What is director identity verification?

As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the government has introduced mandatory identity verification for anyone who serves as a company director, person with significant control (PSC), or member of a limited liability partnership (LLP). The change is designed to improve transparency and reduce fraud on the Companies House register.

From 18 November 2025, Companies House requires every qualifying individual to prove they are who they claim to be. Once verified, you receive a unique Companies House personal code that must be used whenever you make filings — including your company’s confirmation statement.

Already a director?

Existing directors must verify their identity ahead of their company’s next annual confirmation statement due after 18 November 2025. You cannot file that statement without your verified personal code — and failure to comply is a criminal offence.

Who does this apply to?

The requirement affects a broad range of individuals connected to UK companies. You will need to verify if you are any of the following:

Company Director

All individual directors of UK registered companies, including those of dormant or non-trading companies.

Person with Significant Control (PSC)

Typically anyone owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or exercising significant influence over a company.

LLP Member

Individual members and designated members of limited liability partnerships registered in the UK.

Overseas Directors

Directors of overseas companies with a UK establishment must also comply, even if they are based abroad.

Good news if you hold multiple directorships

You only need to verify once. Your personal code applies across all companies where you serve as a director or PSC — you will not need to repeat the process for each appointment.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Failing to verify on time is not a minor administrative matter. The consequences are serious and can affect both you personally and your company:

Criminal offence — both the individual and the company commit an offence by failing to verify within the required timeframe.
Filing blocked — your company will be unable to make further filings at Companies House, including the confirmation statement, until verification is complete.
Unable to act as director — unverified individuals cannot be formally appointed or continue to act as a director.
Public censure — Companies House may publicly annotate your record, visible to anyone searching the register.
Civil and criminal penalties — potential fines, disqualification proceedings, or other sanctions under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

How Beck Hill Ltd can help?

As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House, we are authorised to verify your identity on your behalf — and to guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Here is how we support our clients:

Identity verification as your ACSP

We can verify your identity on your behalf using your documents, making the process straightforward even if you struggle with online systems or have non-standard documentation.

Support for multiple directors

If your company has several directors or PSCs, we coordinate the verification process for all of them — keeping everything on track and ensuring no one is missed.

Compliance advice

We provide clear, practical guidance on whether you need to verify, when your deadline falls, and what the rules mean for your specific company structure.

Get a personal consultation.

Office

Shaw Trust, Darcy Business Park, Llandarcy, Neath, SA10 6EJ

Contact

contact@beatabeck.co.uk

Identity Check for Directors

Companies House Compliance.