What You Need to Know
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduces mandatory identity verification for directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). These reforms aim to provide greater transparency around who runs and controls UK companies (and LLPs).
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
- All directors of UK registered companies (new and existing)
- All PSCs of UK companies (new and existing)
- Company secretaries and those filing documents with Companies House (from Spring 2026)
- Members of LLPs and relevant officers of Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)
Critical Dates
18th November 2025 – Key milestone date:
- Identity verification becomes mandatory for all new director and PSC appointments to both new and existing companies.
- 12-month transition period begins for existing directors and PSCs
- Companies must confirm IDV completion in their next confirmation statement filed after this date so all directors and PSCs must have verified their identity priot to this date.
Spring 2026 – Mandatory IDV for company secretaries and document filers
End of 2026 – Transition period ends; enforcement action begins against non-compliant individuals
Your Deadline
Existing directors: Must complete IDV before the company's first confirmation statement due after 18th November 2025.
Existing PSCs (also directors): Same deadline as directors above.
Existing PSCs (not directors): Must verify within 14 days starting from the 1st day of their birth month (e.g., if born 15th March, the deadline period starts 1st March 2026).
New directors/PSCs: Must verify before appointment.
How to Verify Your Identity
Option 1: Direct Verification (Free)
Verify directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login via:
- ID Check App – Using photo ID and facial scan (quickest method)
- Web portal – Completing security questions online
- Post Office – In-person verification with photo ID
You'll need:
- Name (including former names)
- Date of birth
- Current home address (and address history if required)
- Unique email address (not previously used for verification)
- Valid ID (biometric passport, UK driving licence, or residence permit)
Option 2: Verification via an ACSP (Paid service)
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) can verify your identity on your behalf. Please note that although we are an ACSP we will not be offering an ID Verification Service but if necessary we can direct you to a third party ACSP that does provide this service. This is particularly useful if you:
- Don't have access to biometric documentation
- Are a non-UK resident
- Prefer professional assistance with the process
Your Unique Identifier Code
Once verified, you'll receive an 11-character unique identifier code. This code is:
- Personal to you (not the company)
- Required for each role at each company
- Stored in your GOV.UK One Login account or emailed to you (if verified via ACSP)
- Must be provided to your company secretary for filings
Important: You only need to verify once, but must provide confirmation separately for each role/company.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to complete identity verification is a criminal offence with serious consequences:
- Individual penalties: Fines ranging from £250 to £2,000
- Company penalties: The company also commits an offence if directors remain unverified
- Public annotation: Your company's register may be publicly marked as non-compliant
- Disqualification proceedings: Possible for directors with persistent breaches
- Inability to act: New directors cannot be appointed until verified
Recommended Actions
✓ Identify your deadline – Check when your company's next confirmation statement is due after 18th November 2025.
✓ Gather documentation – Ensure you have valid, up-to-date identification documents.
✓ Choose your verification route – Decide between self-verification or using an ACSP.
✓ Store your code securely – Once verified, keep your unique identifier code safe and share it with your company secretary.
✓ Update company records – Ensure all director and PSC information at Companies House is accurate before verification.
How We Can Help
As your chartered accountants, we can:
- Advise on your specific deadlines and compliance requirements
- Help coordinate verification for all directors and PSCs
- Manage the submission of verification details to Companies House
- Ensure your company filings remain compliant with the new regime
Further Guidance
Further information regarding the GOV.UK One Login process can be found here.
Companies House guidance for verifying your identity can be found here.
