Identity verification at Companies House is now one of the biggest compliance changes UK directors have faced in a decade. Introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), it means directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing on a company's behalf must prove who they are. This guide explains exactly how to verify your identity for Companies House, what documents you need, and when it becomes mandatory.
Who needs to verify their identity?
Identity verification applies to:
- All company directors (existing and newly appointed).
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) — typically anyone owning or controlling more than 25% of shares or voting rights.
- Anyone who files documents at Companies House on behalf of a company, including agents.
- Members of LLPs and certain partners.
How to verify your identity for Companies House
There are two routes to completing your Companies House identity check:
- Directly via GOV.UK — using the GOV.UK One Login service. You confirm your identity online using a photo ID (passport, UK photocard driving licence, or biometric residence permit) and a device that can scan it, or by visiting a Post Office.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — an accountant or formation agent who is supervised for anti-money laundering purposes can verify your identity and confirm it to Companies House on your behalf.
If you would rather not navigate the GOV.UK One Login process yourself, an ACSP route is usually faster and removes the risk of a rejected check. PushDigits provides Companies House identity verification as a registered ACSP, handling the whole process for directors and PSCs.
What you need to verify your identity
To complete your identity verification you will generally need one of the following primary documents:
- A valid passport;
- A UK photocard driving licence;
- A biometric residence permit or card; or
- An identity document that can be checked against a reliable source.
You will also need to confirm your name, date of birth, and home address. The details you provide must match the information held by Companies House for your directorships.
When is identity verification mandatory?
The requirement has been phased in. Verification became available on a voluntary basis from April 2025, with mandatory verification rolling out for new and existing directors and PSCs through late 2025 and into 2026. New incorporations and appointments are caught first, followed by a transition period for the existing register tied to your confirmation statement date.
Because the dates depend on your company's confirmation statement, the safest approach is to verify early rather than wait for a deadline that could fall at an awkward time.
What happens if you don't verify?
Failing to verify your identity is a criminal offence and can result in financial penalties, an annotation on the public register, and restrictions on acting as a director. Filings made without proper verification may be rejected, which can stall company changes, financing, and contracts.
How PushDigits can help
As an ICAEW-regulated firm and Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we verify identities for directors and PSCs, keep the supporting records required under the anti-money laundering rules, and confirm the verification to Companies House — so your filings keep flowing without interruption. Learn more about our Director Verification service or book a free consultation.