From 18 November 2025, UK law will require all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to complete Identity Verification in order to file with Companies House. This change is part of the reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to strengthen the corporate register, reduce fraud and improve transparency.

Below is a clear guide to what’s changing, how to comply and how we at Frost can help you.

What is changing and when

• From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory for all new directors and newly registered PSCs.
• Existing directors will need to verify their identity when they next file their Confirmation Statement (during the 12‑month transition period).
• Existing PSCs (who are not also directors) will need to verify within 14 days of the first day of their birth month, as specified in guidance.

In short, for those already in office, your deadline links to your company’s annual filing or your birth month. For new appointments, verification must be done before 18^th November 2025 when the new requirement takes effect.

Why this change is being introduced

These reforms aim to:

• ‍Prevent misuse of the Companies House register - for example, false or forged directorships.
• Improve data integrity and public trust in the corporate register.
• Ensure accountability and transparency of those controlling businesses.

The register is used by investors, lenders, suppliers and regulators, so accurate identity verification is central to a trustworthy business environment.

How to complete your ID verification

 You can choose to do this yourself:

• ‍Online via GOV.UK One Login
  Use the GOV.UK platform to verify your identity using valid ID or supporting information: www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house ‍
• In person / via your bank or Post Office
  Some identity checks may still be done face to face at a Post Office branch or via your bank (if the bank branch supports it).

Alternatively, we can support you to: ‍

• ‍Verify via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
  Frost, Chartered Accountants is a registered ACSP and can assist you. You’ll need to upload your identification documents, and we will guide you through the process. Our fee for this service is £50 + VAT per person.

If you are both a director and a PSC, you only verify once. Once verified, Companies House will issue you an 11‑character personal code. You must keep this code safe, as you’ll need to provide it for future Companies House filings.

What happens after verification

 Once your identity is verified:

• Your personal code links your identity to all your company roles.
• You won’t need to repeat the identity check again; it’s effectively a one‑time process.
• You’ll need to supply your code when making relevant filings with Companies House from 18 November 2025 onward.

How Frost can support you‍

If you already use our annual confirmation statement service, we’ll contact you in advance to arrange ID verification as part of this process.

If you normally file your own documents but would like some help with ID verification, simply let us know and we can support you.

If you complete your own ID verification, please provide us with your unique 11-character personal code, as we will save this on file for you.

If you have any queries, or would like to request support with this process, you can reach out to us by email at enquiries@frostca.co.uk or call on 01803 862021.