Big changes are coming for UK company directors. From 18 November 2025, verifying your identity with Companies House becomes mandatory under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. New directors must verify before appointment/incorporation, and existing directors must confirm they’re verified with their next confirmation statement during a 12-month rollout.

No verification = no compliance (and potential penalties).

Quick recap: who needs to verify?

• New directors / new PSCs: verification required at incorporation/appointment (or within 14 days for PSCs).

• Existing directors / existing PSCs: confirm verification during the transition window linked to your company’s next confirmation statement (with special 14-day windows for PSCs).

How to get your Companies House personal code (step by step)

You get a personal code (an 11-character unique identifier) after you successfully verify your identity. You’ll use this code in filings (e.g., confirmation statement) and when taking on new roles. Keep it safe and only share with people you trust (e.g., your accountant).

Route A — Verify yourself via GOV.UK One Login (free)

1. Gather what you need: a valid photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) and a smartphone or webcam for the in-app face check if prompted.

2. Start the official service: go to “Verify your identity for Companies House” (uses GOV.UK One Login). You’ll be guided to verify either with the app, online security questions, or via Post Office after entering your ID details.

3. Complete verification: follow the prompts; most people verify once and that’s it.

4. Receive your personal code: once verified, Companies House issues your personal code.

5. Save/view your code in your account: sign in to your Companies House account → Manage account to view your code (use the same email you verified with).

6. Use your code in filings: provide it in your next confirmation statement (existing directors) or at incorporation/appointment (new directors). Repeat for each company where you’re a director.

Route B — Verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (e.g., your accountant/solicitor)

1. Choose an ACSP: an agent authorised by Companies House (registered under UK AML supervision).

2. Share ID documents: provide the documents they request from the approved list. They may charge a fee.

3. Get your personal code by email: Companies House emails your code to the address the ACSP submitted for you. Didn’t receive it? Contact your ACSP to check/fix the email on record.

4. (Recommended) Save it to your Companies House account: create/sign in with the same email that received the code → add the code under Manage account so you can access it anytime.

5. Use your code in filings: same as Route A—confirmation statement (existing) or appointment/incorporation (new).

Lost your code? Need to change it?

• View again: sign in to Companies House → Manage account to see the saved code (if you verified with One Login or saved it after ACSP verification).

• Compromised code: Companies House can change it and cancel the old one on request.

What to do next (directors checklist)

• Verify now (don’t wait for November): quicker and avoids backlogs.

• Save your code in your Companies House account.

• Add the code when filing your next confirmation statement (for each company you direct).

Why these changes?

The aim is to reduce fraud and improve data quality on the public register. Identity verification becomes compulsory from 18 November 2025, with a phased 12-month rollout for existing roles. GOV.UK

Need help? Lotus Accountancy can do it with you

Confused about One Login vs ACSP? Not sure where your code is saved or how to use it in your next confirmation statement? We’ll guide you step by step.

07864 926985

FAQ (quick answers)

Do I need to verify for each company?
You verify once, then use the same personal code for every role and each company’s filings.

When exactly will I use the code?

• Existing directors: in the next confirmation statement after 18 Nov 2025.

• New directors (from 18 Nov 2025): at incorporation/appointment.

Is verifying via GOV.UK One Login free?
Yes. ACSPs may charge a fee.