If you are a company director, you will soon need to prove who you are before filing key documents with Companies House, including your confirmation statement. This is part of wider changes to reduce fraud and improve data quality on the public register.
What is changing at Companies House?
Companies House now requires mandatory identity verification for people who set up, run, own or control UK companies. That means directors and most people with significant control (PSCs) must complete an ID check and get a personal Companies House code.
Verification started on 18 November 2025, with a transition into 2026. New directors now have to verify before appointment, and existing ones before their first confirmation statement after that date.
What is a Companies House personal code?
After verifying, you receive a unique personal code. This code is yours as an individual, not tied to one company. You need it for filings like confirmation statements or new director appointments. Without codes from all required people, the filing cannot go ahead.
Who needs to verify?
For most small companies, this covers:
- Company directors
- People with significant control (over 25% shares or voting rights)
- Eventually, those that file on behalf of companies, like secretaries or agents
You verify once and reuse the code across companies.
How does the ID check work?
Choose from two routes:
- Self-service via GOV.UK One Login with photo ID (passport or driving licence) – usually 10–15 minutes
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), who can do it on your behalf
What this means for your next confirmation statement
Your annual confirmation statement confirms company details are up to date. Now, all relevant directors must have verified by the next filing date. Without codes, filing fails. This risks late penalties, strikes off or director action. For startups, the real issue is delay if you wait until deadline week.
How to stay ahead (without the stress)
Verify well before your statement is due. Your code then works for all future needs, keeping filings simple. Most directors find self-service via GOV.UK One Login straightforward, using photo ID – it should take only 10–15 minutes.
We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), so we can verify for you if needed, for a small fee. Although the process is simple, so we strongly suggest direct verification, with out support by checking who needs it, adding codes to your confirmation statement, and filing everything in plain English so it runs smoothly.
Get in touch if you want your next statement handled this way.
