https://companieshouse.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/16/making-identity-verification-simple-secure-and-trusted/

Making identity verification simple, secure and trusted

From 18 November 2025, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity. We’ll be phasing this in over 12 months and we’re contacting companies with guidance on what to do and when.

Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling companies are who they say they are. This will help boost business, and support growth.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done to make sure that identity verification standards are as high as they need to be, while the process is as simple as it can be. We estimate that 6 to 7 million people will need to verify their identity by mid-November 2026. We’ve done lots of testing with users to make the process straightforward, and most people will only have to verify once. There are 2 ways to verify your identity:

Someone is holding a phone, touching the screen, with the word 'simple' laid over the top

Using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service

You can prove your identity free of charge using GOV.UK One Login. You’ll be asked some simple questions to find which of the 3 options is the best way to verify your identity:

  • with an app
  • by answering security questions online
  • by entering details from a photo ID on GOV.UK One Login, then going to a participating Post Office

The identity verification process can usually be completed in minutes. The average completion time for the GOV.UK Identity Document (ID) Checking App is less than 2 minutes 30 seconds.

You’ll receive a personal code through the service as soon as your identity is verified. It’s unique to you, so keep it secure. You may need to share it with people you trust to file on your behalf.

From 18 November, you’ll need to link your verified identity to each company role you hold by providing your personal code and a verification statement for each role.

The Companies House register will be updated on 18 November 2025 to show the due dates for each role you hold.

Read our guidance for more information on when you need to verify and provide your personal code.

Help with the process

It's possible for a family member or someone else you trust to support you through the digital journey. You can also use someone else’s device to complete the verification process.

The GOV.UK One Login customer contact centre and technical service desk provide customer support every weekday for those who are less confident online or get stuck along the way. The contact centre has a user satisfaction score of 85%, with calls being answered in just 7 seconds on average, as of November 2024.

GOV.UK One Login will ask you a few simple questions to work out the best way for you to verify your identity online. You may be directed to verify your identity in person at the Post Office. While this route is still digital at the start and end, it provides extra support for those who need it.

Alternatively, you may wish to seek the services of an ACSP, such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify your identity.

Tips to prepare for identity verification

Make sure you have your documentation to hand. The easiest way to verify is using a passport, through the GOV.UK One Login app.

We encourage you to verify your identity as early as possible. Since April 2025, hundreds of thousands of individuals have already verified their identities during the voluntary period.

Read more about verifying your identity for Companies House.

We've designed our identity verification processes to be simple, secure and robust. We'll verify identities using existing forms of identities, such as a passport or driving licence. Our identity verification requirements will not create a digital ID for company directors or people with significant control (PSCs). It's designed solely to prove that people are who they say they are.

GOV.UK One Login follows the highest security standards for government and private sector services. It's fully compliant with UK data protection and privacy laws.

Read this privacy notice to find out how information is stored when you verify with GOV.UK One Login.

Read more about Companies House reforms and our identification verification rollout.

Thank you for your interest in this blog post. We are not able to provide answers to complex queries or comment on individual cases on our blog. See the comments section below for responses that have already been provided by Companies House.

Find out how to contact us if you have a query.

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83 comments

  1. Comment by David Smith posted on

    We have directors who cannot do this due to their age and lack of computer skills. we are a group running our own management company for our homes. Eight people with eight flats. Can we just id the directors with significant control

  2. Comment by Stephen posted on

    No way am i having a digital id, it’s a hackers dream, all your information held in one place

    Im aware the Government or the Royals don’t need to have it incase off a data breach, but they think its simply ok to have our data breached

    Digital id
    CBDC
    Cashless Society
    Programmable money
    Full Dictatorship

    That is where this is going

    I do not consent

    • Replies to Stephen>

      Comment by Simon posted on

      Hi Stephen.

      There's no need to consent.

      All your data will not be held in one place, it will be held as it currently is. The only difference being that essentially the data that the Passport office hold on you, will now be also held by a digital ID office. So if you're worried about all your data being in one place, best destroy your passport and ask the Passport office to delete all data they hold on you.

      As for "where it's going" you're free to dream up conspiracies but none of those ideas you've dreamed up are where it's going.

      • Replies to Simon>

        Comment by Steve posted on

        Its not a conspiracy. Hackers do exist and they do target data. Its a fact.

        Putting all eggs in one basket here. This will be the crown jewels for them.

        Government controls on data protection in the past have not earned trust. Thats another fact for you.

  3. Comment by Karolina posted on

    Is there a public record for ACPS and people they have verified? Or will there ever be such a record?

    • Replies to Karolina>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Karolina,
      Thanks for your comment.

      There isn’t a list of active ACSPs on our website yet. We have invited all registered ACSPs to give their consent to be included on a public list and we plan to publish this in the coming weeks. Once the list is live, we’ll promote it widely across our channels. The list of active ACSPs is opt-in - ACSPs are not required to be included in this list.

      When an individual has been verified by an ACSP, the Companies House register will show:
      - person’s name
      - ACSP name
      - names of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory bodies the ACSP is registered with
      - date the identity checks we're completed

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by Karolina posted on

        Hi Luke,

        So is it possible to see information about verified person in Companies House register now and data of the ACSP you have mentioned? Or will it be introduced after 18th of November?

  4. Comment by Alieu Nying posted on

    Great to be verifying identity

  5. Comment by john posted on

    The app timed-out while I was using it, how do I know if you have my details?

  6. Comment by Mr John Halstead posted on

    I do not have a code. How do I reset everything to try again?

  7. Comment by Charles Holmes posted on

    I have spent the last 2 days trying to verify my identity using the website - the app etc. The system is not fit for purpose and should be taken down until it can be resolved. I am IT literate and when I was eventually put through to an advisor (after 1 hour wait on the phone) - they were completely unable to resolve the matter.

  8. Comment by Mahamoutou DOUMBIA posted on

    Hi,
    I would like to complete my identity verification. I have successfully installed the GOV.UK One Login app on my Android phone and used it with my non-UK biometric passport.

    The app was able to capture the photo page of my passport and read the biometric chip without any issues. However, after the final step—scanning my face—when I return to the web browser (which I had left open to continue the process), I receive a message saying : "You cannot prove your identity with GOV.UK One Login".

    I have attempted this several times since the middle of last week, but the issue persists. I am currently residing in France, but I am Malian. I would appreciate your assistance in completing the final step of the verification process.

    Thank you in advance for your support.

    Best regards,

  9. Comment by Catherine posted on

    Please could you confirm where the register will be annotated to confirm that directors are verified. Will it be on the "Overview" Tab or on the "People" register? Also it says above that due dates for each role will appear on the register. Where can we check this please. Will it be on the "Overview" tab for each entity?

    • Replies to Catherine>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Catherine,

      This information will be shown on the people tab next to each of the directors and PSCs.

  10. Comment by Catherine posted on

    I note the above states that "The Companies House register will be updated on 18 November 2025 to show the due dates for each role you hold" - where will we be able to check this please. Will it be on the "Overview" tab?

    • Replies to Catherine>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Catherine,

      This information will be shown on the people tab next to each of the directors and PSCs.

  11. Comment by O Tereshko posted on

    Is this the same as the Digital ID the government are trying to impose on British people or something completely different.
    Saying you can't do things for your Company is a form of blackmail in my honest opinion. Think of all the very small businesses who may go to sole trader and deal with cash only!

    • Replies to O Tereshko>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi O,

      These requirements will not create a digital ID for company directors or people with significant control (PSCs). It’s designed solely to prove that people are who they say they are.

      Economic crime costs the UK billions each year and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses. Identity verification protects honest business owners from being impersonated by criminals and creates a cleaner, more trustworthy business environment.

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by Stephen posted on

        I will tell you what costs the tax payers Billions per year, the Government squandering it and handing it away to other countries, while we the UK Citizens get taxed to oblivion, freezing our pensioners, robbing our farmers to help pay for the squandering, has Michelle Moan handed the hundreds of millions back yet, and that’s nothing compared to the Billions upon Billions that Government waste, because it’s simple, they are on high salaries for being useless and I mean utterly good for nothing useless, and we have to always pay for their constant FAILURES

  12. Comment by Nigel B posted on

    How do we do this someone elderly with no photo id, and whom lacks mental capacity who is a PSC?

    Thanks

    • Replies to Nigel B>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Nigel,

      If your company has a director or PSC the you believe lacks mental capacity to complete identity verification, we recommend that you take independent legal advice about what this means for your company.

  13. Comment by Isabel Coughlin posted on

    I’m a volunteer director of a community benefit society. I receive no remuneration or expenses. I’ve spent an hour and a half trying to verify my identity. The app keeps kicking me out when I try to submit the photo of my driving licence and saying I have to sign in again as I have been inactive for 30 mins. This happened six times in half an hour. I then waited on the phone AND webchat for support and eventually gave up. I feel like resigning my directorship 🙁.

  14. Comment by Surinder Kaur posted on

    We are a management committee for place of worship. We need to register directors who do not have email addresses. Please can you advise how we find one of the agents to verify identity? We need to submit the confirmation statement by 30th November so there is not a lot of time to sort this out .

    • Replies to Surinder Kaur>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Surinder,

      There isn’t a list of active ACSPs on our website yet. We have invited all registered ACSPs to give their consent to be included on a public list and we plan to publish this in the coming weeks. Once the list is live, we’ll promote it widely across our channels.
      If you already work with an agent or accountant, you may wish to ask whether they are registered or plan to register as an ACSP. If they are not, they may be able to refer you to someone in their professional network who is.

      Alternatively, you can search online for a UK-based agent or accountant who is registered as an ACSP with Companies House. We recommend carrying out your own due diligence — research the firm online and contact them directly to confirm they are legitimate.

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by Surinder Kaur posted on

        Thank you for your reply. Will the list be published soon, we have to submit our annual paperwork at the end of November 2025 therefore we have limited time to register 15 people before the deadline.

        • Replies to Surinder Kaur>

          Comment by Luke C posted on

          Hi Surinder,

          We do not have a confirmed date to publish this list yet.

          • Replies to Luke C>

            Comment by Surinder Kaur posted on

            As we need to complete the verifications of 15 people before end of November, it doesn't allow us enough time. Please could you advise what we can do as I don't see how we're going to complete it within the time scales if we don't have the help of an agent.

          • Replies to Surinder Kaur>

            Comment by Luke C posted on

            Hi Surinder,

            We are not able to provide answers to individual cases on our blog. Please email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk for specific advice. As a reminder - 18 November marks the start of a 12-month transition year, it's not a deadline. From this date, you'll be able to check the verification due dates for each person on the Companies House register.

  15. Comment by Chris Hellawell posted on

    I have done the process for two companies that I am on the board of, and the process was really smooth. However, I am also a Director and trustee of a SCIO and I have not received any notification of needing to do this yet. Is that just due to the rollout schedule? Or should we have received something? And if we should have received something, who do I contact?

    • Replies to Chris Hellawell>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Chris,
      Thanks for your comment.

      Identity verification is not required for Scottish charitable incorporated organisations.

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by Chris Hellawell posted on

        Many thanks.

  16. Comment by Kirk boyer posted on

    Hi the sites says “From 18 November 2025, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity. We’ll be phasing this in over 12 months and we’re contacting companies with guidance on what to do and when.”
    The latest email received by the company says from “Nov 18 2025 Companies cannot file unless all Directors are verified.”
    As our filing is due January can you confirm directors actually do not have 12 months and means this is actually phased in by when your next filing is due. As the email indicates after 18 Nov 2025 filing must include all Directors verification numbers? This is at odds of our elderly directors are being told on the help phone line don’t panic you have 12 months presumably a interpretation of the first statement, whereas as I understand this is not the case they actually only have 2 in our company as our filing is due January. Can you confirm that they must be verified to permit next filing.

    • Replies to Kirk boyer>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Kirk,

      Yes. All company directors will need to have verified their identities before you file your next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025. You won't be able to file the confirmation statement without the personal codes of every director.

  17. Comment by John Martin posted on

    how much does a ACSP charge to provide this service. I can not verify my id as I have no photo id and the bank account can not generate security questions. This seems a problem with the system not me

    • Replies to John Martin>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi John,

      Companies House do not endorse, recommend or provide costs in relation to ACSP services. ACSPs set their own pricing structures independently and prices will vary depending on the service you require.

      If you already work with a third-party agent, such as an accountant or solicitor, it’s worth asking whether they are registered as an ACSP. Registered ACSPs can carry out identity verification for their clients and many also offer other company-related services.

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by John Martin posted on

        I do not have a third party agent. This seems another cost on me . Why can I not be verified by the bank and NI number?
        As has been said before the whole system is very poor and nobody seems to want to help

        • Replies to John Martin>

          Comment by Ruth posted on

          I am having exactly the same issue. I raised a complaint about this in June which was poorly handled and not resolved to any level of satisfaction. I have no photo ID and the system is not generating security questions. I also raised this with Experian (who are being used for this part of the system) and they have been appalling.
          The system discriminates against those without adequate photo ID (and in my opinion is indirectly discriminating against those who cannot have a driving licence for medical reasons).

          • Replies to Ruth>

            Comment by Surinder Kaur posted on

            It also discriminates against people who don't have email addresses, there are older people on our place of worship committee who have never used email and to have to register to do this is causing unecessary stress, unless they have someone willing and able to help - its an extra stress for people. We have 15 people to register by 30th November as our annual report is due and no information on how we find the agents who can help us with this.

            I am experienced in using technology but it didn't verify me and now i have to get it done at post office. There are no local post offices who offer this service so it means a special visit into the centre to do so. The system doesn't seem fit for purpose.

  18. Comment by Mark posted on

    I'm all for improving security of company management, but the implementation of this procedure is a total disaster zone. After four hours, three helpdesk calls and an awful lot of very hot tea, I *think* I have managed to do what's necessary. I have my personal code and apparently I just sit on it until the next confirmation filing in July 26.
    I have a lot of sympathy for the helpdesk people who must have some very upset callers trying to follow this process.
    Top tip: don't just install the app from the store; start the procedure online and install the app from the code that appears on the web page.

  19. Comment by Richard Hingley posted on

    OMG - has anyone actually tried to do this. Failed for no apparent reason and now just take me around in circles always ending with 'sorry' we cannot confirm your identify' and the no further options. Can't go via post office as it won't allow me to go any further receive a code/QR in order to do so. Web chat took me through the entire process again to end at the same result at which point they told me to speak to Companies House. I did, and they were unable to help and said they did not know why I was directed to them. Now calling Gov.UK - on hold for 45 mins and then the call just ends saying call failed. Second time did the same so back on web chat!!! Shocking...I'm trying to run a business here!

    • Replies to Richard Hingley>

      Comment by Ruth posted on

      Agreed. It’s appalling.

      The process also fails completely for those people who do not have a driving licence or a passport. This does not seem to comply at all with the statements around inclusivity or diversity that are being communicated by the digital team (see web article ‘GOV.UK One Login: Designing for inclusion at scale – Government Digital Service web article’). Many people do not have a driving licence for medical reasons. It currently feels very 'exclusive' and discriminatory.

      I have already submitted a complaint which was shut down with a ‘computer says no’ response. Bounced from one gov department to another. Being directed to use an ACSP is useless - you still need photo ID. System not fit for purpose and I now have no idea how to comply with this requirement. I have been trying since June, alongside trying to run my limited company. I have yet to be given any kind of constructive was forward.

  20. Comment by Kumar Vipan posted on

    I have attempted to verify my identity via the gov.uk application using my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Indian passport, but unfortunately, I have faced multiple challenges. I also tried verifying my identity through my bank account, but I encountered the same issues.

    Despite selecting the in-person post office option, I have been unable to generate the necessary form for identity verification. This situation has been ongoing since I received your notification regarding the need for identity verification. My accountant is currently filing VAT for my company, and since my taxes are due next year, it is crucial that I complete this verification process as soon as possible.

    I have contacted the gov.uk customer care for assistance, but they informed me that they cannot help me due to the absence of a chip-based passport. They did not provide guidance on how I could verify my identity at the post office.

    Could you please assist me offline with this matter? I am willing to share my Indian passport, National Insurance number, immigration status, or e-visa code as needed.

    Thank you for your understanding and assistance. I look forward to your prompt response.

  21. Comment by Melinda PHILLIPS posted on

    I have my personal code but our confirmation statement is not due until mid 2026. Can I link the code to the company I am a director of sooner than that and if so how do I do this.?

    • Replies to Melinda PHILLIPS>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Melinda,
      Thanks for you comment.

      As a director, you provide your personal code to Companies House using the confirmation statement. You do this in the next confirmation statement you file from 18 November.

      You can file a statement at any time during your review period: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirmation-statement-guidance

      • Replies to Luke C>

        Comment by Melinda PHILLIPS posted on

        Thank you Luke,
        If I file a confirmation statement before it's actually due , does that mean I can add the personal codes for all directors or do they have to do this themselves and if so how do they do it as they do not file the confirmation statement,
        many thanks Melinda

        • Replies to Melinda PHILLIPS>

          Comment by Luke C posted on

          Hi Melinda,

          You'll need to include the personal codes of all the company directors on the confirmation statement. Your confirmation statement will be rejected if you don't include this information.

  22. Comment by Jill Donaldson posted on

    I’ve had the same problem. Several hours going around in circles and no nearer to getting my code! We are a small self managing block of flats with three directors. We don’t trade and we don’t make a profit. We’re not a multi million pound company why are we being treated like one.

  23. Comment by Jenny posted on

    In this article, the link that is described as "Read our guidance for more information on when you need to verify and provide your personal code." leads to a Page Not Found.

    We have been trying to register directors for months - and have failed. The local Post Offices do not offer this service; none of the local solicitors are planning to become verified as ACSP; and several directors do not own a smart phone.

    In our case, we are a housing association where each person who owns a property is entitled to be a director of the managing company - regardless of age, competence, or physical capacity. So, we require this process to be able to support vulnerable people who do not travel, and may not own smart phones.

    What is being done to ensure that all areas of the UK have access to local ACSPs who can guide people through this process?

    • Replies to Jenny>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Jenny,
      Thanks for your comment.

      There are different methods of verify your identity with GOV.UK One Login. The method you use will depend on your device, if you have photo ID, and what type of photo ID it is. If you do not have access to a smart phone you can verify your identity by answering security questions online. You can find more information on this here: https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login/proving-your-identity

      If you have directors who are not digitally confident someone can help them use the digital service. You can find advice on this here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-someone-use-govuk-one-login

      ACSPs are commercial individuals or companies that elect to register with Companies House in order to offer services, including identity verification for directors and people with significant control. Companies House does not regulate agents and cannot instruct individuals and entities to register as ACSPs. The number of ACSPs is increasing steadily, meaning that services, at a range of price points, will be available within most localities. ACSPs can complete the checks remotely, or in person.

  24. Comment by Ian Houlder posted on

    Your web site is poorly designed far too much info before you can scroll down far enough to find the link to verify your id, when you do a similar page with so much info and hyperlinks keeps you away from the verify your identity box - then when you go through the faff of email address and password, you get a message saying 'we will send you a code' - you do but on many ocassions now it just says I am using the wrong code or it might have expired (rubbish x2)
    You say you have provided a secure and a simple process but you have made it stupidly complicated and one that just engenders anger and ire. I legally have to resister as a Director but cannot do so on your platform

  25. Comment by Geoff Duck posted on

    The above litany of disasters from all of the comments you have published, show how awful all this is.

  26. Comment by Gabrielle S posted on

    I am a director for 2 different companies - one is just myself and the other is myself and my husband. I have done the ID verification for my own company - do I need to verify again for our joint company?

    • Replies to Gabrielle S>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Gabrielle,
      Thanks for your comment.

      You only need to verify your identity once. You'll need to use your personal code to link your verified identity for each of your roles. For example as a director, you'll need to include your personal code on the confirmation statement of each company.

  27. Comment by ricki burrows posted on

    I have like others gone through this awful process. I now want to know that this process has been successful. How do I verify that what I have done has been successful?

    This is absolute dire & just demonstrates how useless Government is at absolutely everything it touches

  28. Comment by Sally posted on

    Is the cost of the ACSP a company expense or an employee expense?
    If a company expense, then what category would it come under?

    • Replies to Sally>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Sally,
      Thanks for your comment.

      This is not something we can advise on. This is something your company will need to decide or seek professional advice on.

  29. Comment by Sue Nicholson posted on

    Hi all, been trying to verify one of our directors, but the id's are being rejected by the website, tried both passport and driving license id's.
    Confuse why keep rejecting has the info provide is true and correct.
    Is there manned help line at all ?

  30. Comment by Chris posted on

    Do trustees of a CIO need to register IDs?

    • Replies to Chris>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Chris,

      No, trustees of Charitable Incorporated Organisations do not need to verify their identity.

  31. Comment by Fiona B posted on

    I have spent more time than I care to mention on this after the initial ID process with my driving licence was rejected, you only get one shot at this then an hour of webchat with an advisor who obviously hadn't a clue this was the case - said I could redo it! Staff training required!! Another call to Gov.UK One to say I actually can't do it again and need an ACSP - I ask for a list and then sent to Companies House, another long wait time and an advisor who told me to go back onto the ID verification website when I told her I can't and need a list of ACSP - can't help, look it up yourself! Tried looking up online for an ACSP and could only find a couple and not within my own region which I then need to verify as legit myself! Suggestions of paying anywhere between £45-£250. Question: ref the 'phasing in' of this "simple process" after 18th November is it a case of needing to verify ID if your confirmation statement is due in January?

    • Replies to Fiona B>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Fiona,

      Directors will need to have verified their identity before they file the company's confirmation statement. If your confirmation statement statement is not due until January, you do not need to verify immediately but should do this before your confirmation statement is due.

  32. Comment by Chloe posted on

    If the company has 3 directors and 1 company secretary does the Company Secretary also need to complete the ID verification process before 18th November?
    Thanks

    • Replies to Chloe>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Chloe,

      Company secretaries do not need to verify their identity for Companies House.

  33. Comment by A posted on

    Following verifying my identity on the Gov.UK app I received an email from companies house saying I was digitally verified. However, I have not received the 11 digit verification code though? And can't see this is my companies house account or Gov.UK app. I've checked and it has not gone into a junk email either. Please advise

  34. Comment by Tony Mr Gandolfo Cozzolino posted on

    cash dealings other than repairs to the building and the management fees. This is more intrusion by government.

  35. Comment by Fiona B posted on

    Following on from my previous post, I have now found a list posted by Companies House of ACSPs and I have just called the first of these in my local area and was greeted by a very unhappy accountant who said she was "only doing this for her own clients" and has asked to be removed from this list!! Where do I go from here? This is a mess and someone needs to sort it - I have no more time to waste on this!

    • Replies to Fiona B>

      Comment by Luke C posted on

      Hi Fiona,

      ACSPs have consented to be included on the list but it is not a guarantee they will be able to verify your identity for you. This will be the decision of the ACSP themselves. You may need to contact more than one ACSP before finding an ACSP who is able to verify on your behalf. You can also verify online via GOV.UK OneLogin.

  36. Comment by Chiky from Sumerian Games posted on

    I'll travel to the UK to verify in person, as the app doesnt work for scanning my face. Can it be done in any post office as stated in the verification process website? Or somewhere else in person? Thanks