Company Formation Guides
UK Companies House Identity Verification: What You Need to Do
Since 18 November 2025, directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) of a UK company must verify their identity with Companies House. This applies whether you’re forming a new company or already run one.
The Essentials
What You Need to Know
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Two ways to verify
Directly via GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) who verifies on your behalf.
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When it happens
As part of incorporation for new companies; existing companies’ directors and PSCs verify against the timeline Companies House sets for their filing.
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What it feeds into
Verification codes are referenced in your annual confirmation statement — this is not a one-off step disconnected from ongoing compliance.
Checklist
Before You Move Forward
- Confirm whether you’ll verify directly via GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP.
- Complete verification before or alongside incorporation, not after.
- Keep verification codes on hand for your annual confirmation statement.
Go Deeper
See the Full United Kingdom Picture
This guide is one slice of the United Kingdom page — structure options, tax snapshot, and the full compliance calendar live there.