If you operate through a UK company or are a director who sits on UK-registered firm boards, there’s an important legal shift coming your way. From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identities with Companies House. 

This isn’t just a procedural nuisance – it’s a mandatory legal requirement. Failure to comply can lead to: 

  1. Fines 
  2. Disqualification from directorship 
  3. Criminal offences for acting without verification 
  4. Potential company dissolution or inability to file key documents 

The good news is that the verification process is not as daunting as it may seem. It’s a straightforward process, free via the Companies House system, and can be handled online or with assistance from a professional, meaning there’s every reason to act now. 

Why This Matters

This new requirement stems from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, introduced to improve data accuracy, fight fraud, and restore trust in the UK’s corporate registry. 

For SMEs, it’s another compliance responsibility – but one that’s quick to resolve once you know the steps. 

 

Who Needs to Verify – and When?

1) New Directors & PSCs (from 18 November 2025) 

  • New directors must verify before company incorporation or their appointment. 
  • New PSCs must verify within 14 days of their registration. 

2) Existing Directors & PSCs 

  • Existing directors must submit their verification code with their next confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition window. 
  • Existing PSCs:  
    • If they are also a director, they must verify both roles – one via the confirmation statement, the PSC role within 14 days of that confirmation date. 
    • If not a director, they must verify within 14 days of the first day of their birth month. 

How to Complete Verification

There are three official ways to complete the process: 

1) Online via GOV.UK One Login 

Upload photo ID (such as a biometric passport or driving licence) and complete a quick selfie liveness check. Once approved, you’ll be issued a personal verification code. 

2) In-person at a Post Office 

The process begins online, but the identity check is finalised in a branch – useful for overseas directors or those without a suitable online ID. Still, this service is only available to those with a UK home address. 

3) Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) 

Registered accountants, solicitors, or company agents can verify on your behalf.

Once verified, you’ll receive a Companies House personal code. If you hold multiple roles, this single code covers all of them. 

What's at Stake for Irish SMEs

1) Irish directors of UK companies are included, even if they are based outside the UK. 

2) The verification must be done individually by each person; it cannot be delegated to another director or administrator. However, an ACSP can carry out the process on your behalf. 

3) Missing deadlines could prevent you from filing essential company documents and expose you to penalties. 

Why You Should Act Now - not Later

1) Avoid last-minute delays: Leaving this until the deadline risks backlogs and potential disruption. 

2) Simplify compliance: Early action means less stress when preparing statutory filings. 

3) Peace of mind: Once complete, you know your company and role are protected. 

How Kinore Can Help You Navigate This Seamlessly

Kinore is here to make sure this doesn’t slip off your to-do list. We can: 

  1. Audit your structure to identify all individuals who need to be verified. 
  2. Guide each director or PSC through the process with clear steps and timelines. 
  3. Monitor upcoming confirmation statement deadlines so nothing is missed. 
  4. Provide ongoing compliance support so you can stay focused on running your business. 

Ready to Get Ahead?

This is one of those rare compliance tasks that’s: 

  1. Easy 
  2. Free if completed directly 

So, why wait? Protect your roles, maintain your good standing, and avoid costly delays or legal risks. 

Book a Discovery Call with our Client Services Team today, and let our experts help you verify early, remain compliant, and keep your business running smoothly.