Companies House to roll out director ID verification

Companies House is introducing legal requirements this autumn for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identities.

From 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company in a bid to prevent fraud.

Existing directors must confirm verification when filing their next annual confirmation statement, while PSCs must do so within 12 months. Prospective directors may need to provide photo ID documents such as a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence.

Companies House said around six-seven million people are expected to verify by mid-November 2026.

The free, one-time process can be completed via Gov.UK’s One Login or a corporate service provider. Once verified, people will receive a code to use with future identity statements for each company role. 

The move comes in the wake of Companies House introducing measures last year to protect businesses, after numerous chefs reported that their restaurant addresses were being used without their consent.

The measures included stronger checks on company names, new rules for registered office addresses and greater powers to remove factually inaccurate information.

Companies House chief executive officer Louise Smyth said: “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.

“To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance. We encourage people to verify as early as possible.”

AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark added: “By introducing identity verification through Gov.UK One Login, we’re using technology to make life easier for people. It means companies can prove who’s behind them in a fast, secure and user-friendly way.”