Since 18 November 2025, Companies House ID verification has become a legal requirement for directors and anyone responsible for forming, managing or controlling a UK company.
This update forms part of the wider Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, introduced to reduce fraud and money laundering activities, prevent the misuse of UK companies and strengthen corporate transparency.
Government estimates suggest that around 6–7 million people will need to complete their Companies House ID verification by mid-November 2026. If an email has already landed in your inbox, it’s your cue to start the process.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know from who must verify, when the deadlines apply and the different ways you can complete the process with step-by-step instructions.
Who must complete the Companies House ID verification?
Companies House has clearly defined who must verify their identity. If you fall into any of the groups below, you’ll need to complete verification.
- a director
- the equivalent of a director including members, general partners or managing officers
- a director of an overseas company registered in the UK
- a person with significant control (PSC)
- an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
- someone responsible for filing on behalf of a company, such as a company secretary
In the future, Companies House plans to extend the verification process to cover:
- individuals who submit filings at Companies House
- limited partnerships
- corporate directors of companies
- corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- officers of corporate PSCs
When should you complete Companies House ID verification?
Companies House is phasing in verification over 12 months. Your deadline depends on your role and whether you are newly appointed or already in post.
Below is a clear table summarising each role and the corresponding timeline.
Role | Verification deadline |
New directors (new incorporation or new appointment) | At the time of incorporation or appointment |
Existing directors | Before the company’s next confirmation statement is due |
New PSCs | When the company is formed or on the date a new PSC is registered with Companies House |
Existing PSCs who are also directors | Before the company’s next confirmation statement |
Existing PSCs who are not directors | Within 14 days of the start of their birth month as listed on the Companies House public register |
Transitioning to this new system may feel overwhelming for busy directors especially if you’re managing multiple responsibilities. The good news is that the verification process itself is simple and you only need to complete it once.
How to create a GOV.UK One Login?
Before you begin the Companies House ID verification process, you need to set up a GOV.UK One Login account.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the GOV.UK One Login verification page
- Scroll down to review the list of required documents
- At the bottom of the page, select “Verify your identity”
- On the next screen, click “Go to GOV.UK One Login”
- Select “Create your GOV.UK One Login”
- Enter the email address linked to your Companies House account
- Enter the 6-digit security code sent to your email
- Create your password
- Set up two-factor authentication using your mobile number or an authenticator app
Once these steps are complete, your GOV.UK One Login is ready. You can now use it to access various government services including the Companies House ID verification.
Next, let’s explore the three ways you can complete the verification.
3 Simple ways to complete Companies House ID verification
These are the three different ways you can complete your ID verification. Choose the option that works best for you.
1. Directly through GOV.UK
You can complete Companies House ID verification using your GOV.UK One Login. The process is free and works best on a smartphone.
Follow these steps:
- Log in to your GOV.UK One Login.
- Select “Open GOV. UK ID Check”
- Confirm you haven’t verified your identity yet by selecting No
- Review the available verification methods and click continue
- Choose whether you live in the “UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man” or “another country”
- Select the type of photo ID you have
- Choose the device you’re using.
- Select your smartphone type and confirm you have a valid passport with the e-passport symbol
- Choose to verify using the GOV. UK ID Check app and keep the page open
- Download the app, then return to the page and select “Link GOV. UK ID Check”
Once linked, the app will guide you to:
- Scan your passport’s photo page
- Scan the biometric chip in your passport
- Scan your face using your selfie camera
- Exit the app by selecting “Go to GOV.UK”
After this:
- Click Continue on the confirmation message
- Enter your postcode and click Find address
- Allow GOV.UK to verify your details
You should now see “Identity verification complete.” Store your Companies House personal code safely as you’ll need it for future filings.
2. In-person at a Post Office
If you can’t verify your identity online, you can complete the process at a participating Post Office that offers in-branch verification. The steps are simple:
- Enter your photo ID details using the Verify your identity for Companies House service online.
- Download your customer letter from the confirmation email or request for a posted copy which may take up to 6 working days.
- Go to the Post Office on the date shown in the letter with your original photo ID. If you requested a posted copy, you may have less time to visit. Missing the date means restarting the process.
- A Post Office staff member will scan the QR code on your letter, take your photo and scan the ID document. This service is free.
You’ll usually receive an email from GOV.UK One Login within a day with your verification result. Follow the link in the message to sign in and view the outcome through the Companies House service.
If the check is successful, you can access your personal code in the manage account section of your Companies House account. If not, the email will outline what to do next.
3. Through an ACSP
You can also complete the entire verification process through an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider), a professional authorised to carry out identity checks for clients and registered with a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
For busy founders, overseas directors, companies with multiple PSCs or anyone who finds online verification challenging, this process can be time-consuming and pull your focus away from running your business. This is where working with an ACSP becomes invaluable.
At Rise Accounting, we are an authorised Companies House agent and can handle the full Companies House ID verification process for you.
Here’s how it works:
- You share the required individual proof of documents and company details
- We complete the Companies House ID verification on your behalf
- Once verification is successful, we provide your personal code and confirm that all filings are fully up to date.
