From 18 November 2025, important changes come into effect for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, everyone in these roles will be legally required to verify their identity with Companies House.
The new rules are designed to increase transparency and reduce the risk of fraud, but they also mean that directors will need to take action before filing their company’s next confirmation statement.
At Venton, we know this may sound daunting. That’s why we will be registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), allowing us to verify identity documents for our clients and guide you through the process from start to finish.
What’s Changing?
From 18 November 2025, every UK company director must verify their identity. PSCs must do the same. This requirement is tied to your company’s filings. You will not be able to submit a confirmation statement unless everyone in these roles has been verified.
Once verified, you will be issued with a personal code. This code is unique to you, and it will need to be provided whenever your role is linked to a company. If you are a director of more than one company, you’ll use the same code each time.
How to Verify Your Identity
There are two main ways to complete the verification:
- Directly with Companies House
You can use the GOV.UK One Login service to upload your documents and verify online. You’ll need valid photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence). Once verified, your personal code will appear in your Companies House account. - Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An accountant, solicitor, or another registered agent (such as Venton) can complete the verification for you. You’ll provide them with approved identity documents, and they’ll handle the process on your behalf. Once complete, your personal code will be emailed to you.
When Do You Need to Verify?
The process begins on 18 November 2025, starting a 12-month transition period. There isn’t a single “deadline” date but you must complete the process in good time for your company’s next confirmation statement.
For example, if your company’s confirmation statement is due in March 2026, all directors must be verified before that filing date.
If you are both a director and a PSC, you only need to verify your identity once but you’ll still need to provide your personal code for each role. PSCs who are not also directors will have a 14-day period each year, based on their date of birth, to submit their personal code.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Failure to verify your identity means you will not be able to file a confirmation statement. This could leave your company non-compliant and may result in financial penalties or fines. In short, it is essential that every director and PSC acts on this new requirement.
How to Prepare Now
The best way to avoid issues later is to prepare early. We recommend:
- Checking your confirmation statement date so you know when your deadline will fall.
- Gathering your ID documents (passport or driving licence) and ensuring the details match those held by Companies House.
- Deciding how you’ll verify — directly through GOV.UK or with the help of an ACSP.
- Letting all directors and PSCs know about the requirement, so there’s enough time to complete the process.
How Venton Will Support You
At Venton, we understand this is a big shift for company directors. As an ACSP, we’ll be able to verify your identity on your behalf, saving you time and giving you peace of mind that everything is completed correctly.
Over the coming months, we’ll be in touch with our clients to explain what’s needed and to request any ID documents required. Our aim is to make the process simple, straightforward, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
While this is a significant change, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little preparation and the right support, you’ll be ready well before your next filing date.
If you’re a company director or PSC and want to understand more about what these changes mean for you, our team at Venton is here to help.