New Companies House Verification Requirements: What You Need to Know for November 2025

Starting November 18th, 2025, Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification for individuals connected to UK companies. If you’re a director, a person with significant control (PSC), or someone with controlling influence over a company, this will affect you. But don’t worry – it’s a straightforward process designed to reduce fraud and increase transparency within the UK’s corporate landscape and it is fairly easy to prepare for.

Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you comply with the new requirements before the deadline.

Why Is This New Verification Requirement Being Introduced?

The key driving force behind this new rule is to help combat corporate fraud and improve transparency. The UK government has acknowledged that better identity verification is essential for ensuring that the people involved in running companies are properly vetted. The end goal is to make the system safer, more accountable, and easier to navigate.

Who Needs to Verify?

The new verification process primarily applies to:

• Directors: Anyone who is appointed as a director of a company.

• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): Individuals who own or control a substantial share of a company, or otherwise have significant influence over its decisions.

How to Verify Your Identity

There are several ways you can verify your identity, depending on your personal circumstances. The most straightforward options are as follows:

1. For UK-based individuals:

   • Biometric Passport: If you have a UK biometric passport, you can use this for online verification.
     
     

   • UK Driver’s License: Another easy option for verification.
     
     

   • UK Residence or Work Permits: If you have certain versions of these, it can also be used for online verification.

   • Post Office in Person:  if you don't have the above you are able to  be identified  at the post office.

2. For non-UK residents:
   
   

   • Non-UK biometric  passport.
     
     

   • If you’re overseas and don’t have a biometric passport, you may be able to work with an agent to complete the process for a fee.
     
     

In many cases, online verification using the .gov one app is available and very easy to use. The process takes just a few minutes – I did it myself, and it was incredibly straightforward.

What Happens If You Don’t Verify?

It’s crucial to complete your verification before November 18th, 2025. If you fail to do so, there are serious consequences:

• You won’t be able to make submissions.
  
  

• You won’t be able to be appointed as a director or even become a shareholder.
  
  

• You will be breaking Companies law.

Simply put, if you don’t verify, you’ll face restrictions on managing and running a company. This is why it’s so important to complete the verification process in time.

The Verification Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to complete the verification process:

1. Visit the .gov site: Go to the .gov site and click 'verify your identity'. Follow the prompts.

2. Download the .gov one app: You will be required to download the official .gov one app on your smartphone.

3. Sign up or log in: You’ll need to create an account or log into your existing one.

4. Verify using your identity document. Once logged in, the app will guide you through the process of verifying your identity using one of the acceptable documents.
   
   

5. Complete the process: The verification takes about 5 minutes. If everything checks out, you’ll receive a personal verification code.
   
   

6. Keep your verification code: This unique code is essential. You’ll need to keep it safe, as you’ll be required to enter it when submitting your confirmation statement or when setting up a new company.
   
   

Final Thoughts

The new verification process is designed to make corporate operations more secure, and while the deadline may seem far off, it’s essential to start planning now to avoid last-minute issues. By completing the verification process early, you ensure that your role as a director or shareholder in any company remains unaffected, and you’ll be compliant with the new laws.

Get verified before the November 18th deadline to avoid any disruptions to your business operations.