Why are things changing?

From November 2025, Companies House will introduce new identity checks as part of a wider plan to increase transparency, reduce fraud, and build trust in the UK business register.

The simple aim is make sure that the people running and controlling companies are who they say they are, making it harder for companies to be misused for illegal purposes.

Once verified, each individual will be issued with a personal code from Companies House. This code will be linked to you (not to a specific company) and you’ll need it whenever you:

  • File a confirmation statement
  • Are appointed as a director
  • Register as a Person with Significant Control (PSC)
  • Submit filings through your accountant or another agent

If you are a client of Ascendant, this process is separate to our annual AML checks, and the requirement is for all PSCs and Directors to be verified.

Who will this affect?

In short, anyone involved in running or filing for a company or LLP. That includes:

  • Directors
  • LLP members and partners
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
  • Company secretaries or others who submit filings
  • Accountants and Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
  • ACSPs (like us) are already required to verify their own identity before they can verify clients.

Good news: if you’re connected to multiple companies, you’ll only need to complete the verification once.

When do you need to do it?

The requirement kicks in from November 2025. From then on, you’ll need to be verified before any filings can be made at Companies House. Although this may feel like a long way off, we recommend completing the process early to avoid last-minute issues.

Your options for verification

There are three ways to get verified:

  1. Let us handle it for you
    As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can complete the process on your behalf. It’s quick and straightforward:
    • Fill in a short form with your details
    • Upload a copy of your ID document and a recent proof of address document
    • Our fee is £50 + VAT per person, this covers secure software for completing the checks required and admin time to do so
    • Once finished, Companies House will send you a personal code – please share this with us so we can continue filing on your behalf

Complete the form

Verify your ID with Companies House using identity document validation technology (IDVT).

Complete the form
  1. Do it yourself online
    You can use the GOV.UK One Login system and the ID Check app. It takes about 10–15 minutes and you’ll be issued with your personal code at the end.
  2. In person at a Post Office (or with another ACSP)
    If you’d prefer not to use digital tools, or don’t have suitable ID, some Post Offices will offer in-person verification.

How to do it yourself (step by step)

If you’d prefer to do this yourself, here’s a simplified guide to the online process using GOV.UK One Login:

Step 1: Head to the Companies House ID verification page on GOV.UK found here.
Step 2: Create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login (using the email linked to your Companies House account)
Step 3: Set up your login details and two-factor authentication
Step 4: Download the GOV.UK ID Check app on your smartphone
Step 5: Use the app to scan your passport and complete the chip check
Step 6: Take a quick selfie for facial recognition
Step 7: Enter your address and complete the final checks
Step 8: Once verified, you’ll get confirmation and your personal code to the email address provided – keep it safe and send a copy to us

Final thoughts

The new ID verification rules are designed to protect businesses and increase trust in the Companies House register. While November 2025 may feel far away, it’s worth getting everything in place now to avoid last-minute headaches!

If you’d like us to take care of the process for you, fill out our form and we’ll work behind the scenes to get to you set up (all you then need to do is share the code with us!)