Remember, remember, the 18th of November.

From 18 November 2025, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification (IDV) for all company directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs). This new requirement forms part of Companies House’s wider reforms to improve corporate transparency and combat fraud.

What you need to know

From 18 November 2025:

  • New directors and PSCs
    • Must complete IDV process, and
    • Provide their personal code to Companies House as part of company incorporations or event driven filings e.g. appointment of director
  • Existing  directors and PSCs
    • Must complete their IDV process, and
    • Include their personal code in their next Confirmation Statement due after 18 November 2025
  • Existing PSCs who are not also directors of the same company
    • Must complete IDV process, and
    • Provide their personal code within the first 14 days of their birth month, starting from 18 November 2025. Example: If your date of birth is 20 December, your verification window will be 1–14 December.

The good news?  IDV only requires to be done once.

How to verify your identity

  1. Visit GOV.UK
  2. Create or sign into a GOV.UK One Login
  3. Download the GOV.UK One Login app
  4. Complete IDV

Go to: Verify your identity for Companies House.

This is your personal login and should be linked to your personal (not work) email address.

The process is easiest to complete on a smartphone

Follow the on-screen steps. At the end, you will be shown a personal identification code

Tips for a smooth process

  • 1.     You can complete IDV now to be ahead of the curve and avoid any last-minute issues.
  • 2.     Use your smartphone to install the app and take the required photo or selfie.
  • 3.     Remember that your GOV.UK One Login is personal to you. Use your personal email address and avoid using a work email address or shared email address.
  • 4.     The GOV.UK One Login app has been updated recently. If you already have the app on your phone, consider deleting it before you begin IDV and reinstall it when prompted to do so during the process.
  • 5.     Be ready to take a screenshot or take a note of your personal code at the end of the process as it is just shown on the screen once. 

Need further advice?

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect you or your business, please contact Company Registrar, William Miller: https://stronachs.com/members/contact-senior-associates/47-william-miller/

Share this page

·