Mandatory identity checks for company directors – what you need to know

From late this year, limited company contractors will have a new administrative task to deal with, and it is not something you can ignore or delay.

From 18 November 2025, every UK company director and anyone classed as a person with significant control will have to complete formal identity verification with Companies House.

It sits within the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, a reform aimed at cutting down on fraudulent appointments and improving the accuracy of the public register.

This is a one-off process, but you will need it in place before you can carry on in your role, or take on any new company roles, once the rules switch on.

Why the rules are changing

Until now, it has been possible to set up a company or become a director without providing proof of identity to Companies House. Fraudsters have abused that gap.

The new regime requires proof of identity for every director and person with significant control, whether UK-based or overseas.

When it starts and who it applies to

The verification service is already live on a voluntary basis. You can complete it now and avoid any rush later.

• From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory, as confirmed by Companies House in this press release.
• New directors and new PSCs will need to verify before they can be appointed.
• Existing directors and PSCs will move through a 12-month transition. For most companies, the check will be tied to the next confirmation statement. See the outline plan on GOV.UK here.

This applies to every officer and PSC, including contractors running a small personal service company with one director.

How to verify

There are three official routes. Full guidance is on GOV.UK here and on the Companies House campaign site here.

1. Online via GOV.UK One Login. Quick and free for most people with an acceptable photo ID, such as a biometric passport or UK photo driving licence.
2. In person at a participating Post Office. Some users can complete the check in branch after starting through the online service.
3. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This could be an accountant or solicitor who is registered with Companies House to carry out checks. See the ACSP factsheet here.

If you are overseas or you do not have the correct type of ID, using an ACSP may be the most practical option.

Some contractor accountants will include this in their service, but as it is a new legal requirement, not all firms will be ready immediately, and some may charge a separate fee.

Check with your accountant to see if they’re planning to offer this service to their clients.

Once your ID has been verified, you will receive a personal Companies House code.

This belongs to you, not the company, and you will use it to link your verified identity to each company role you hold from 18 November 2025.

Why contractors should act early

The simple reason is volume. Millions of people will try to verify in late 2025, so delays are likely. Doing it now means you avoid bottlenecks and have time to fix any issues.

One common problem is a mismatch between your identity documents and the information in the register.

If your date of birth or name format does not match, you will not be able to verify until it is corrected. Some changes can be done online, others may require paper forms. It is better to discover that now than when a filing deadline is approaching.

If you have co-directors or other PSCs, make sure they know about the change and have a plan to complete the check. One person failing to verify could hold up your filings.

Penalties for non compliance

Unsurprisingly, failing to verify when required is an offence. Consequences can include:

• Being unable to file your confirmation statement or other Companies House documents.
• A financial penalty or, in serious cases, disqualification from acting as a director.
• For new appointments, the company cannot register you without verification.

Companies House has set out the core process on GOV.UK here and confirmed the go-live date in its announcement.

Practical steps to take now

• Check your personal details on the register and make sure they match your ID exactly. If they do not, update them now.
• Select your verification method: online, by mail (Post Office), or via ACSP.
• Ask your accountant whether they will offer ACSP verification and on what terms (could be an easier route!)
• Brief any co-directors and additional PSCs so that the entire company is verified before your deadline.

For most limited company contractors, the check will be quick and painless (at least that is the plan!) The official guidance is  here.