Companies House Identity Verification: What Accountants and Directors Really Need to Know in 2026 

If you’re responsible for company filings in the UK — whether as an accountant, director, or corporate adviser — one requirement has now joined your checklist that you cannot ignore: Companies House identity verification. This is not a “nice to do” compliance task. Since late 2025, it has become a legal gatekeeper for filing routine documents like confirmation statements, director appointments or changes of PSC (person with significant control). Getting this right is essential to avoid blocked submissions, lastminute dramas, or even the risk of penalties.  

In practice, many firms are still being caught out by this requirement because it looks simple on paper but becomes complicated in real workflows. This article explains why identity verification matters, how it impacts your usual filing rhythms and practical steps you can take today to manage it effectively, not just understand it conceptually. 

Why Companies House Identity Verification Matters Now More Than Ever 

From 18 November 2025, identity verification stopped being optional and became a legal requirement for key company filings. Directors and PSCs must verify their identity before they can file confirmation statements, register appointments, update company details, or make other statutory filings. If even one director on a confirmation statement hasn’t verified their identity, Companies House will block the entire submission — potentially causing late filing penalties.  

This measure was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to tackle fraud and improve the accuracy of the UK’s company register. In essence, Companies House identity verification acts as a digital “gatekeeper” that proves a person associated with a company is who they claim to be. Once verified, you receive a unique personal code that must be used every time you file on your own behalf.  

Although Companies House built a 12month transition window from the start date, many directors and accountants underestimated its operational impact — often discovering too late that clients cannot file without all identities verified. 

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Who Must Verify and When 

The requirement isn’t universal for all company roles immediately, but it is crucial for these core positions: 

• Company directors (Executive, Nonexecutive, and shadow directors) 
• People with Significant Control (PSCs) — those who own 25%+ of shares or have significant influence 
• LLP designated members and equivalent officers in other corporate structures  

Directors appointed after 18 November 2025 must verify before or at the point of appointment. For directors who were already in post before that date, they must verify before or when their firm files its next confirmation statement. PSCs generally have 14 days from their registration to provide their personal code to Companies House.  

A common point of confusion is understanding that the first time you verify, you receive a personal code that stays with you across all companies where you act as a director or PSC. However, you still need to apply that code to each specific filing. Missing even one in a batch can halt a filing for the entire company. 

The Practical Reality: Where Most Firms Get Stuck 

In theory, you can complete Companies House identity verification via GOV.UK One Login using standard photo ID — typically a passport or driving licence — in around 10–20 minutes. This free option works for most UK residents and links directly to your Companies House account.  

However, in practice, many accountants and directors encounter frustrating issues: 

• Mismatch of personal details between Companies House records and government ID (e.g., middle name omitted on register but present on passport) — this can block the verification process.  
• Technical errors in the GOV.UK One Login system, causing repeated failures or confusion about next steps.  
• Directors using nonUK biometric passports or residence documents facing challenges without additional support.  

These are not edge cases — they are common enough that many firms choose to handle verification ahead of statutory deadlines rather than at the last minute. 

For directors who cannot complete verification on GOV.UK One Login due to document issues, name mismatches, or system glitches, the alternative is to use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — for example, an accountant or solicitor registered with Companies House. This route usually involves submitting identity documents for manual checks and can be more reliable, especially for overseas directors.  

A Typical Workflow for Accountants Managing Verification 

To avoid costly delays, firms managing multiple clients typically adopt the following practical process: 

• Initial audit of director and PSC roles for every client to check who has and hasn’t verified. 
• Recording personal codes as soon as directors obtain them, ensuring they are attached to all relevant companies. 
• Verify early for new appointments, rather than waiting for a confirmation statement deadline. 
• Prepare backup routes such as ACSP verification for clients with document or system issues. 

Failing to track or verify a director in advance is the most common reason accountants find themselves reworking filings at the 11th hour — a frustration echoed by several directors and advisers navigating the new system.  

What Happens If Verification Is Missed 

Noncompliance carries real consequences: 

• Companies House will refuse confirmation statements and other filings until all required directors and PSCs have verified and their personal codes are applied.  
• Directors continuing to act without verification could be committing a statutory offence.  
• Some directors have reported needing to pay third parties sizable fees just to get individuals verified after repeated system failures.  

These outcomes emphasise that Companies House identity verification is not a bureaucratic addon — it’s a compliance step that now stands between you and every critical filing. 

Turning Requirements into a Structured Compliance Task 

For accountants and corporate advisers, the best approach is to treat identity verification as part of the onboarding and filing cycle, not an afterthought. Building it into your client admin workflows ensures that: 

• Directors and PSCs complete verification well before statutory filing deadlines. 
• Personal codes are collected and stored securely for use in all subsequent filings. 
• You avoid lastminute firefighting when a confirmation statement or director change is due. 

Proactive management of Companies House identity verification protects your clients’ compliance position and helps you deliver seamless statutory filing services — a real competitive advantage in professional practice.