Director ID Verification: What the New Companies House Rules Mean for You
If you’re a company director or hold significant control in a business in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, or Lancashire, you’re about to see big changes in the way Companies House deals with your identity.
From November 2025, all directors and “Persons with Significant Control” (PSCs) will need to complete mandatory identity verification. This is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to crack down on fraud and improve the reliability of the Companies House register.
For local business owners - whether you run a limited company in Rochdale, own a property business in Cheshire, or act as a director for a family firm in Lancashire - these changes are not optional. Let’s break down what’s changing, when, and how to prepare.
Why Is ID Verification Being Introduced?
Companies House has long been criticised for being too easy to exploit. At present, anyone can register a company online for £12 without checks beyond a name and address. That leaves the door open for fraud, money laundering, and fake director appointments.
The new system is designed to:
- Increase trust in the Companies House register.
- Reduce economic crime linked to fake companies.
- Make directors more accountable, by ensuring they are who they say they are.
This isn’t about red tape for the sake of it. It’s about protecting the integrity of UK companies and the businesses that rely on them.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
The new rules apply to:
- Company directors (of new and existing companies).
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) – anyone with 25%+ shares or voting rights, or who otherwise exercises significant influence.
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company (unless they are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP).
What’s Changing and When?
Key dates
- 18 November 2025 – Any new directors and PSCs must be ID-verified before being appointed, and all new company formations must include verified individuals.
- Spring 2026 – Any individual filing information at Companies House must either be verified or use an ACSP (such as an accountant).
- Spring 2026 – Directors signing accounts must be verified to file them.
- By November 2026 – All existing directors and PSCs must be ID-verified.
(Source: Companies House – Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 )
How Will the Process Work?
Directors and PSCs will complete a one-off identity check. Once done, you’ll receive a personal code linked to your Companies House record. You only need to do this once, no matter how many directorships you hold.
You’ll need to provide this code when:
- Filing your company’s next confirmation statement.
- Registering a new company.
- Acting as a PSC on the Companies House register.
Without it, Companies House won’t accept your filings – which could mean fines and compliance headaches.
Options for Verifying Your ID
There are three main routes:
- Directly through Companies House
- Use the GOV.UK One Login system.
- Upload biometric documents (passport, UK driving licence, biometric residence permit, etc.) or answer security questions linked to your financial history.
- Post Office in-branch service
- For those unable to verify online.
- Present photo ID in person (passport, driving licence, EU ID).
- Staff verify your ID and send confirmation to Companies House.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
- Whi can verify your ID using approved technology and submit confirmation to Companies House on your behalf.
What If You’re Both a Director and a PSC?
If you wear both hats (common in small businesses), you’ll need to provide your code separately for each role:
- As a director – Include your code in the company’s confirmation statement.
- As a PSC – Provide your code via a separate service within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
If you fail to verify your identity:
- Directors – You will not be able to act legally as a director, and Companies House may flag your appointment as invalid.
- PSCs – Your control of the company may not be recognised on the public register.
- Filings – Accounts, confirmation statements, and other documents could be rejected.
In practice, this could mean fines, compliance delays, and reputational risk for your business.
What This Means for Businesses in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire
For many local companies, this will be the first time directors have had to interact with Companies House beyond routine filings.
- Owner-managed businesses – You’ll need to verify even if you’re the only director of your own small company.
- Property companies and landlords – PSC rules will apply where family members hold shares.
- Charities with trading subsidiaries – Directors of the company (not the charity trustees) must complete verification.
The safest move is to get ahead of the deadlines and complete verification early.
What’s in It for You?
While the process may feel like extra admin, it’s worth remembering:
- Peace of mind – Fewer risks of someone fraudulently registering in your name.
- Smoother filings – Once verified, you’ll have fewer obstacles when submitting documents.
- Trust and credibility – A stronger register benefits all businesses by making UK companies more reliable partners.
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Conclusion
The new director ID verification rules mark a major change for UK companies. From late 2025, you won’t be able to act as a director or PSC without a verified ID.
It’s a one-off process, but a vital one – and the sooner you act, the easier it will be.
If you’re a director or PSC in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, or Lancashire, get in touch with us today to start preparing for the November 2025 deadline.
