Setting up a limited company in the UK involves more than choosing a company name and submitting registration documents. Directors must also meet Companies House identity verification requirements before taking up their roles.
Identity verification helps Companies House confirm that the people setting up, managing and controlling companies are who they claim to be. It also supports more reliable company records and helps reduce the risk of fraud.
Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a legal requirement for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs), with specific deadlines depending on their roles and circumstances.
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If you plan to incorporate a UK company, understanding these requirements early can help you prepare the necessary details and avoid delays during registration.
1. What Is Companies House Identity Verification?
Companies House identity verification is a process that confirms an individual’s identity before they carry out certain company-related roles.
Under the UK’s company law reforms, individuals covered by the requirements must prove their identity and receive a unique Companies House personal code.
This requirement applies to people such as:
- Company directors: Individuals appointed to manage a limited company.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs): Individuals who meet the legal conditions for significant ownership or control of a company.
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): Approved agents, such as eligible accountants or company formation professionals, who can verify clients’ identities for Companies House purposes.
Not every shareholder must verify their identity simply because they own shares. The requirement depends on the person’s role and whether they meet the relevant conditions.
2. Why Is Identity Verification Important When Incorporating a Company?
Identity verification plays an important role in the company registration process. Here are the main reasons new business owners should prepare for it.
Confirms the Identity of Company Directors
A director has legal responsibilities for the company. Companies House identity verification helps establish that the individual being appointed is the person they claim to be.
This supports greater transparency about who manages a registered business.
Helps Reduce Fraud and Misuse
Criminals may attempt to use false identities or company registrations for unlawful purposes. Identity verification adds a check designed to make this type of misuse more difficult.
It also helps improve confidence in the information available on the Companies House register.
Supports the Incorporation Process
When registering a new company, you will be asked to provide the Companies House personal code for each director as part of the registration filing.
Preparing these codes before submitting the application helps you complete the relevant requirements more efficiently.
Helps Directors Meet Their Legal Obligations
Identity verification is not simply an optional administrative step. Directors must comply with the requirements that apply to their appointments.
Completing verification and providing the required personal code at the correct stage helps directors meet their legal obligations.
3. Who Needs to Verify Their Identity During Company Formation?
The main focus during incorporation is the identity verification of each proposed director. However, you should also consider whether any individuals will be PSCs.
Proposed Company Directors
Every proposed director must complete the required identity verification process and obtain a Companies House personal code.
You must provide the relevant code for each director as part of the company registration filing.
If you are setting up a company with several directors, each individual must complete their own verification. One director cannot verify another director’s identity using their own personal code.
People with Significant Control
A PSC is an individual who meets one or more legal conditions for significant ownership or control. These can include holding more than 25% of the company’s shares or voting rights, having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board, or otherwise exercising significant influence or control.
PSCs must also meet the applicable identity verification requirements and provide their personal codes within the relevant deadlines.
The timing for providing a PSC’s code can differ from the director’s incorporation requirement. Check the official guidance for the circumstances that apply to each individual.
Shareholders Who Are Not Directors or PSCs
A person does not automatically need to verify their identity for Companies House solely because they hold shares.
However, if that shareholder is also a director or meets the conditions for being a PSC, the relevant verification requirements will apply to those roles.
4. How Can You Verify Your Identity for Companies House?
Companies House provides two main routes for individuals to verify their identity.
Option 1: Use GOV.UK One Login
You can use the official online service to verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide information from an accepted identity document and complete additional checks.
The service will guide you through the available verification options.
Option 2: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
You can also use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a registered company formation agent or an eligible accountant or solicitor.
An ACSP can verify your identity in accordance with Companies House requirements. This may be useful if you need assistance with the process or prefer professional support.
Before using a provider, confirm that it is registered with Companies House as an ACSP and can provide the service you need.
5. What Is a Company’s House Personal Code?
After successfully verifying your identity, you receive a unique Companies House personal code.
This code helps Companies House connect your verified identity with the relevant company roles and filings.
Keep these points in mind:
- Each individual receives their own personal code.
- You generally use the same code for your relevant roles across multiple companies.
- You must provide the code when Companies House requires it for an appointment or filing.
- You should keep the code secure and share it only when necessary for a legitimate Companies House process.
For example, if you are setting up two companies and will act as a director of both, you generally do not need to complete identity verification twice. You use your own personal code for the relevant filings for each company.
6. What Happens If You Do Not Complete Identity Verification?
Failing to meet the relevant identity verification requirements can create compliance problems for the individuals involved and their company.
For example, if you are incorporating a new company, you need the required personal codes for its proposed directors as part of the registration filing. You should therefore complete verification before submitting the application.
Directors must also comply with the legal requirements that apply to their appointments. Acting as a director without the required verification can be unlawful.
PSCs must meet their own applicable verification and code-submission deadlines. Failure to comply may also have legal consequences.
Do not assume that verifying your identity once means every requirement is automatically complete. You must still provide your personal code for the relevant company role or filing when required.
If you are unsure about a deadline or have difficulty completing verification, check the latest Companies House guidance before proceeding.
7. How Can You Prepare for Identity Verification Before Incorporation?
You can make the company formation process more straightforward by preparing in advance.
Follow these practical steps:
- Identify the proposed directors: Confirm who will act as a director of the new company.
- Check identity verification status: Find out whether each proposed director has already completed verification.
- Complete verification where necessary: Use GOV.UK One Login or an eligible ACSP.
- Obtain each personal code: Make sure every proposed director can access their own code.
- Review PSC information: Identify anyone who meets the PSC conditions and check their applicable requirements.
- Prepare the incorporation details: Check the proposed company name, registered office, registered email address, share structure and other required information.
- Submit the registration correctly: Provide the required personal codes and other details as part of the incorporation filing.
Preparing these details before submitting your application can reduce avoidable mistakes and help you meet Companies House requirements, also you can consider BusinAssist Companies House Identity Verification guide to get complete information.
