Mandatory identity verification has been live since 18th November 2025, companies must therefore communicate with their directors and PSCs about what is happening, and the timescales.

Companies must ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties and operational disruption. Companies House has made clear that it will take a hard line on non-compliance.

Companies need to think about the following:

• Establish which individuals need to have their identity verified and their identity verification deadlines. Note the different deadlines for directors and PSCs.
• Is the information currently registered with Companies House accurate for these directors/PSCs? Do their details exactly match the details in the documentation that will be used to ID verify these individuals? If not, make the necessary changes to Companies House filings in advance of ID verification.
• How will the IDs of directors/PSCs be verified and by whom, for example, will it be directly with Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?
• Will directors/PSCs ID verify themselves, or will the company organise it for them?
• Compile details of the documentation required.
• If using a third party ACSP, what information will the ACSP require to issue a Verification Statement?
• Does the company have overseas directors? These individuals may be more complicated to identity verify and therefore may need to use an ACSP
• Are there any directors/PSCs who will not use the online system? Will they instead prove their identity at the Post Office? Further information can be found here.
• How will company stakeholders, most particularly directors and PSCs be made aware of the new rules on ID verification and the importance of identity verifying within the set timescales?
• Once a director or PSC is identity verified, make sure that their personal codes are stored safely. This is the 11 character code that is given to a person once they've successfully identity verified. The code is personal to the individual and not the company. The code will be needed to confirm that a director or PSC has verified their identity. For directors, it will need to be provided in the company's next confirmation statement filing. For directors appointed after 18th November 2025, it will also be needed as part of the director's appointment filing or when a company is incorporated. More information is available here.
• Companies should carry out disqualification checks on proposed directors/PSCs as standard going forward.
• New directors must verify their identity before their appointment and ensure their appointment is notified to Companies House before the statutory deadline so they avoid committing an offence. 
• Update company onboarding procedures for new directors, particularly in respect of new director identity verification, registration with Companies House and disqualification checks.