Countdown to Companies House ID rules

Countdown to Companies House ID rules

Diana Penny – Partner and head of audit at Henderson Loggie

Scottish company directors and key individuals are being urged to act now to avoid falling foul of sweeping new Companies House rules that come into force on 18 November 2025.

From that date, all new incorporations and appointments will require mandatory ID checks.

There is a 12-month transition period for all existing directors and people with significant control (PSC) to complete their verification prior to their next confirmation statement. No ID verification means no filings, potentially leaving companies and incorporated charities unable to submit legal documents or set up an entity.



The changes mark one of the biggest shake-ups in corporate administration for decades. Every company director, company secretary, PSC and LLP member must verify their identity with Companies House before they can make filings.

Partner and head of audit Diana Penny of Henderson Loggie said: “This isn’t red tape, it’s a reset. If you don’t verify, you can’t file. That means everything from confirmation statements to new appointments could grind to a halt.

“Time is running out and we’re urging directors and charitable company trustees to take action now or they could find themselves breaking the law without realising it.”

The new verification regime is designed to stamp out fraud and fake filings by ensuring individuals are who they say they are. Once verified, each person will receive a unique personal code, which will become their key to Companies House submissions going forward.

Verification is free and can be completed online with a passport or driving licence. Companies House is already contacting individuals by email, but directors can also begin the process directly using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service on GOV.UK.

Each person will hold one personal code only, even if they hold multiple roles or directorships. However, each verified identity must have its own email address, so shared company inboxes will no longer work.

Ms Penny added: “I cannot stress how important it is for directors and trustees to comply. It’s straightforward, but the consequences of inaction are serious.

“Without verification, directors and trustees risk being unable to meet their legal obligations, and in some cases, could even face penalties or disqualification.”

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