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New Rules for Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs)

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New Rules for Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs)

Director ID verification is a new process introduced by Companies House to confirm the identity of all UK company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). This is a one-time requirement per person, meaning once you're verified, you won’t need to repeat it for each company you’re involved with.

Why It’s Now Required

This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
 It’s designed to:

  • Prevent fake or fraudulent company registrations
  • Make it harder for criminals to hide behind anonymous companies
  • Improve trust and transparency in UK businesses

If you don’t complete this verification, Companies House may eventually block important filings, like your Confirmation Statement or company updates.

Your Two Verification Options

Option 1

Do it yourself (recommended)

At the end, you’ll receive a 11-character personal code.

Please send this code to us straight away. We need it to link your verification to your company record.

Cost: Free

Pros:

  • Free of charge.
  • Quick (usually under 10 minutes).
  • You get a permanent 11-character code which is valid for life and portable (works with any accountant or company).

Cons:

  • You need to complete the process yourself using your phone or computer.
Option 2

Let us do it for you

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can carry out the verification on your behalf.

  • You’ll upload your ID documents and complete a selfie video through our secure platform.
  • We’ll then review and submit the verification directly to Companies House.
  • You won’t receive a personal code, but you’ll be recorded as verified on the Companies House register.

Fees:

  • UK directors – £47.50 + VAT per person
  • Overseas directors – £75 + VAT per person

Pros:

  • We handle the Companies House submission and compliance record-keeping.
  • Suitable for directors who can’t (or don’t want to) use the GOV.UK process.

Cons:

  • Not free.
  • You still need to provide ID documents and complete a selfie check.
  • No personal code is issued (so if you move accountants, the process may need to be repeated).  Also if you want to do any filings yourself, you will not be able to.

Frequently Asked Questions – Director ID Verification

Yes. Every company director and PSC must be verified. If you don’t complete the process, Companies House may eventually stop filings for your company.

You can usually use a UK photocard driving licence instead.

If you don’t have either, Companies House will provide alternative routes (e.g. certified documents, manual checks). Contact us and we can advise.

You can still use the GOV.UK One Login process if you have a valid passport or photocard ID that’s accepted.

If not, we can arrange verification through our ACSP service.

No. Verification is one-off per person, not per company. Once you’re verified, your personal code can be linked to all your directorships.

It’s a unique identifier Companies House gives you after verification. It links your verified identity to your company roles. Keep it safe — you’ll need it if you act as a director or PSC in any future company.

Usually less than 10 minutes online.

Yes. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can handle the verification for you if you prefer. Contact us for details of our service and fees.

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