What Is Companies House Identity Verification? Complete 2026 Guide

Companies House identity verification is a legal requirement introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). It requires individuals connected to UK companies - including directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), LLP members and authorised filers - to prove their identity to Companies House. Once verified, each person receives a unique 11-character Companies House personal code that links them to every role they hold.

Why was Companies House identity verification introduced?

Before ECCTA, there was no requirement for individuals on the Companies House register to prove they were who they claimed to be. This made it possible to register companies using false identities, contributing to fraud, money laundering and other economic crime. The identity verification requirement was introduced to make the UK company register more accurate and trustworthy.

The UK government estimates that six to seven million people will need to verify their identity under the new rules. You can read the full background in the official Companies House identity verification guidance.

Who needs to verify their identity?

The requirement applies to four groups of people:

• Company directors - all directors of UK limited companies, whether newly appointed or already serving
• Persons with significant control (PSCs) - individuals who own or control more than 25% of a company
• LLP members - members of limited liability partnerships
• Authorised filers - people who file documents with Companies House on behalf of a company

This applies regardless of where you live. International directors and PSCs have the same obligations as those based in the UK. Visit our who needs to verify page for a detailed breakdown.

How does the verification process work?

There are two ways to verify your identity with Companies House:

1. GOV.UK One Login - the free, self-service route where you verify yourself using a UK passport or UK driving licence through the Government’s online identity service
2. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - a verified third-party agent who can carry out the identity checks on your behalf, often accepting a wider range of documents and supporting international applicants

Both routes produce the same result: an 11-character personal code issued to you by Companies House. The code belongs to you as an individual, not to any specific company.

What is a Companies House personal code?

Your personal code is an 11-character alphanumeric code in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. After receiving it, you must provide it for each role you hold - for example, once for each directorship and once for each PSC position. The code is permanent and does not expire, though you must keep it secure.

Learn more about how the verification process works step by step.

What is the deadline?

Existing directors and PSCs have until November 2026 to complete their verification. New directors appointed since 18 November 2025 must verify before their appointment can be registered. After the deadline, unverified directors will face restrictions and potential criminal liability. Read the official deadline guidance for the exact dates that apply to your situation.

What documents are accepted?

Through GOV.UK One Login, you can currently verify with a UK passport or UK driving licence. Through an ACSP, a wider range of documents is accepted, including:

• Passports (UK and international)
• National identity cards
• UK driving licences
• Supporting address verification documents

Check our full requirements page for the complete list of accepted documents.

How Companies House ID Verification can help

Companies House ID Verification provides a guided verification service for UK and international applicants. The process is completed online, costs a fixed £19 per person, and supports applicants using identity documents from their own country. Most verifications are completed within the same working day.

If you are ready to begin, start your verification now, or read our FAQ for answers to common questions.