Here Head of UK Entity Management Chelsea Chivers answers the frequently asked questions the Law Debenture Corporate Secretarial Services team receive in relation to Companies House Identity Verification.
Who is impacted by the new Identity Verification requirements?
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.
When is Companies House identity verification mandatory?
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.
I’m a Director/PSC, what do I need to do to verify my identity?
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.
I’m a Director/PSC, can one of my company’s support team manage this for me?
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.
I’m a Director of more than one company, what do I need to do?
You only need to verify your identity once, even if you're a director of multiple companies, as all of your roles will be linked together using your Companies House personal code. When setting up your verification, consider which email address would be most appropriate to use across all your directorships, as each email can only be used once. We recommend completing your verification voluntarily before it becomes mandatory to avoid compliance issues across all your companies.
What are the implications of non-compliance with Companies House identity verification?
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.
What does LawDeb's identity verification service offering include?
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.
Can LawDeb help directors who aren't UK residents to get verified?
Yes, LawDeb can assist non-UK resident directors. As an ACSP, LawDeb can accept a broader range of international documents including non-UK passports, EU driving licences, and national identity cards from EU countries, while providing professional guidance through UK requirements and handling direct submission to Companies House. Our bespoke managed service.
What documents are needed for Companies House identity verification?
There will be additional documents required for those based outside the UK or who have recently updated their details.
How long does mandatory identity verification take?
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.
I am self employed, can you verify my identity for Companies House?
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.
We have designed a platform that offers you a time saving process whilst retaining the peace of mind for which you come to Law Debenture.
Watch the video to see how our simple, streamlined, secure platform mitigates the risk for those managing compliance for multiple stakeholder.
Keep up to date with the latest news on identity verification requirements.