Identity Verification (“IDV”) is a new process requiring individuals that run, own or control UK companies or limited liability partnerships (“LLPs”) to prove their identity to Companies House. IDV registration is voluntary until 18 November 2025, after which it will become compulsory for directors, members of LLPs and persons with significant control (“PSCs”).
Once mandatory, an individual’s IDV registration number must be included on certain annual company filings. To avoid delays, existing directors, LLP members and PSCs are encouraged to complete one of the verification processes below in advance, so filings after 18 November 2025 can be made on time. For individuals appointed as directors, LLP members or PSCs on or after 18 November 2025 the IDV process must be completed at the time of appointment.
Background to the IDV implementation
The requirement for IDV registration was introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”) and is a legal requirement for all directors, LLP members and PSCs, with the intention to deter individuals intending to use companies for illegal purposes and to improve the transparency, trust and accuracy of information recorded at Companies House.
When do I need to verify the identity?
If you’re both a director and a PSC of the same company:
The personal code will need to be confirmed separately for each role.
As a director, you must provide the code in the company’s confirmation statement.
As a PSC, you must provide it using a separate service within 14 days of the particular company’s confirmation statement date. This service will be available when the requirement comes into force on 18 November 2025.
If you’re a PSC but not a director of the same company:
The personal code must be provided within the first 14 days of the PSC’s birth month. For example, if the PSC’s date of birth is 22 January, the 14-day period will begin on 1 January.
If you become a PSC after 18 November 2025:
The personal code must be provided within 14 days of the PSC being added to the Companies House register.
The IDV Process
How do I verify?
Before verifying their identity, existing directors, LLP members and PSCs should review the personal information currently filed about them at Companies House in relation to any company or partnership. This is to ensure that it is accurate and consistent with the information on the ID document to be used as part of the IDV process. If you would like assistance in checking the information held on you by Companies House, we are able to help.
Online verification
You can prove your identity online by using a free government service “GOV.UK One Login”. To do this, you must first create a personal GOV.UK One Login account. Your verified identity will be linked to this login, so it is important to keep a secure record of your password.
The GOV.UK One Login webpage provides users with a QR code which links to the GOV.UK ID Check app. This app requires one of the following types of photo ID:
- Biometric passport
- UK driving license (full or provisional)
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
You will also need access to a phone with a working camera to use the app. In some cases, you may be asked to provide your current address and the year in which you moved in. If you have all your documents ready and access to a biometric passport, a tablet and a camera phone, the verification process should take about 15 minutes.
If you do not hold any of the above forms of ID, it may still be possible to verify your identity online without using the app by answering a series of security questions, which may relate to:
- Your mobile phone contract
- Any bank accounts, credit cards, loans or mortgages you may have
- The details from a UK passport or UK photocard driving licence
- The details of a current account with a UK bank or building society
Online verification is free of charge and can be accessed using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house
In person at a Post Office
If you are unable to complete the verification process online but live in the UK, you may be able to verify your identity in person at your local Post Office. You can use the link above to find out if you are able to register this way.
Verifying your identity at the Post Office is free of charge.
Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (“ACSP”)
ACSPs are typically company formation agents, solicitors or accountants authorised to file documents at Companies House on a company’s behalf. Some ACSPs will also offer ID verification services. An individual from any country can use an ACSP to verify their identity on their behalf. If an individual lives outside the UK and does not have a biometric passport, they must use an ACSP for verification.
ACSPs are subject to strict verification standards and may therefore request additional information from an individual to verify their identity. The information required is taken from an approved list of evidence and will be dependent upon the individual’s circumstances.
There will be a fee payable to the ACSP for them to undertake this verification on your behalf.
At present, Orrick cannot conduct an identity check for individuals. However, we are happy to provide support and guidance on the process. Please feel free to contact us if you want to discuss further. Our contact details are at the base of this summary.
What happens once I verify?
Once Companies House have verified your identity, you will be given a unique identifier code (known as your Companies House personal code). This is a 11-digit alpha-numeric code.
The code will be displayed on screen at the end of the verification process. You should make a note of this code immediately, as Companies House are not currently emailing this code to the verified individuals. However, it can be retrieved at any point by logging back into the GOV.UK site.
If you are a director or PSC of multiple companies, you will only need to complete the verification process once. Your personal code will then be registered with each company with which you are associated. This is why it is important to ensure your details held at Companies House are consistent with the photo ID used during your identity verification.
What if I do not want to verify?
From 18 November 2025, individuals who have not verified their identity will not be able to make or be included in any filings at Companies House, nor will they be able to incorporate a new company or entity.
If a company is delayed in filing its Confirmation Statement because an individual’s IDV code is not available, the unverified directors, members or PSCs will be committing a criminal offence and both the individuals concerned, and the company will be liable for criminal prosecution. A fine of up to £5,000 may be issued to any unverified directors, members or PSCs and if the delay continues Companies House could apply to have the company or LLP struck off the register.
What next?
Companies House intend to introduce identity verification at a later date for:
- people who file papers at Companies House
- limited partnerships
- corporate directors of companies
- corporate members of LLPs
- officers of corporate PSCs
To read more on the changes brought about by the introduction of ECCTA click here.
From Spring 2026, to reduce fraudulent filings, Companies House will restrict the submission of documents to:
- individuals that have completed IDV (unless exempt) to file on their own behalf;
- an employee or officer of a firm or a company who has completed their own individual IDV (unless exempt) to file documents on behalf of that firm or a company; and
- ACSPs who will be able to submit documents on behalf of a firm or company.
Orrick intends to be registered as an ACSP before these changes take effect in Spring 2026.
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