New Legal Requirement: Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs from November 2025

From 18 November 2025, new rules will come into effect requiring all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity. These changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to make UK company records more transparent and reliable while reducing fraud and financial crime.

What’s Changing?

• New directors must verify their identity when a company is incorporated or upon appointment.

• Existing directors will need to confirm identity verification when filing their company’s next confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition period.

• Existing PSCs will also need to verify their identity within a specific 12-month timeframe, based on their role and date of birth.

  
  

Failure to comply will be a criminal offence, and it will no longer be possible to act as a director without verification.

Why Is This Happening?

The reforms aim to strengthen trust in the Companies House register, ensuring only verified individuals are listed. This will make it harder for bad actors to hide behind false identities or illegitimate company appointments.

What Does This Mean for You?

For most people, identity verification will be a quick, one-off process, taking just a few minutes via GOV.UK One Login. Alternatively, you can complete the process through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as SJC, Chartered Accountants.

Key Deadlines to Remember

• New directors or PSCs (from 18 November 2025): must verify within 14 days of registration.

• Existing directors: must confirm verification within 14 days of filing their next confirmation statement.

• Existing PSCs (not directors): must verify within 14 days starting from the 1st day of their birth month (for birthdays on or after 1 December 2025).
  

Companies House will contact businesses directly with further guidance. You can also log into Companies House after 18 November to view verification due dates for all roles you hold.

How SJC, Chartered Accountants Can Help

We understand these new requirements may feel overwhelming, but we’re here to support you. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, SJC can manage the verification process on your behalf, ensuring your business remains compliant with the new legislation.

If you’re unsure how the rules apply to you or your company, get in touch with our team today — we’ll guide you through every step.