The new legal requirements will be phased in over 12 months, starting from 18 November 2025.

From 18 November 2025:

• new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company. 
• existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period. 
• existing PSCs will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the commencement of mandatory identity verification on 18 November.  

The measures are designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of the companies register, combat economic crime, and boost business confidence. By providing greater assurance about who is setting up and running UK companies, the UK government aims to support growth and increase protection against fraud.

Companies House estimates that between six and seven million individuals will need to be verified by mid-November 2026 and will be contacting companies directly with guidance.

For most individuals, verification will be a one-off process that can be completed online in a few minutes. The primary method is through the GOV.UK One Login system, which is fast, secure, and free of charge. Alternatively, verification can be processed by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Once completed, individuals will receive a personal code from Companies House to be used when confirming their identity for each company role they hold.

From 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to see identity verification due dates for all their roles.  

Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said: “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.

“To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance. This is part of a coordinated effort to help companies to comply.

“We encourage people to verify as early as possible. More than 300,000 individuals have already done so during the current voluntary period, which started in April.”

Competition and markets minister Justin Madders MP said: “Identity verification will play a key role in giving confidence to investors and consumers alike, ensuring greater transparency about the organisations they do business with.

“Increasing confidence attracts investment and is an essential part of our mission for growth and Plan for Change. We will continue to make the process for registering as a company director as trusted and efficient as possible.”

AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “This is an important and welcome step in our plan to modernise government and build a stronger, more trusted digital economy and deliver our Plan for Change.

“By introducing identity verification through GOV.UK One Login, we’re using technology to make life easier for people. It means companies can prove who’s behind them in a fast, secure, and user-friendly way.

“This is us driving better services, accurate data, and business growth to make government work for everyone.”