New Companies House ID checks: what small business owners need to know

Starting 18 November 2025, anyone setting up or running a UK company will have to verify their identity. Companies House has announced that from that date, new directors (and other officers) must confirm who they are before incorporation or appointment. Existing directors must prove their identity by the time of their next Confirmation Statement (within the following year). The goal is to improve the trustworthiness of the company register and crack down on fraud. Companies House says this rollout will “give more assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies”, aiming to more accurate data and greater protection for businesses. For small business owners, that means a quick extra step in your filings, and the benefit of a more secure, credible business environment.

1. What’s changing for directors and company owners?

From 18 November 2025, identity checks will be built into company filings:

• New directors (and other new officers) must verify their identity whenever they register a company or take on a directorship after this date.

• Existing directors have a 12-month grace period: by the time you file your next annual Confirmation Statement (after Nov 2025), you’ll need to confirm that you have verified your identity.

• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), think major shareholders or owners, will also need to verify. New PSCs will have 14 days to complete verification after being listed; existing PSCs will get a similar 14 day window tied to their next confirmation filing. (In practice, Companies House will show each PSC’s due date on the register.)

• It will be an offence to act as a director without having verified your identity once your duties commence. Companies House will help by notifying registered email addresses (required since March 2024) about the new rules and deadlines.

These rules apply to all limited companies, big or small. For a small business, the process is one of simply adding an identity check to your existing paperwork.

2. Why this matters: and how you benefit

These changes come from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and aim to boost confidence in UK businesses. Verified identities help everyone: banks, investors and customers can trust that your company is run by real people. Companies House notes the new checks will “boost business and support growth” by making company data more reliable. For you as a small business owner, that means fewer fake companies and scams to compete with, and a stronger reputation if you need to raise funds or win contracts. As the Competition Minister has said, giving confidence to investors and consumers is key to attracting investment (Source: gov.uk).

Beyond fraud prevention, having an up to data and verified record can be a selling point. When you present a loan application or pitch to a client, being in compliance with these new requirements demonstrates professionalism.

3. How to verify your identity

Verifying your identity with Companies House is designed to be easy:

• Visit the Government’s One Login system and follow the steps to scan your photo ID and take a quick selfie. The average completion time is only a few minutes.

• In most cases you only need to do this once. After a successful check you’ll receive a personal Companies House code. Keep this safe, you’ll use it whenever you file for a director or PSC role from 18 Nov 2025 onward. (Each time you file, you’ll supply that code and confirm you’ve already verified.)

• If you need help, gov.uk provides support. There’s a help desk and in person support at some Post Office branches for those less comfortable online. Companies House has published guidance to walk you through the steps.

4. Rollout timeline and key dates

The identity check requirements are phased in over about a year. Here are the main dates to note:

• Since 4 March 2024 every UK company must have a registered email address. Make sure yours is current, as Companies House will use it to send you instructions and reminders.

• 18 Nov 2025: any new director or PSC registering a company on or after this date must already have verified their identity.

• Nov 2025 to Nov 2026: Existing directors have until their next annual Confirmation Statement (within 12 months) to verify. Overall, Companies House expects 6–7 million people will need to verify by mid-November 2026.

• After 18 Nov 2025: If someone becomes a PSC (major owner) after 18 Nov, they’ll have 14 days to verify from the date they’re listed. If they were already a PSC before 18 Nov, the 14 day period ties to the company’s confirmation statement or their birth-month date on the register.

These new identity verification rules mark a major step toward greater transparency and trust in UK business. By completing the quick verification process, company directors and owners not only meet legal requirements but also help create a safer, more credible environment for everyone doing business in the UK.