In a significant step toward greater corporate transparency, the UK government has introduced mandatory identity verification for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). These changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and are aimed at preventing the misuse of companies for fraudulent or illegal purposes.
Whether you’re a newly appointed director or have been serving for years, these requirements will apply to you. Acting early is not just smart—it’s essential.
Who needs to verify their identity?
From 8 April 2025, all individuals with the following roles will be compulsorily required to verify their identity with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login.
- new directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
- existing directors and PSCs
- anyone acting on behalf of a company
Not just company directors, any members of a limited liability partnership (LLP) will also need to verify their identity with Companies House.
How to verify your identity
You can verify:
- Online using GOV. UK One Login – if you have the identity documents or information required.
- In-person at selected Post Offices – you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way.
- From Companies House agents – If none of the above applies to you, reach out to a Companies House registered agent for verification.
Direct Verification with Companies House (via GOV.UK One Login)
You can verify your identity directly with Companies House by using the GOV.UK One Login system. This is expected to be the default method for many individuals including company directors, PSCs, and others filing directly.
What You Need:
You can verify yourself online if you have one of the following types of photo ID:
- Biometric passport (from any country)
- UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker Permit (FWP)
You will also need:
- Your current residential address and the year you moved in
- To sign in to or create a GOV.UK One Login account
Your verified identity will be connected to your GOV.UK One Login. If other people use the same email address as you to access GOV.UK One Login, they’ll need to create their own using a different email address. An email address can only be used once to verify an identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do all company directors need to verify their identity?
Yes, All new and existing company directors must verify their identity—through directly with Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login
system.
Q2. Is identity verification required for existing companies?
Yes, but there will be a transitional grace period for existing directors and PSCs to complete the verification process once the new system is fully operational, likely during 2025–2026.
Q3. Can filings be submitted without identity verification?
No, With the new system, filings submitted to Companies House without proper identity verification will be automatically rejected.
Q4. Can one email address be used to verify multiple users with GOV.UK One Login?
No, Each individual must use a unique email address for their GOV.UK One Login, as an email can only be used once to verify an identity.
Q5. What happens if I fail to verify my identity in time?
Failing to verify your identity could result in:
- Rejected filings
- Inability to hold certain positions (e.g., director or PSC)
- Financial penalties
- Criminal prosecution in cases involving false declarations
Q6. Is the GOV.UK One Login available for overseas users?
Yes, provided that overseas users have a biometric passport (or another acceptable form of photo ID) and can complete the required facial recognition verification process.
Conclusion
These new verification rules are a major shift in the UK corporate landscape. They're designed to enhance accountability, eliminate ghost directors, and stop misuse of companies.
If you're a company director or PSC, don't wait until the last minute. Verify your identity as soon as possible through the GOV.UK One Login system. Preparing now will ensure your business continues to run smoothly and remains compliant with evolving UK company law.
