Companies House Identity Verification Deadline: What You Need to Know

The Companies House identity verification deadline is one of the most important dates in UK corporate compliance. Existing directors and PSCs must complete their verification by November 2026, while new directors face earlier requirements. This guide covers every deadline you need to know.

The key dates

• 18 November 2025 - identity verification became a legal requirement. From this date, new directors must verify before their appointment can be registered.
• November 2026 - the deadline for existing directors and PSCs to complete verification and provide their personal code. The exact date within November depends on your individual circumstances.

Deadlines for existing directors

If you were already a director before 18 November 2025, you have a transition period to complete verification. Your individual deadline is linked to your company’s confirmation statement date. Companies House has published detailed guidance on when you need to verify, including how to calculate your personal deadline.

Deadlines for new directors

Directors appointed on or after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity before Companies House will register the appointment. There is no transition period - verification is a prerequisite to becoming a registered director.

Deadlines for PSCs

PSCs have their own verification windows, typically linked to their birth month or the company’s confirmation statement date. Each PSC has a 14-day period in which to provide their personal code. Check the Companies House register for the specific dates that apply to your PSC roles.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

Missing the Companies House verification deadline has serious consequences:

• Companies House will add a public annotation to the register, noting that you have not been verified
• You will be unable to be appointed as a new director or register a new company
• You will be unable to file certain documents, including confirmation statements
• Continuing to act as a director without verification after the deadline is a criminal offence under ECCTA

Why you should not wait

Leaving verification until the last moment creates several risks:

• Name mismatches between your ID and the Companies House register take time to resolve
• If your document check requires additional review, it could take longer than expected
• Millions of people will be trying to verify around the same time - services and support may be busier
• You need time after receiving your code to link it to each role you hold

Complete your verification early

The safest approach is to complete your Companies House identity verification well ahead of the deadline. Companies House ID Verification offers a guided process for a fixed £19 per person, with most verifications completed on the same working day. Start your verification now.