As part of the UK government's efforts to tackle economic crime and improve transparency, Companies House has introduced new identity verification requirements for people with significant control (PSCs). If you're a PSC of a company, this blog post will help you to understand:
- what you need to know about verifying your identity
- when to do it
- how the process works
What is a PSC?
A PSC is someone who owns or controls a company. A PSC may hold more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, have the power to appoint or remove directors, or otherwise influence key decisions, even without formal ownership. Many PSCs are also directors, but this is not always the case.
A PSC could be:
- a major shareholder
- an investor with board-level authority
- a trustee controlling a large shareholding
In small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses, a PSC could be:
- a founder retaining control
- a family member with voting power
- a relative who no longer runs the company but still approves major financial or strategic decisions
Why PSCs need to verify their identity
Identity verification has been introduced to help tackle fraud, improve the accuracy of information on the Companies House register, and make it harder for criminals to use fake or stolen identities to set up and control companies. These changes will help create a more trustworthy business environment where honest companies can thrive.
When PSCs need to complete identity verification
When you need to complete identity verification depends on your specific circumstances. Every PSC has a 14-day period during which they must provide their Companies House personal code and a verification statement.
You can get your personal code by verifying your identity either through the Verify your identity for Companies House service, which uses GOV.UK One Login, or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). You only need to do this once – the same personal code can then be used to link your verified identity to each role you hold.
If you're both a PSC and a director of the same company, your 14-day period starts from the day after the company's confirmation statement date.
For example, if your company’s confirmation statement date is 31 March 2026, your 14-day verification period as a PSC would run from 1 April to 14 April 2026.
If you're a PSC but not a director of the company, you must complete identity verification within the first 14 days of your birth month. This makes sure that where a PSC is not directly involved in the running of the company, they have a clearly defined period for complying with identity verification requirements
As an example, if your birthday is 24 February, your 14-day verification period as a PSC would run from 1 February to 14 February 2026.
If you’re a new PSC, you can provide your personal code when you’re first added to the register, or within 14 days of the date on the direction letter sent to you shortly after you’re added.
You can check your specific due dates on the Companies House register.
How to provide your personal code to Companies House
Once you’ve verified your identity and received your personal code, you can use the Provide identity verification details for a PSC service to link your personal code to the PSC roles you hold.
After you’ve signed in, you’ll be asked for the company number. The service will then list the company’s PSCs, where you can find your name and provide your personal code.
You’ll only be able to provide the personal code once your 14-day period has started.
Alternatively, you can share your personal code with the company or an ACSP who can provide it for you during your 14-day period.
Data mismatches
The ‘Provide identity verification details for a PSC’ service will check the details used to verify your identity and match them to the details Companies House holds.
If the details do not match, you will not be able to connect your verified identity to our records. This might be because your date of birth is incorrect on our records or if you verified your identity with an ACSP, they may have provided incorrect details for you.
Find out what you should do if the personal details linked to your code do not match our records.
Important things to remember
Before you verify, make sure the personal details held by Companies House (such as your date of birth) match the details on your identity documents. If they do not match, you’ll need to update your details before you link your verified identity to your PSC role.
If you cannot provide your verification details on time, you can request a 14-day extension before your deadline passes using the online service.
Even if you've provided your personal code as a director on your company's latest confirmation statement, you'll need to provide the code again as a PSC using the Provide identity verification details for a PSC service.
If you do not comply with identity verification requirements as a PSC, you may be committing an offence and have to pay a financial penalty or fine. In the future, we may also display a note against your name on the public register.
Find more information about providing identity verification details as a PSC on GOV.UK and stay up to date by signing up to email newsletter updates from Companies House.
86 comments
Comment by Robert Spencer posted on
Many people go on holiday for 14 days - why not make the period 28 days?
Comment by Emily Mitchell posted on
I agree with this. 14 is too short.
Comment by Richard Nabavi posted on
Yes, 14 days is ridiculously short. And why on earth can't we do this anytime in advance?
Comment by Phil Church posted on
Quite agree, why a stupid time limited window at all? Is this intended to generate fines?
Comment by Anthony John Evans posted on
How do I check if Companies House has an identity verified.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for your comment.
You can search the Companies House register to check the verification status of each company officer. It will show the verification status for each role the individual holds. If verification has been completed for a role, it will show as 'verification requirements complete'.
Comment by David Saunders posted on
How do I link my code as a director to my PSC details?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment.
You personal code links your verified identity to each role you hold and you must provide it separately for each one - it does not link your roles together.
As a director, you need to provide your code in your company's next confirmation statement. As a PSC, you need to provide your code again using our 'Provide identity verification details for a person with significant control service'. Go to: gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification
Comment by Andy Dickens posted on
I am going away for 3 weeks and won’t be back in time to submit code for PSC
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your comment.
If you need more time to provide your PSC verification details, you can request a 14 day extension. You cannot request an extension before your 14 day period has started, or after your verification deadline has passed. Go to: gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification#requesting-an-extension
Comment by Andy Dickens posted on
Thank you
Comment by Andrew Stanley Hamlett-Orme posted on
I went the post office and did the photo and all the forms and you haven't given me a code...
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your comment.
If you have verified successfully using the GOV.UK One Login post office route but not received your personal code, you should email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details so that we can advise.
Comment by Craig Wilson posted on
If I am PSC in more than one company do I have to do this multiple times?
If I only have to do it once, when would I do this if the companies have different confirmation dates ?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Craig,
You'll need to provide your personal code as a PSC separately for each company. When you need to do this depends on if you are also a director of the company. You can check when you need to provide your code for each role by looking at the 'People' tab for each company on the Companies House register: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
You can also read further guidance on when you need to provide your personal code here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-you-need-to-verify-your-identity-for-companies-house
Comment by Cin Burnett posted on
My personal code isn't working. Why?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Cin,
Thanks for your comment.
If you cannot connect your verified identity to our records, it could be because your personal details do not match. Read guidance on how to resolve this: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/companies-house-personal-codes-for-identity-verification#if-the-personal-details-linked-to-your-code-do-not-match-our-records
Comment by Colin Mallett posted on
The website is awful and difficult to use
Comment by Julian Oxley posted on
Spot on
Comment by Joanna posted on
agree rubbish
Comment by Paul Dayes posted on
Real headache trying to manoeuvre this site. Whatever happened to keeping things simple!
Comment by Ruth Woollacott posted on
We believe we have done this for all the companies ( x4) active or dormant where we are PSC's. How do we check Companies House has all the details it needs and that we are up to date?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for your comment.
You can check that all the officers of your company have completed the verification requirements by looking at the 'People' tab for each company on the Companies House register: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
If verification is complete you'll see a 'Verified' label against each role, if not it will show the date that the verification is due.
Comment by David Bamforth posted on
Totally confusing!
I've had multiple emails asking me to verify my identity after I had already verified my identity. Yet, at the time there was no way to receive confirmation that I had already verified.
Now, another email telling me I have to verify identity as a PSC but, you cannot do it until the day after the company's confirmation statement date.
And, you only have 14 days thereafter the confirmation statement date to verify as a PSC. As the previous commentor made, many people go on holiday for 14 days and are unable to provide such information during that time. It really needs to be at least 30 days.
Plus, when you have 1) A Company Authentication Code. 2) A Separate Company Password. 3) Gov.UK One Login Password. 4) A Companies House Personal Code. Then, I am getting to the point when I don't know which code to use in order to verify as a PSC. I assume that its the Companies House Personal Code.
I can see that this complexity is going to cause a lot of confusion with many people missing the deadlines.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi David,
You only need to verify your identity once and then provide the same personal code for each role you hold. To complete verification as a PSC, you need to provide your personal code using the Provide identity verification details for a person with significant control service: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification.
If you need more time to provide your PSC verification details, you can request a 14 day extension. You cannot request an extension before your 14 day period has started, or after your verification deadline has passed. Go to: gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification#requesting-an-extension
Comment by Harry Jarman posted on
You couldnt make it more confusing.
Comment by Julian Oxley posted on
Spot on
Comment by Andy Kershaw SYFAB posted on
It needs to be made clear, especially in the case of CIC's, that companies DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A PSC and that in fact having directors with an equality of votes is more appealing for many funding bodies. I work for a Community Foundation and we have many CIC applicants who have set up their CIC's with a PSC who has overall control and it is unacceptable for not for profit companies seeking funding from us.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your comment.
If there are no PSCs for your company, you must tell us as your company’s PSC information cannot be blank.
You’ll need to state why there is no PSC and register this as a PSC statement. See: gov.uk/guidance/people-with-significant-control-pscs
Comment by Anthony Krijger posted on
If I used to be a PSC and have resigned my position, how will I know that the details have been registered correctly, given that I no longer can sign on?
I continue to receive email from Companies House, so clearly my details are still available.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for your comment.
You can check the company details on the Companies House register to see if you are still an active PSC: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
There are a few different emails you may be getting from Companies House. If it's our newsletter you can update you preferences here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCH/subscriber/new
If your email address has been used for the company's registered email address or you are signed-up to receive email reminders for filing, you'll need to ask the company to update their email preferences.
Comment by J N Carrington posted on
I've tried several times but get stuck when I'm asked to scan a QR code on my computer - when I don't have a QR code.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Neville,
Thanks for your comment.
If you're still experiencing issues, please email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details so that we can advise.
Comment by Nicholas posted on
Having a sole prop part-time business which is not a LTD business .I presume i do not have to register?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Nicholas,
Thanks for your comment.
Sole traders are not registered with Companies House and therefore do not need to verify their identity with us.
Comment by Louise Barnes posted on
Would this mean any person with signatory control for applications on behalf of the directors would need to verify their identity
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Louise,
Thanks for your comment.
Currently, only directors and people with significant control need to verify their identity. In future, there will be additional identity verification requirements for people who submit information to Companies House. These changes will come into effect no earlier than November 2026.
Comment by Alfred Catterall posted on
How do I identify if I have neither a passport or driving licence??
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Alfred,
Thanks for your comment.
There are a range of different documents and evidence you can use to verify your identity. GOV.UK One Login will ask you some simple questions to find the best way for you to verify depending on the documents you have and the device you are using. Alternatively, you may wish to use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify your identity and they'll be able to advise on the documents they'll accept.
Comment by Stephen File posted on
We have spent at least three days on it now, plus a £50 solicitors fee, still cannot do it. Can’t get through to companies house on the phone. Hopeless! Don’t know what to do next!
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your comment.
Sorry you're having trouble completing identity verification. Please email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details of the issues you are having so that our team can support you.
Comment by Jon Robertson posted on
I cant think of any technical reason why I have to submit my code in a 14 day window in 6 months time rather than now
Is the system hilariously badly designed, is it just to be awkward and annoying or is there intent for people to forget so that they can be fined?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Jon,
Thanks for your comment.
All PSCs have an “appointed day” in law, followed by a 14-day period to complete identity verification. This sets a clear deadline for compliance and helps spread submissions across the transition year.
For most PSCs, this 14-day period is linked to the company’s annual confirmation statement. For PSCs who are not directors, their 14-day window starts from the first day of their birth month. This gives non-director PSCs - who may not be closely involved in the day-to-day running of the company - a clear and predictable time to meet the requirement.
Comment by Ernest Barrow posted on
It is too confusing, especially for aged or learner computer users, plus time scales i.e. 14 days ??
Comment by Julian Oxley posted on
Dead right - disgraceful
Comment by K. Jarvis posted on
I agree, The web site does not allow me to even log in. I’ve reported the problem and no one seems to know how to fix it. Confirmation is done via an app. An app that needs to be updated regularly. I am old and don’t understand why we have tools (apps) these days that only work for a year or two. Going backwards me thinks.
Comment by Mr Mark N Jones posted on
The entire process needs Parliamentary Intervention and Overall Review, I assume it has caused much unnecessary stress to thousands of business owners confirming identity. A passport, driving licence and proof of address should be enough, the function test should be someone who works for companies house on a self employed contract basis goes through the hell themselves and reporting their heart rate and it's eased of use. Have a cardiologist nearby.
Comment by Kate Dub posted on
What if a PSC is a RLE instead? Have the RLE identification rules been made live?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your comment.
The are currently no identity verification requirements for RLEs.
Comment by Paul Vaughan posted on
As a director of a dormant, non-trading company, this verification process is ludicrous - a sledge-hammer to crack a nut!
Comment by Reg Halsall posted on
I recognise that this may initially cause some issues and agree that some flexibility on first introduction for existing PSC and Directors might be appropriate, but I can see absolutely no reason to allow people to create companies without proper identification so they can be held responsible for misdeeds they are involved in. There is far to much fraud these days causing deep hurt to innocent people because of the lack of verification when setting up companies and existing companies where people are not verified should be keen to ensure that they are verified so that miscreants can be routed out.
Comment by Gordon Beeson posted on
I am one of two Directors of a small property letting Company (four flats) which is run by a Management Letting Agency on our behalf. They advise me that they are not allowed to file my PSC on my behalf, and I must do it on my own. I am not very computer literate, aged 81 years, and although I have tried six times to complete the form, it comes back telling me there is an error. I've been told to send a photo of myself and one of either my driving licence or passport. This is where I fail, apparently. I have been sending forms to HMRC for many years, surely they have enough info. about me by now. I am having sleepless nights about this and now I could be facing fines.
This is groosly unfair, and there is no one at HMRC who wants to talk this through with me, shocking...
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Gordon,
Thanks for your comment.
Sorry you're having trouble completing identity verification. Companies House is committed to ensuring that every customer has a fair and accessible opportunity to meet their legal obligations. We have a range of guidance and assistance available, including expanded and specially trained support teams, extended contact hours, and a specialist team that can consider reasonable adjustments and review cases requiring further support. Please email us at: enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with the details of the issues you're having so that our team can support you.
Comment by Jeanette martin posted on
How do I find out if I have done this ?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks for your comment.
You can check the 'People' tab for your company on the Companies House register: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
If identity verification has been completed as a director and/or a PSC, you'll see a 'Verified' label, if not it will show you the verification due date for each role.
Comment by Raymond Welsby posted on
No tolerance seems to be allowed for sole elderly accountants who have been dealing with the same companies for 10 , 20, 30 or more years without any problem and now dealing with and trying to cope with the convoluted registration of directors etc at a time Nov/Jan when dealing with many sole traders who have also to cope with planning for the changes being brought in from 5th April
Comment by Julian Oxley posted on
I qualified in 1965 and you're dead right
Comment by Jack Lovie posted on
Say what you like about verification - it's about making Companies House safe. I had the most stressful period of my life when Latvian Pension broke up. This is progress.
Comment by JR posted on
You are deluded if you think this will make any difference to people doing wrong things. They will find a way round and in the meantime, decent people are being tracked and stressed and controlled.
Comment by Nelson Ward posted on
I've spent ages trying to verify my identity. I provided my passport details and driving licence. I was told that it didn't prove my identity. Absolutely ridiculous as I've been a director of the Company sending account information and updated confirmation for over 15 years.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Nelson,
Thanks for your comment.
Sorry you're having trouble completing identity verification. Please email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details of the issues you are having so that our team can support you.
Comment by C Curtice posted on
Iread the above statement which promises to explain identity verification but it fails & I am non the wiser. I have heard of people wasting hours on trying to get the process to work without luck. Why is it so badly designed & not road tested with real people.
Companies House must improve the system before more people waste valuable time on it.
Comment by M Simfukwe posted on
I agree. I suspect they carry out their User Acceptance Test (UAT) with tech-savvy demographic folks.
Comment by DavidL posted on
This 14 day PSC verification window is ridiculous, confusing and stressful. When I submitted my confirmation it said my PSC 14 day window was in Summertime, now this email sent 16th January says the PSC verification window already started the day after the Confirmation statement date! This is confusing and stressful and I agree it needs Parliamentary review and oversight.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment.
If you sign in to our 'Provide identity verification details for a person with significant control' service (gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification) it will confirm the 14 day period in which you need to provide your personal code and a verification statement as a PSC. The dates of your 14 day period depend on when you were registered as a PSC with Companies House, and whether you're also a director of this company.
Comment by Kathy Ratcliffe posted on
I went through this process with a Post Office visit where my photograph was taken and a receipt issued. I was given no further instructions. A letter then came to my Spam folder which I didn't access in time - I had to fill in ANOTHER FORM to complete 'verification'! Without ever having been informed of further action being needed, I was then told by the Chat that I would now have to PAY FOR A THIRD PARTY to verify my identity! This feels very much like a scam to me.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your comment.
If you're still experiencing issues completing identity verification, please email enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with details of the issues you are having so that our team can support you.
Comment by Tadas posted on
We're 5 apartment community with a holding company for the "freehold". Needless to say the company is not really doing any business activity.
One of members is an old lady who does not use smartphone, Internet. And it's incredibly difficult to find an ACSP who will do an in-person verification. So yeah, this whole thing is bit of a nightmare and we still haven't figured it out.
I agree it's generally good idea, but transition for existing companies is not thought out.
Comment by Tadas posted on
So I found one provider nearby. Cost is £120, which is a lot for a pensioner.
It'd be really helpful if list of ACSPs included a column indicating those who are doing in-person verification service. Most listed companies seem to be accountants doing this for their regular clients. Some offer it as a separate one-off, but digitally. And barely anyone does it in-person it seems.
Comment by JFQuint posted on
I am elderly and not computer savvy. But not stupid. I have recently inherited my late husband's company. I could not make the website work and have had to pay a large fee for my accountant to verify my identity and am none the wiser after reading the latest official advice.
Comment by Karen Brewer posted on
Gobbledygook
Comment by Kevin de Silva posted on
The instructions state (as I understand them) that one must verify their identity separately as a director and a PSC. Where are the instructions to verify as a Director?
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment.
You only need to verify your identity once – but you must provide your personal code for each role you hold. As a director, you'll need to provide your code in your company's next confirmation statement. If you're also a PSC, you'll need to provide your code again using our 'Provide identity verification details for a person with significant control service'. For detailed guidance, go to: gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house
Comment by Katie Minchin posted on
Very stressful time trying to get this completed and clicking on links and cross links which show 403 forbidden or 403 errors - all the while being threatened with letters indicating enforcement action will be taken. Make the process simple - straight forward - easy to follow and AVAILABLE! - then if there is non compliance by all means take enforcement action. don't penalise me for not understanding how to jump through unclear and sealed hoops that arent available to me - All alongside trying to fit in my day job.
In the very least give me time to work out exactly what you need, when and how i can provide it.
Comment by Oliver Dowding posted on
Totally agree with this.
Furthermore, it presume one has a mobile phone, which many don't. Perhaps those in Companies House find that hard to comprehend?
Then there are people like me who's phone has no signal at home so when they insist on using a text message to send a code, means I can't access it. Why not do like banks et al and offer the option of sending it to the landline?
The other gripe is that in using the Gov login, finding your way to where you need to be is far from clear. Offering a phone number (where there won't be a 20 minute wait to get through to the right person) or an email where it will be acted on efficiently ought to be standard.
Comment by Oliver Dowding posted on
I tried to log in at home.....but....this is what the process demands
"You can use your GOV.UK One Login to access some government services.
In the future, you’ll be able to use it to access all services on GOV.UK.
You’ll need:
an email address
a way to get security codes - this can be a UK mobile phone number or an authenticator app"
This is so presumptive as I don't have any mobile phone signal at home. Furthermore I am NOT going to install apps on it for this. Why can't you just enable the process to allow whatever code you have to send to be done via my landline? Yes, people do still have them! Or it could be emailed. Thus you are forcing me to go somewhere that has signal and an option to use my computer. Therefore you must expect to wait as you are significantly inconveniencing me.
Comment by Luke C posted on
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for your comment.
GOV.UK One Login uses two-factor authentication to keep accounts secure. This means that, in addition to an email address and password, a temporary security code is required.
For security reasons, this code can only be sent to a mobile phone number or generated using an authenticator app. Codes cannot be sent to landline numbers or by email.
We understand this may be inconvenient for some users, but these measures are in place to protect personal information and prevent fraud.
Comment by richard berry posted on
Totally confusing, poor grammar doesn't help. We. a small accountancy practice are used to dealing with complicated areas of tax & accounting but this process is absolutely ridiculous. 14 days to link PSC's !! & we have over 500 all with different dates to keep track of. Please change your system so that;
- Personal Code for PSC can easily be added as soon as the PSC has the code!!
- Issue simple step by step procedure e.g. when quoting'login' pleas specify the link e.g. webfiling, cos hous account etc.. etc...
The whole process needs a complete rethink or you will cause havoc for honest businesses without stopping the fraudsters!
Comment by Nick posted on
"As part of the UK government's efforts to tackle economic crime and improve transparency, Companies House has introduced new identity verification requirements for people with significant control (PSCs)."
If you think it will make a difference to economic crime...give you head a wobble.
If you feel comforted by the improved transparency...give your head a wobble.
Comment by Archie posted on
Why Companies House didn't demand identity verification before now is beyond me. However, their process is extremely frustrating. I tried scanning my passport using the phone app and failed, then entered the details manually and failed, then tried entering my driving licence details - and failed. "We have been unable to verify your identity." Total waste of time. I've emailed to ask how to proceed as I don't want to waste more of my time with a trip the Post Office. I wonder how long it'll take them to respond and if it will be helpful...
Comment by R Bodden posted on
Im comforted to know that Im not the only person thats finding this subject so frustrating. I have never seen such a complicated and stressful process in my life. It has caused me many sleepless nights but finally I got the code which I need as a Director but I am even more confused about linking and a 14 day rule linked to a birthday as I am also a PSC. Also stating we could be fined if not completed on time. WHO ON EARTH CREATED THIS LUDICROUS PROCESS. OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE WITH A HIGH IQ AND NO COMMON SENSE !!
Comment by Thomas Davies posted on
Gone round in circles, the gov website is never easy!
Comment by Andrew Williams posted on
They make it that way to keep people injobs at Companies House
Comment by Tosin posted on
The business analysts and project team that designed this product made it more complicated and confusing, solutions like this should be easier to navigate and not the other way round. Again easy and not complicated should be the goal of any product.
Comment by Peter Taylor posted on
This whole process is a joke, I agree with the idea of proving your ID but why make it so very complicated - I read all the email & guidance & still confused!
Comment by Steve Clarke posted on
Why is this system designed to confuse and catch people out?
A 14 day window that is only extendable by applying within that window
No opportunity to confirm now and potential fines for missing the narrow window.
I have always supported ID verification but half of the directors of the boards I deal with the admin for are tearing their hair out trying to get verified.