Limited Company

How to Do Your Companies House ID Verification

Posted on by Sharon Baker
companies house id verification - how to do it yourself
12
Sep

You’ve probably noticed one of the recent emails from Companies House about identity checks. If you’re a director, PSC (Person with Significant Control), or someone who files on behalf of a company, this affects you.

Here’s the latest guidance, and exactly what you need to do, without paying for services you don’t need.

What Has Changed

  • Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), identity verification (IDV) is becoming a legal requirement for directors, PSCs, anyone filing for companies, LLP members, etc.

  • From 18 November 2025, new directors or new PSCs must have their identity verified before/at the time they are appointed or take on their role.

  • Existing directors & PSCs have a transition period:

    • Existing directors generally will need to verify their ID when file their next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025

    • PSCs who are not directors have a time window related to the first day of their birth month, etc

Why It Matters

  • If you don’t verify in time, you could be prevented from making Companies House filings

  • There are legal penalties (financial or worse) if the requirement is ignored

  • Doing it early gives breathing room: less risk of delays, tech problems, or being caught off guard

How You Can (and Should) Verify Your Own Identity

Doing it yourself via the official route is:

  • Free. Using Companies House’s own identity verification via GOV.UK One Login costs nothing

  • Faster and simpler in many cases; you’ll need a good photo ID, sometimes a biometric document (like a passport with a chip) or photocard driving licence, and possibly a selfie or face scan

  • Safe to do from home or your phone computer, via the online/digital route.

    • There are fallback options (e.g. face‑to‑face through a participating Post Office, etc.) if needed

What Documents / Tools You’ll Need

To verify your identity directly:

  • A valid photo ID: passport (ideally biometric) or driving licence

  • Personal info: full name, date of birth, address (current plus any previous if you’ve moved recently)

  • Access to GOV.UK One Login (you may need to set it up if you haven’t already)

  • A device with camera capability if using app or selfie scan. Possibly a smart phone

When & How to Do It

  • You can voluntarily verify now, even before the legal requirement begins. That gives you time, and less to worry about

  • Make sure your identity is verified before your next confirmation statement if you are already a director

  • For new directors, do it before or as part of your appointment after 18 November 2025

Why Using an Agent (Like Us) Might Cost You Extra

We can verify identity for clients if we are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP); but:

  • Becoming and operating as an ACSP involves training, supervision under anti‑money laundering legislation, and handling identity documents in specific ways

  • Because of that, if you ask someone (accountant, solicitor) to do it for you, they might charge a fee.

    • But you don’t need to pay if you follow the GOV.UK route yourself

  • Also, certain steps (like biometric checks, using your own ID or chip in biometric passport, selfie scan) are easier (or only possible) if the person verifying (you) does it yourself.

    • If we try to do it for you, there may be technical or legal reasons why it’s harder

What You Should Do Now

Here’s a simple checklist to follow so you’re ready:

Step What to do
✅ Check if you’ve already verified with Companies House You may already have a personal code; if so, you’ll just need to ensure it’s linked to your director/PSC role during filings.
✅ Gather your ID documents now Having your passport or photocard driving licence, plus proof of address handy means you won’t be stuck scrambling later.
✅ Set up (or log in to) GOV.UK One Login It’s essential for the digital verification route.
✅ Do the identity verification yourself via Companies House Free, and you control the process. You’ll get a Companies House personal code
✅ Keep your personal code safe You’ll need it for your roles (director, PSC) and for filings. Don’t share it loosely.
✅ Make sure your filings use that personal code when required (e.g. confirmation statements) Ensures compliance; avoid penalties or filing delays.

What Happens If You Don’t Act

  • Your filings may be rejected or delayed

  • You may not legally be able to act as a director or PSC until verification is done

  • Potential penalties, disqualification (for directors), or other legal consequences

What if you don’t want to register for Digital ID?

    • You can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

      • They should be able to verify your ID, without you having to give them biometrics

    • You could file a confirmation statement before 18 November 2025, which gives you another year before you have to verify your I

      • Things may have changed in that time, particularly as there is a petition with the Government to stop Digital ID.
        • You can add your signature here

    • It does seem difficult to get around the digital ID verification with Companies House, but we are continuing to monitor the situation.

We’re Here to Support You, But It’s Better If You Do It Yourself

Of course, as your accountants/agents, we can help or step in if needed. But:

  • If you do it yourself, you won’t incur service charges for our time

  • You’ll often get verification sorted more quickly than waiting for us or for someone else to arrange everything

  • You’ll also have full control of sensitive documents (passport scans, biometrics etc.)

So for most directors, it’s simpler, safer, cheaper to complete the IDV via Companies House directly

In Summary

  • The IDV requirement becomes mandatory from 18 November 2025 for new directors/PSCs, with existing ones needing to verify via confirmation statements etc

  • You can verify now, without charge, using GOV.UK One Login

  • Using us (or another agent) costs extra and isn’t necessary for most people

  • Do it early, get your personal code, keep it safe, and use it in the right filings

Got Questions?

We’re always here if you get stuck or want to double-check something. But if you’re able to complete the ID verification yourself, it’s the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective route.

Sharon Baker