Significant changes are coming to UK company law, and businesses need to prepare now.

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing documents with Companies House. This forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, a landmark reform aimed at increasing transparency and preventing the misuse of corporate structures.

At BHP Law, we’re ready to support you through this transition. As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can verify identities on your behalf and ensure your company remains fully compliant.

What’s Changing?

From 18 November 2025, all newly appointed directors must verify their identity before their appointment is accepted. Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12-month grace period, with verification required at the time of their next annual confirmation statement. Companies House estimates that approximately 7.4 million individuals will need to complete this process.

Verification can be completed either:

• Directly through Companies House/GOV.UK (see below), or
• Through an ACSP like BHP Law, who can manage the process for you.

Voluntary verification is already open, and we strongly recommend acting early to avoid delays.

What You Need to Do

For individuals:

• Ensure your ID documents are valid and match Companies House records.
• Check when your next confirmation statement is due.
• Consider verifying your identity during the voluntary phase.
• Keep a record of your unique 11-digit identifier once verified.

For company secretaries and compliance officers:

• Identify all individuals who need to be verified.
• Flag overseas individuals and check the suitability of their ID documents.
• Align confirmation statement dates across group companies where possible.
• Update internal processes to ensure new directors are verified before acting.
• Prepare to verify your own identity if filing documents after spring 2026 without using an ACSP.

How to Verify

You can verify your identity online using the GOV.UK One Login service - it’s free and requires biometric photo ID. The process involves facial recognition and basic personal details. If online verification isn’t possible, UK residents can verify in person at designated Post Offices or through an ACSP. Overseas individuals without biometric ID must use an ACSP.

Once verified, you’ll receive a unique 11-digit Companies House personal code by email, linking all your roles to your verified identity.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to verify your identity could result in:

• Public register annotations flagging unverified individuals
• Disqualification proceedings
• Rejected company incorporations
• Inability to file documents with Companies House

Key Dates

• 18 November 2025 – Mandatory verification for new directors and PSCs begins
• Spring 2026 – Identity verification required for anyone filing documents

BHP Law Is Here to Help

As a registered ACSP, BHP Law can verify identities on your behalf, guide you through the new requirements, and ensure your business remains compliant. Whether you're a director, PSC, or company secretary, our corporate and commercial team is ready to support you.