Identity Verification (IDV) of Persons with Significant Control

As with directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs) are required to verify their identity. There are, however, some key differences in relation to the verification process of PSCs as opposed to directors.

Since 18th November 2025, it is a legal requirement for PSCs to IDV for Companies House. Once verified, the PSC will get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. This must be provided to Companies House so that they can connect the PSC’s verified identity to their records.

When to provide identity verification details

Every PSC has a 14-day period during which they must provide their Companies House personal code and verification statement.

The dates of the 14-day period depend on whether:

• the PSC was registered with Companies House before 18 November 2025;
• the PSC is also a director of the relevant company.

Both a director and a PSC of the same company

The PSC will need to provide their personal code separately for each role. 

As a director, this must be provided in the company’s confirmation statement. 

As a PSC, this must be provided using the ‘Provide identity verification details for a PSC’ service here. This must be done within a 14-day period, starting from the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

If the company files its confirmation statement early, the dates of the 14-day period will not change.

PSC but not a director of the same company 

The personal code must be provided within the first 14 days of the PSC’s birth month. For example, if the relevant date of birth is 22 January, the 14-day period begins on 1 January. 

Becoming a PSC after 18 November 2025 

For any new individual PSCs notified to Companies House on or after 18th November 2025, confirmation that a PSC has verified their ID must be included in the notification filing together with their personal code or within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register. 

Requesting an extension

If a PSC cannot provide their verification details on time, they can use the service here to request a 14 day extension. This needs to be done before the relevant verification deadline has passed.

If two extensions have already been given, and the PSC needs to request an additional extension, this form can be used to submit a request before the PSC’s current verification deadline has passed. Supporting evidence will need to be provided. An examiner will then consider the information and evidence provided.

If the request is accepted, the PSC’s deadline will be extended by up to 14 days. They must comply with identity verification requirements by the new deadline. If the request is rejected, they must comply by the current deadline.

If the PSC does not comply on time, they’ll be breaking the law and Companies House will send them a default letter setting out the offences relating to identity verification.