Is Companies House ID Verification Mandatory?

Yes, Companies House ID verification is mandatory. It is a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) for all individuals connected to UK companies in qualifying roles. This is not optional or advisory - it is the law.

Who is it mandatory for?

Identity verification is mandatory for:

• All directors of UK limited companies, including those based overseas
• All PSCs - persons with significant control over a UK company
• All LLP members - members of limited liability partnerships
• All authorised filers - anyone who files documents at Companies House on behalf of a company

There are no exemptions based on company size, turnover, activity or the individual’s country of residence.

What is the legal basis?

The requirement comes from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. The relevant provisions were brought into force on 18 November 2025. You can read the official guidance for the detailed legal framework.

Is it mandatory for existing directors or only new ones?

Both. New directors appointed after 18 November 2025 must verify before their appointment can be registered. Existing directors have a transition period that ends in November 2026. After that, all directors must have completed verification.

What are the consequences of not complying?

Failing to verify your identity is not just an administrative issue - it has legal consequences:

• A public notation will be added to the Companies House register against your name
• You will be unable to be appointed as a director, form a new company, or file certain documents
• Acting as a director without verification after the deadline is a criminal offence
• PSCs who fail to provide their personal code in their 14-day window may commit an offence and face a financial penalty

Can you opt out?

No. There is no opt-out mechanism. If you hold a qualifying role at a UK company, you must verify. The only way to avoid the requirement is to resign from all qualifying roles - but that obviously has its own consequences.

How to comply

Verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login (free, UK passport or driving licence only) or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Companies House ID Verification offers a guided service for £19 per person that supports UK and international documents.

Start your verification now to ensure you are compliant before the deadline.