From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement for directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and others who file with Companies House. This guide explains what you need to do and how to do it.
Is There a Deadline?
18 November 2025 is not a one-off deadline. It marks the start of a 12-month transition period. This gives companies time to ensure all directors and PSCs verify their identity by their individual due dates. If you have not yet completed verification, you should do so as soon as possible.
How Do You Verify Your Identity?
You can verify your identity online using the GOV.UK One Login service. To do this, you need one of the following types of photo ID:
•A biometric passport from any country
•A UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
•A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
•A UK biometric residence card (BRC)
•A UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
You will also need your current address and the year you moved in.
What is a biometric passport? Biometric passports have a small rectangular symbol on the front cover. All UK passports issued after 2006 are biometric.
What If Your ID Has Expired?
•You cannot use an expired passport.
•You can use an expired driving licence if it expired within the last 90 days and DVLA issued it.
•You can use an expired BRP, BRC, or FWP if it expired within the last 18 months.
What If You Do Not Have Photo ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID documents, you may still be able to verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login using one of these alternative routes:
•Bank or building society details — you will also need your National Insurance number and must answer some security questions
•In person at the Post Office — you must enter your photo ID details online first before visiting
You cannot use expired documents through either of these routes.
Can Someone Verify on Your Behalf?
Yes. You can ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify your identity on your behalf. You will need to provide suitable identity documents.
If you already have an accountant or solicitor, ask them whether they are registered with Companies House as an ACSP. If not, you can find one using the official list on GOV.UK.
A Note on Fraud
Do not allow anyone else to use your identity to set up or run a company. Criminals can use your identity to take out loans and other debts in your name, and you will be legally responsible. Companies House will never ask you to share your identity details with a third party you do not trust.
This guide is for information purposes only and was last updated in March 2026. For the most current information, always check the official GOV.UK guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House.