Companies House identity verification: enforcement is getting closer

Updated August 2026

Nine months have passed since Companies House introduced identity verification requirements as part of the biggest reforms to UK company law in a generation.

So far Companies House has focused on helping businesses comply, but they have repeatedly said they want to “complete the transition period and start compliance activity” against those who have yet to verify. With the transition period ending on 17 November 2026, businesses should ensure their directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have completed the process before time runs out.

What is Companies House identity verification?

Identity verification was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The aim is to improve the accuracy of information held by Companies House, increase transparency and help tackle fraud and money laundering.

Until recently, Companies House did not verify the identities of directors or company owners. The new requirements are designed to:

• Confirm people are who they say they are
• Improve the accuracy of company data
• Reduce the misuse of UK companies
• Increase trust in the business environment

Who needs to verify?

Identity verification applies now to:

• Company directors
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• LLP members

If you hold more than one role, make sure each role is correctly linked to your verified identity.

Individuals filing information at Companies House will also need to verify their identity in the future, but not before the end of 2027. This will include most company secretaries.

We are now nine months into the transition period

The 12-month transition period began on 18 November 2025 and runs until 17 November 2026. During this period, Companies House has been encouraging individuals to verify their identity before the new requirements are fully enforced.

Recent comments from Companies House indicate that completing verification for directors and PSCs remains a key priority during the remainder of the transition year.

“Only around half have informed Companies House of their verified identity”

Despite the transition period being well underway, many individuals have yet to complete the process.

According to Companies House management information published for April to June 2026, by the end of June:

• 55% of directors had informed Companies House of their verified identity
• 50% of LLP members had informed Companies House of their verified identity
• 42% of people with significant control (PSCs) had informed Companies House of their verified identity

These figures suggest that a significant proportion of businesses still need to act before the transition period ends.

How does identity verification work?

Verification is a one-off process that can be completed either directly with Companies House or through an authorised agent. Once verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code which links your identity to your company roles and appointments.

This code should be kept safely as it may be required for future Companies House filings.

If you need help with the process, download our step-by-step guide at the end of this article.

Enforcement is getting closer

Companies House has reinforced its commitment to identity verification in its 2026-27 business plan.

The plan states that it will continue to support directors and PSCs through the transition period but Companies House has said it will:

“Take proportionate action against those who fail to verify their identity, so that bad practice cannot hide behind false identities.”

The business plan also includes a target that:

“By the end of the financial year, all companies will have met identity verification (IDV) requirements linked to their confirmation statement or be on an appropriate pathway to compliance or enforcement action.”

Taken together, this supports the expectation that Companies House will maintain a supportive approach until the end of the transition period, before moving to active enforcement.

What about authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs)?

The first wave of ID verification is focused on directors and PSCs. The next wave will focus on people filing information at Companies House, including:

• Individuals such as company secretaries
• Third party agents such as accountants and lawyers, who will need to register as ACSPs.

The timing of this was changed in August to be ‘no earlier than November 2027’. The government has not yet set a firm date and will give at least six months’ notice.

What happens if you do not verify?

Identity verification is a legal requirement.

Companies House has made clear that enforcement action will be taken against individuals who fail to comply. Potential consequences may include:

• Restrictions on company filings
• Financial penalties
• Difficulties making appointments or changes at Companies House
• Enforcement action by Companies House
• In serious cases, disqualification or legal action

The exact approach to enforcement is still developing but businesses should not assume there will be a lengthy grace period after the transition year ends.

What should businesses do now?

With three months remaining before the end of the transition period, businesses should:

• Identify any directors, PSCs or LLP members who have not yet verified their identity
• Complete verification as soon as possible rather than waiting until November
• Ensure identities are correctly linked to Companies House records

The requirement to verify identity is already in place. While Companies House has adopted a transitional approach to help businesses comply, it has been clear that enforcement action is expected once the transition period ends on 17 November 2026. Businesses that have not yet completed the Companies House verification requirements should treat this as a priority.

[Source for statistics: Companies House management information]

[Source for timelines: Companies House ECCTA transition plan]