As of February 2026, UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) are required to undergo mandatory identity verification with Companies House. This stems from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), which aims to combat fraud, enhance the accuracy of company registers, and prevent the misuse of companies for criminal purposes.
The rules took effect on 18 November 2025 as the start of a 12-month transition period. This is not a hard deadline for everyone—specific due dates apply based on your role and company—but non-compliance risks include offences, fines, or public notes on the register.
What is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?
A PSC is anyone who owns or controls a company, typically through one or more of these conditions:
- Holds more than 25% of shares or voting rights.
- Can appoint or remove a majority of directors.
- Exercises significant influence or control over the company (or a trust/firm that controls it).
PSCs include major shareholders, family members in owner-managed businesses, or investors with real influence—even if not formally a director.
What is a person with significant control?
Companies must register PSC details (name, DOB, nationality, service address, nature of control, etc.) and update them within 14 days of changes. If no PSC exists, a statement explains why.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
Individual directors (including overseas company directors and LLP members/equivalents) and individual PSCs.
- Corporate directors, corporate PSCs (relevant legal entities), and filers/submitters are not yet required (expected no earlier than November 2026).
- Verification is personal: one person, one identity (linked to GOV.UK One Login email).
How to Verify Your Identity
You verify once and receive a Companies House personal code (reusable for multiple roles/companies).
Options:
Online via GOV.UK One Login (fastest for most):
- Accepted photo ID: biometric passport (any country), UK photo driving licence, UK BRP/BRC, or Frontier Worker permit.
- Provide current address details.
- Alternatives if no photo ID: bank details + security questions, or Post Office in-person check.
- Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP): An accountant, solicitor, or other AML-regulated professional verifies on your behalf. If you need help, get in touch.
After verification, use the personal code to link your identity to each role.
Key Timelines (as of 2026)
For Directors
- New directors (from 18 Nov 2025): Verify before filing for appointment or company incorporation. Provide personal code with the appointment.
- Existing directors: Provide personal code in the company’s next confirmation statement (CS01). If you manage multiple companies, do this for each company.
For PSCs
- New PSCs (from 18 Nov 2025): Provide personal code when notifying Companies House (or within 14 days of being added).
Existing PSCs:
- If also a director: 14-day window starts the day after your company’s confirmation statement date.
- If PSC only: First 14 days of your birth month (e.g., 1–14 February if birthday in February).
- Use the dedicated service: Provide identity verification details for a PSC.
Special Case: Director + PSC of the Same Company
You must provide the code separately for each role:
- Director → via confirmation statement.
- PSC → via the PSC service (within 14 days after confirmation statement).
Check your exact due dates on the Companies House register (under the “People” tab for the company).
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- You commit an offence (directors acting without verification).
- Companies House may issue default notices, fines, or public notes.
- Extensions: Request a 14-day extension online before your deadline expires.
Practical Tips for Compliance in 2026
- Verify early via GOV.UK One Login if possible—it’s quick and reusable.
- Keep your Companies House personal details (name, DOB, address) matching your ID documents.
- Directors: Plan your next confirmation statement around verification.
- PSCs: Note your birth-month window or post-confirmation 14-day period.
- Use an ACSP (accountant/solicitor) if you prefer support or lack suitable ID.
- Check the status regularly on the public register.
Looking Ahead
From no earlier than November 2026, people filing documents at Companies House (presenters) will also need verification unless using an ACSP like us.
These changes make the UK register more trustworthy and protect legitimate businesses.
Need help? Visit the official guidance:
Stay compliant—verify today to avoid issues tomorrow. If you run a company, review all directors and PSCs now. Questions? Comment below or contact us for support.
(Information current as of February 2026; always check GOV.UK for the latest.)