Companies House ID Verification 2025
A Director’s Guide to the New UK Rules
From 2025, all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and some others will need to verify their identity with Companies House. This is part of a wider plan by the UK government to reduce fraud and increase transparency in business.
If you’re a director, this will affect you. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing?
To stop fake or anonymous company ownership, Companies House is introducing a rule: no one can be appointed as a director or PSC unless their identity is verified. This will apply to new appointments, and eventually to everyone already listed on the register.
Without verification, you won’t be able to take on the role of director. Companies that try to appoint unverified people may face penalties.
Who Needs to Verify?
Anyone acting as a company director, a PSC, or a member of an LLP will need to complete identity checks. New directors must verify before they are appointed. Existing directors will have a deadline once the system is in place. Identity verification will become mandatory in autumn 2025.
How Do You Verify Your Identity?
There are two main ways to do it:
- Directly through Companies House
You’ll upload a photo of your face and a government-issued ID (like a passport or driving licence). The system will check the photo matches the ID using facial recognition. The whole process will take just a few minutes. - Through an authorised service provider
If you work with an accountant or company agent, they may be able to do the check for you. They’ll need to be registered with Companies House and confirm that your identity has been verified.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
If you don’t complete the process:
- You can’t become or remain a director or PSC
- Company filings involving you may be blocked
- You or your company could face penalties or legal action
It’s serious, so it’s important to act once the rules go live.
What Should You Do Now?
You don’t need to take action just yet, but you should start getting ready. Make sure you have valid ID, like a passport or driving licence. Check that your details at Companies House are up to date.
If you have received an email from Companies House already, please act now and verify the identity by the link provided in the email.
Why Is This Happening?
This is part of a larger push to clean up the UK company register and stop fraud. By making sure that everyone listed as a director or PSC is a real, verified person, the government hopes to build more trust in how UK companies operate.
These new rules are a big change – but they’re also a step toward a safer and more transparent business environment. If you’re a director, you’ll need to verify your identity in 2025. Plan ahead, stay informed and be ready to act once the system opens.