Automated reminders to track progress efficiently
Unique code collation through our secure portal

Expert Support

Expert guidance throughout the entire process
Specialist technology and governance professionals
Trusted service with proven track record

How our verification service works

We reduce compliance risks while supporting your in-house team. Our governance professionals and specialist technology guide you through the entire identity verification process using a platform designed for efficiency while maintaining the peace of mind Law Debenture is trusted to provide.

We reduce compliance risks while supporting your in-house team. Our governance professionals and specialist technology guide you through the entire identity verification process using a platform designed for efficiency while maintaining the peace of mind Law Debenture is trusted to provide.

1️⃣ Initial Assessment: We review your entity structure and identify all individuals requiring verification

2️⃣ Secure Portal Access: Individuals receive secure access to our verification platform with clear instructions

3️⃣ Electronic Verification: Fast, secure identity verification using approved digital methods

4️⃣ Code Generation: Companies House Personal Codes are generated and securely delivered

5️⃣ Ongoing Compliance: We provide reminders and support for ongoing filing requirements

What happens after verification

Latest guidance in line with Gov.uk advice

Directors

Directors must submit their Companies House Personal Code as part of the Confirmation Statement for each of their directorships
New Directors need to obtain and submit their Personal Code upon appointment, including during the incorporation process

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

PSCs who are also Directors must submit their Personal Code within 14 days of the company's Confirmation Statement
PSCs who are not Directors must submit their Personal Code within the first 14 days of their birth month
New PSCs have 14 days from registration to submit their Personal Code

Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)

If a PSC is a Relevant Legal Entity rather than an individual, a Relevant Officer will need to be appointed
We are monitoring Companies House guidance for corporate entities and will update clients accordingly

Our trusted tech solution: smart, streamlined, secure : Our bespoke platform offers:

Client dashboard for streamlined access and monitoring;
Secure data retention to safeguard sensitive information;
Clear instructions to all individuals of their obligations and the process;
Electronic verification for efficient compliance;
Automated reminders to track progress efficiently;
Collation of unique code by return of directors through the portal; and
Expert guidance throughout the process.

Verification is mandatory from 18th November 2025 : Do you understand the requirements?

From 18th November 2025, companies needing to file a confirmation statement, appointment, or incorporation must ensure that every Director or PSC has verified their identity.

Head of UK Entity Management Chelsea Chivers sat down with The London Stock Exchange to explain more about the requirements. Watch the video to find out more.

LawDeb is an ACSP, authorised by Companies House to manage your Identity Verification (IDV) requirements. Our bespoke tech solution and expert governance team will mitigate your risk and deliver you peace of mind.

The verification process : It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? But the truth is, it may not be.

If your company has multiple directors and PSCs, across numerous territories, or faces further compliance complications, what should be a simple solution quickly turns into a cumbersome task.

Or worse, a mandatory requirement you fail to meet.

But that’s where LawDeb can help.

Request a quote for IDV solutions

70+ governance experts

120+ jurisdictions supported

5000+ entities managed

The latest identity verification news and updates

Keep up to date with the latest news on identity verification requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions :

All UK company directors (regardless of nationality or residence), Persons with Significant Control(PSCs), LLP members, and anyone filing documents at Companies House are now required to verify their identity at Companies House. This applies to both new and existing appointments, with no exemptions based on where directors live or their nationality.

Identity verification became voluntary from 8 April 2025 and will become mandatory from 18th November 2025 for all new company incorporations and director appointments. While existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month transition period starting Autumn 2025 to complete verification by their company's next confirmation statement, from Spring 2026, only verified individuals or Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) can file documents at Companies House.

Directors and PSCs must verify their identity by providing personal details (name, date of birth, address) and photo ID through either the GOV.UK One Login system or via an ACSP. Once verified, they receive a unique Companies House personal code that links all their company roles and only needs to be obtained once, even with multiple directorships. UK Companies must obtain this code from all Directors and PSCs to input into their next confirmation statement from Autumn 2025.

No, identity verification cannot be delegated - each director or PSC must personally verify their own identity and provide their documents directly. However, an ACSP can facilitate the process by guiding individuals through the requirements, validating documents, and handling the technical submission to Companies House, which is particularly helpful for non-UK residents who may find the direct route more challenging and large organisation who have a several individuals to verify.

Verify once, but use your earliest company deadline across all roles.

Your verification deadline = earliest company requirement:

New appointments: Must verify before appointment (from 18 Nov 2025)

Existing directors: Provide code with next confirmation statement after 18 Nov 2025

Multiple roles: Use earliest deadline across all companies

Example: If Company A's confirmation is due December 2025 and Company B's is March 2026, verify before December 2025.

Law Debenture advantage: Our platform tracks all your deadlines automatically.

Get multi-company verification plan

Failure to verify identity with Companies House is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines and potential imprisonment, with directors also facing possible disqualification. Companies cannot incorporate, appoint new directors, or file documents without verified individuals from 18th November 2025, and unverified directors will be marked publicly on the Companies House register, causing reputational damage and
operational difficulties.

LawDeb provides a comprehensive managed service through a custom-built portal that removes the administrative burden from groups. You simply upload individual names and emails to the portal, and LawDeb handles everything else including electronic verification, automated progress tracking, secure data retention, clear instructions to all individuals, collation of unique verification codes, and expert guidance throughout. The team manages the entire process and submits all verification statements directly to Companies House on your behalf.

Yes - Law Debenture specialises in international directors with broader document acceptance than Gov.UK direct route.

Why choose ACSP over Gov.UK direct route:

Accepts non-UK passports (up to 6 months expired)

EU driving licences and identity cards

Expert guidance for complex international situations

Professional support throughout the process

Documents we accept: International passports, EU/EEA identity cards, non-UK driving licences, UK residence permits.

Get international director consultation

Biometric Passport
Non-Biometric Passport
Photocard Driving Licence (UK, EU, Channel Islands, Isle of Man)
Biometric EU or EEA identity card
UK Biometric Residence Permit
UK Biometric Residence Card
Irish Passport Card
UK Frontier Worker Permit

There will be additional documents required for those based outside the UK or who have recently updated their details.

Once the details of the affected individuals has been uploaded and the required documents provided the verification and supply of the code can be completed within a few hours.

We are happy to verify individuals as well as being appointed by an organisation to manage all their affected stakeholders. Reach out to IDV@lawdeb.com to find out more.

Yes - verify immediately to avoid deadline rush delays and potential complications.

Three critical risks of waiting:

Deadline rush delays - Demand will peak approaching November 2025

Multiple company complications - If you hold roles across companies, your first deadline determines everything

Document issues - Time to resolve any verification problems before they become urgent

Benefit: Complete once, use across all your director roles.

Start verification today

Yes, if you are a UK company director, PSC, LLP member, company secretary, or file documents at Companies House.

You must verify if you are:

UK company director (any nationality, any location)

Person with Significant Control (PSC)

LLP member or managing officer

Company secretary

Anyone filing documents at Companies House

No exceptions based on nationality or residence location.

Key point: Verify once, use for all your roles across multiple companies.

Check your requirements

Choose between free Gov.UK One Login or Law Debenture's ACSP service with broader document acceptance and expert support.

Option 1: Gov.UK One Login (Free)

App verification, security questions, or Post Office visit

Limited document types accepted

No expert support for complex cases

Option 2: Law Debenture ACSP Service (Fee applies)

Wider range of accepted documents

48-hour processing guarantee

Expert guidance and support

Designed for complex business structures

What you receive: 11-character personal code for all future Companies House filings.

Detailed process steps:

Document submission - Provide acceptable ID and proof of address

Expert review - Law Debenture validates documents against requirements

Companies House submission - We handle technical filing

Code delivery - You receive your unique personal code

Ongoing support - Guidance on using your code for future filings

Start verification process | View accepted documents list

Yes - our platform is specifically designed for complex group company coordination across multiple jurisdictions.

Our group company process:

Upload director list - Names and email addresses only

Automated coordination - We contact each individual with clear instructions

Real-time tracking - Dashboard shows verification progress across your group

Code collection - All personal codes compiled for your confirmation statements

Deadline management - Ensures completion before your earliest company deadline

Why Law Debenture for complex groups:

5000+ entities managed globally - proven at scale

120+ jurisdiction expertise - international coordination

Technology platform - not manual spreadsheets

Single point of accountability - one team, one system

Request group company demonstration

Yes - Law Debenture coordinates identity verification with incorporation services to ensure all directors are pre-verified before appointment.

From 18 November 2025, no company can be incorporated without all directors being pre-verified. Law Debenture coordinates identity verification with incorporation services, ensuring directors are verified before appointment to avoid formation delays. This integrated approach becomes essential for time-sensitive incorporations.

Get integrated incorporation and verification service

Law Debenture can help immediately with broader document acceptance and expert review.

Common rejection reasons we solve:

Document type not accepted by Gov.UK system

International documents not recognised

Technical issues with app-based verification

Complex name variations or address histories

Our advantage: ACSP route accepts broader document types and provides expert review before submission.

Next steps: Email us your rejection details for immediate assessment.

Get emergency verification support

Law Debenture's ACSP service provides alternative pathways when direct verification fails due to technical problems.

Common technical failures include damaged passport chips, name mismatches between your ID and Companies House records, expired documents, or insufficient address proof. Law Debenture's ACSP service provides alternative pathways when direct verification fails, accepting a broader range of documents and providing expert resolution for complex cases.

Get technical issue resolution

We're a FTSE 250 company with 136 years of governance experience, managing 5000+ entities globally through a bespoke technology platform.

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