New ID Rules for UK Company Directors and PSCs

If you’re a director or someone with significant control (PSC) in a UK company, a major change is coming. 

Starting 18 November 2025, new legal rules mean you must verify your identity with Companies House. 

This isn’t optional. It’s a requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The aim is to improve trust in the UK business register, reduce fraud, and make sure company records are accurate and up to date.

Red Fish helps businesses stay compliant, avoid delays, and get ahead of new legal requirements. 

Here’s what the new ID rules mean, what you need to do, and how we can help.

What is Director ID Verification?

Director ID verification is a new requirement introduced to confirm that the person named as a director or PSC is who they claim to be. It is a one‑time verification per person, not per company. After verification, you’ll receive a personal code from Companies House. 

Once the system is fully in place, that personal code will have to be supplied whenever you make certain filings, including:

• Annual confirmation statements 
• Director appointments or resignations 
• Incorporation of a new company where you act as a director 
• PSC changes or filings 

Verification can be done either:

1. Directly through GOV.UK One Login (free)
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor 

If you verify via an ACSP, that provider must follow the same standards as Companies House. 

Who Must Comply and When

Who

• Directors (both existing and newly appointed) 
• People with Significant Control (PSCs) (those who hold substantial ownership or control)
  
• In time, the rules will extend to individuals filing documents at Companies House, limited partnership members, and corporate officers.

When (Timetable)

• From 8 April 2025, verification becomes voluntary for individuals.
  
• From 18 November 2025, the verification becomes mandatory for new directors and new PSCs.
  
• For existing directors and PSCs, there is a 12‑month transition period. They must provide their personal code in their next confirmation statement or via a PSC service.
  
• PSCs who are not directors have a special 14‑day window in their “birth month” to provide the code after the deadline. 

So, for many, you’ll have until late 2026 (depending on your confirmation statement schedule) to comply. But the safe advice is: act early.

How to Verify Your Identity (Step by Step)

Verifying is not difficult, but it must be done carefully. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Gather Documents

You’ll need valid ID documents, such as:

• Passport
  
• Driving licence
  
• Other government-issued photo ID
  

These documents must be current, not expired, and clearly legible. 

Step 2: Verify via GOV.UK One Login (Direct)

If you choose to verify yourself:

1. Create or log in to GOV.UK One Login
   
2. Provide your personal details (name, date of birth, address history, etc.)
   
3. Upload your identity document
   
4. Take a live selfie so your face matches the document
   
5. Submit your application
   

If successful, you’ll receive a personal code, keep it safe. That code will be needed for your company filings. 

Step 3: Or Use an ACSP (via Redfish, for example)

If you prefer not to do this yourself:

• As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Red Fish Accountancy can handle this process for you
  
• You’ll provide your ID documents to us, and we’ll upload and manage the verification steps
  
• We’ll maintain records, submit the verification, and help you submit your filings with your personal code included in the correct places
  
  

Step 4: Use the Code in Filings

Once you have your personal code:

• Include it in your next confirmation statement
  
• When appointing or resigning directors, add it as part of the filing
  
• PSC filings must also include it within 14 days of the relevant date 

How Red Fish Accountancy Can Help You

If you’d prefer not to handle the identity verification process yourself, we can take care of it for you. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we’re fully approved to verify directors and PSCs on your behalf. Our service is simple, secure, and designed to remove the hassle from staying compliant.

Incorporating Verification into Filings

When you submit:

• Confirmation statements
  
• Director appointments/removals
  
• PSC updates

We’ll ensure your personal code is included properly so the filings go through smoothly.

Risk Management & Review

We’ll review the status of your directorships and PSCs, alert you to any impending deadlines, and highlight any missing verifications that may create compliance risks.

Support for Complex Cases

If you:

• Live overseas
  
• Don’t have a direct UK ID
  
• Are unsure about your eligibility or documents
  

We’ll guide you through alternative approaches and apply best practices so your verification is accepted.

Integration with Our Other Services

Because we also offer Company Secretarial Services, Payroll, and Tax Compliance, we’ll coordinate verification alongside your other compliance tasks. This avoids duplication and confusion.

If you’re ready, we can handle your verification as part of our onboarding process, meaning you’ll be stress‑free from day one.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to verify your identity is risky. The new Act introduces criminal offences and penalties. 

• Acting as a director without verification may be a criminal offence
  
• The company that allows unverified directors to act may also commit an offence
  
• Persistent non‑compliance could lead to director disqualification under the updated law
  
• Delays or rejections of filings if the required code is missing
  
• Investors, banks, or other third parties may refuse to deal with companies whose directors aren’t verified 

Still, some legal acts done before verification remain valid. The laws don’t automatically void prior actions, but you should avoid operating unverified going forward.

Tips & Best Practices

• Don’t wait until the last minute. Verifying early reduces the risk of backlog
  
• Store your personal code in a safe place; it’s needed every time you file
  
• Ensure all director and PSC information at Companies House is up to date (addresses, names)
  
• If you have multiple directorships, use one verification across all roles
  
• Use an ACSP if you’re unsure or want professional support
  
• Keep records of your verification steps and documents for at least seven years 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do this?

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

What if I don’t have a passport?

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.

I live overseas — how do I verify?

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.

I’m a director of more than one company. Do I have to verify multiple times?

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

What is the 12-character personal code?

It’s a unique identifier that 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.

How long does verification take?

Usually less than 10 minutes online.

Can you (my accountant) do this for me instead?

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.

Final Thoughts

New ID verification rules are now part of running a company in the UK. Whether you’re a director or someone with significant control, verifying your identity is no longer optional; it’s a legal requirement.

The process is straightforward, but it’s important to get it right. Acting early helps avoid delays, keeps your filings on track, and ensures you stay compliant with Companies House.

If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’d rather not handle the technical steps yourself, we’re here to help. 

At Red Fish Accountancy, we support businesses with practical advice and hands-on assistance. Whether you want help verifying your ID, managing your confirmation statements, or staying on top of company filings, we can take care of it for you.

Get in touch with us today if you'd like to talk through your options or need help getting started. We’ll guide you through the process and keep things simple.