From 18 November 2025, new legal requirements mean that all Company Directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must complete ID verification with Companies House.
This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to improve corporate transparency and prevent fraud.
If you’re a business owner, director or PSC, here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, what you need to do, and how to stay compliant.
Why is this change happening?
The aim is simple: to make the Companies House register more reliable and to reduce the misuse of UK companies for criminal purposes such as fraud and money laundering.
ID verification is one of the first major changes being introduced.
Who needs to verify?
- All new directors and PSCs from 18 November 2025 onwards.
- All existing directors and PSCs within a transition period, usually when filing your next confirmation statement.
If you’re a director of multiple companies, you only need to complete ID verification once. That verification can be used across all your roles.
What does the process involve?
You’ll need to prove your identity to Companies House by providing:
- A valid passport or driving licence
- A selfie or live photo
- Some basic personal details
Once verified, you’ll receive a unique personal code from Companies House. This code will be required when filing documents like confirmation statements, new appointments or changes to PSCs.
Important: Without completing ID verification and obtaining your code, your accountant or company agent cannot file on your behalf.
How can I complete ID verification?
Here are two ways to complete the process:
1. Verify your identity yourself (online)
You can use the free Companies House service via GOV.UK. This is the quickest and cheapest option if you’re happy to manage the process directly.
👉 Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
2. Ask Blue Spire to do this for you
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Blue Spire can complete ID verification on your behalf.
We offer this as a client-only service for a small admin fee of £30 plus VAT per person. By choosing this route, you can leave the admin with us and ensure everything is completed smoothly and securely.
Here’s how it works:
- We send you a secure Trusted Verify link
- You upload your ID, a selfie and confirm a few details
- You receive your Companies House verification code
- You forward the code to our Company Secretarial team
- We handle the rest and keep your records up to date
Already verified?
If you’ve already completed ID verification and received your code, simply send that code to us so we can add it to our system. That way we can continue filing your confirmation statements and company documents without delay.
What happens if I don’t verify?
If you don’t complete the process:
- Your company will not be able to file documents like confirmation statements or director appointments
- You risk non-compliance, which could lead to penalties
- You may even face disqualification as a director in serious cases
This is a legal requirement, so it’s important not to delay. Making sure your ID verification is completed on time will keep your company compliant and avoid any unnecessary issues with Companies House
What should I do now?
To get ahead and stay compliant:
✔️ Review your details at Companies House to make sure they match your official ID
✔️ Decide whether you will complete ID verification yourself or let us handle it
✔️ If you choose the self-verification route, visit GOV.UK and complete the process
✔️ Once verified, send your personal code to our team
✔️ If your company has multiple directors, make sure each one completes the process
Need help?
We understand this is a brand-new requirement and it may feel like yet another admin task. But we’re here to make it simple and stress-free.
If you’d prefer, Blue Spire can take care of the entire process for you as a service available to our clients only. For a small admin fee of £30 plus VAT per person, we will complete the verification on your behalf and make sure your company stays compliant.
| Please contact our team if you’d like us to handle this for you or if you have any questions. |
