Companies House Identity Verification: New Requirements for Directors and PSCs in Gravesend

From 18 November 2025, directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House. This new legal requirement affects all company owners and directors in Gravesend and across the UK.

What Is the Companies House Identity Verification Requirement?

Identity verification is a new legal requirement designed to improve transparency and reduce fraud on the Companies House register. If you're a director, person with significant control (PSC), or involved in running a company in Gravesend or anywhere in the UK, you must prove who you are to continue operating legally.

Who Must Verify Their Identity?

The requirement applies to:

• Company directors
• Equivalent director roles (members, general partners, managing officers)
• Persons with significant control (PSCs)
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) - also known as Companies House authorised agents
• Company secretaries and others who file on behalf of companies

In most cases, you only need to verify once. Companies House will contact you if you need to verify again.

When Do You Need to Verify?

The mandatory deadline depends on your role:

From 18 November 2025: Identity verification becomes a legal requirement. You'll need your Companies House personal code for:

• Filing your confirmation statement (for current directors)
• Being appointed as a new director
• Becoming a PSC

For Current Directors: You must provide your personal code in your company's next confirmation statement from 18 November 2025 onwards.

For PSCs: You'll have a 14-day period to provide your personal code once the requirement comes into force on 18 November 2025.

How to Verify Your Identity

There are two ways to complete identity verification:

Option 1: Use the Free GOV.UK Service

The 'Verify your identity for Companies House' service uses GOV.UK One Login and is completely free. The system will ask simple questions to find the best verification method for you:

• Verify with a smartphone app
• Answer security questions online
• Enter photo ID details online, then visit a participating Post Office

Important: You must provide answers about yourself personally, not your company.

Option 2: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

You can ask an accountant, solicitor, or other professional registered as an ACSP to verify your identity on your behalf. At MCC Partners in Gravesend, we can assist with this process as part of our comprehensive company secretarial services.

Using an ACSP means you provide approved identity documents to your trusted advisor, who verifies your identity with Companies House. This option may involve a fee but offers convenience and professional support.

Your Companies House Personal Code

Once verified, you'll receive a unique Companies House personal code. This code is:

• Personal to you (not your company)
• Required for filing confirmation statements, director appointments, and PSC registrations
• Should be kept secure like your UTR or National Insurance number
• Only shared with trusted individuals who file on your behalf

Consequences of Not Verifying

Failing to verify your identity has serious implications:

• You cannot start a new company
• You cannot register as an ACSP
• You may face financial penalties or fines
• Directors who continue acting without verification commit an offence and could be disqualified
• Your company and all directors may also be committing an offence

How MCC Partners Can Help Gravesend Businesses

At MCC Partners, located at 1a Saddington Street, Gravesend, we're here to help local businesses navigate this new requirement. Our services include:

• Guidance on the identity verification process
• ACSP verification services (once authorised)
• Company secretarial support
• Confirmation statement filing
• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Act Now to Stay Compliant

With the 18 November 2025 deadline approaching, now is the time to verify your identity. Don't wait until you need to file your next confirmation statement or make company changes.

Whether you choose to verify directly through GOV.UK or prefer professional assistance, MCC Partners is here to support Gravesend businesses through this transition. Contact our team today to discuss your company's compliance requirements and ensure you're ready for the new identity verification rules.