Identity verification: what you need to know
One of the main aims of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is to promote greater transparency over corporate entities.
The reforms are being implemented in stages and will bring significant changes to the way that individuals and corporate bodies interact with Companies House.
What is identity verification (IDV)?
IDV is a new requirement under ECCTA. Voluntary IDV has been available since 8 April 2025. From 18 November 2025, it is compulsory for relevant individuals to have their identity verified.
From 18 November 2025:
- New directors (or equivalents, including members of limited liability partnerships) will need to verify on incorporation of a company or their appointment to an existing company.
- Existing directors (or equivalents) will need to confirm that they have verified their identity when the company they act for files its next annual confirmation statement.
- Existing persons with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify in accordance with an appointed day, which depends on their circumstances. An individual who is both a director and PSC of the same company will need to provide their personal code through a dedicated service within 14 days starting from the day after the company’s confirmation statement (in addition to providing the code in their capacity as director in the company’s confirmation statement). An individual who is a PSC but not a director of the same company will need to provide their personal code within the first 14 days of their birth month.
- Individuals becoming PSCs can provide their personal code when they’re first added to the Companies House register or within 14 days of being added to the register.
- Directors and PSCs can check the Companies House register to see the due dates of IDV for all their roles.
There is more information available around timings on the Companies House website.
While mandatory IDV begins on a transitional basis for existing directors and PSCs from 18 November 2025, we recommend that you verify your identity as soon as possible.
Companies House estimates that there are 6 to 7 million people who will need to be verified, which may result in delays. It is advisable to prepare for the requirements ahead of them becoming compulsory for a company.
IDV will also be required for people who file documents at Companies House, limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of LLPs and officers of corporate PSCs although these requirements will commence later.
How do I verify my identity?
You can verify your identity directly with Companies House or by using a third party Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
We recommend using the Companies House service, which is available online free of charge. You will need to create a GOV.UK One Login to use the service and will be asked some questions to determine the best way to proceed with verifying your identity.
There is further information available on the Companies House website: Verifying your identity for Companies House - GOV.UK.
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary or simpler to use an ACSP for a fee. Irwin Mitchell does not provide IDV services but we can provide you with a list of providers if required.
How does this impact overseas companies?
A director of an overseas companies that has a UK establishment registered at Companies House is required to verify their identity in the same way as the director of a UK company. An overseas company will be required to confirm that its directors have had their identity verified when it opens a UK establishment and whenever it appoints a new director after that.
For existing directors, confirmation of identity verification must be given by the anniversary of the date that the UK establishment was registered.
What happens when I verify my identity? Are there consequences if I don’t verify?
Companies House will issue a unique Companies House personal code, which will be personal to you. This code is required to connect a director or PSC with the Companies House records. The code should be noted down and only shared with trusted advisors in the same way as a Unique Taxpayer Reference for HMRC.
If you don’t verify your identity when required, you will be committing an offence and may have to pay a financial penalty. Your company and its directors may also be committing an offence.
Next steps
- Identify which directors, PSCs etc. will need to complete IDV and the applicable deadlines.
- Arrange for IDV as soon as possible in preparation for filing the company’s confirmation statement.
- Review and update your onboarding procedures to ensure that all newly appointed directors have completed identity verification and provided their unique personal code before commencing their duties.
If you need further help, please contact Irwin Mitchell’s Corporate Team with any questions about ID verification or ECCTA generally.
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