If you run a limited company in the UK, Companies House ID verification is now something you cannot afford to ignore.
For years, setting up and managing a company in the UK was relatively simple. In many ways, that was helpful for genuine business owners. But it also created problems. False company appointments, inaccurate records, fake directors and misuse of company structures have all pushed Companies House towards a much stricter system.
That is why Companies House ID verification has become one of the biggest compliance changes for company directors, people with significant control and business owners in 2026.
For many small business owners, this may sound like another piece of admin floating into the inbox wearing a little grey suit. But it matters. If you are a director, shareholder, person with significant control or involved in filing company information, understanding Companies House ID verification should now be part of your basic business housekeeping.
What is Companies House ID verification?
Companies House ID verification is the new process used to confirm that people connected with UK companies are who they say they are.
The requirement applies to company directors, people with significant control and others who file information at Companies House. The aim is to improve the reliability of the company register and reduce the use of false identities.
In simple terms, Companies House wants to make sure that real people are standing behind the companies listed on the register.
You can read the official government guidance here: Verify your identity for Companies House
Once someone completes Companies House ID verification, they receive a personal code. This code is important because it links that person’s verified identity to their company role.
Why has Companies House ID verification been introduced?
The UK company register has historically been easy to access and easy to use. That has helped legitimate businesses, but it has also left gaps.
Companies House ID verification is part of wider reforms designed to make company information more accurate and harder to abuse. The goal is to reduce fraud, improve transparency and make it more difficult for individuals to hide behind false appointments or misleading company details.
For genuine business owners, the change should not be something to fear. But it is something to deal with properly.
Who needs to complete Companies House ID verification?
You may need to complete Companies House ID verification if you are:
A director of a UK limited company.
A person with significant control, often called a PSC.
A member of an LLP.
Someone involved in filing information at Companies House.
Someone setting up a new company.
This means the change is not limited to large companies. Small limited companies, family businesses, owner-managed companies and one-person companies are all affected.
If you are the only director and shareholder of your company, Companies House ID verification still applies to you.
When do directors need to verify their identity?
From 18 November 2025, Companies House ID verification became a legal requirement. However, this did not mean every existing director had to verify on that exact date.
Instead, Companies House introduced a transition period. For many existing directors, the deadline will be linked to the company’s next confirmation statement filing.
That is why it is important to check your company’s filing dates. Leaving Companies House ID verification until the last minute could create unnecessary stress, especially if you discover an issue with your ID documents or access to GOV.UK One Login.
For new directors, the requirement is more immediate. If someone is being appointed as a new director, Companies House ID verification will usually need to be completed before or as part of that appointment process.
What about people with significant control?
A person with significant control, or PSC, is someone who has significant ownership or influence over a company. This is often someone who owns more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, although the rules can vary depending on the company structure.
PSCs also need to complete Companies House ID verification.
This can be especially important for companies where shareholders are not involved in day-to-day management. A person may not think of themselves as part of the company admin process, but if they are listed as a PSC, they may still have verification duties.
Companies should therefore check their PSC register and make sure each relevant person understands what is required.
How do you complete Companies House ID verification?
There are two main routes for Companies House ID verification.
The first route is to verify directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login. This is the official government route and is designed to be straightforward for many people.
The second route is to verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, often called an ACSP. This could include certain accountants, solicitors or company service providers who are registered to carry out checks.
For many directors, the direct GOV.UK route may be enough. However, business owners who are unsure, have more complex company structures or need support with filings may prefer to speak to an accountant.
If you already use Sepera Accounting for your company finances, or you are looking for ongoing help with accounts, tax and compliance, our limited company accounting support can help you stay organised and avoid unnecessary filing issues.
What is the Companies House personal code?
After completing Companies House ID verification, you should receive a Companies House personal code.
This code is not just a random reference number. It connects your verified identity to your role as a director, PSC or company officer.
You may need this personal code when filing company information or confirming your role at Companies House. It should be stored carefully, just like other important business records.
Do not casually share your personal code with people who do not need it. If someone else handles your company admin, make sure you understand when and why the code is being used.
What happens if you ignore Companies House ID verification?
Ignoring Companies House ID verification could cause problems for both the individual and the company.
If a director or PSC does not verify when required, the company may struggle to complete filings properly. This could affect confirmation statements, new appointments and other company updates.
Over time, non-compliance could lead to penalties or restrictions. It may also create practical issues if your company needs to raise finance, open accounts, update records or prove that its filings are in good order.
In short, Companies House ID verification is not one of those admin jobs to leave in the “future me will deal with it” drawer. Future you has enough going on.
Why this matters for small business owners
For small companies, the biggest risk is not usually deliberate non-compliance. It is confusion.
A director might assume their accountant has handled everything. A PSC might not realise they need to verify. A company owner might miss the Companies House email. Someone might complete the identity check but fail to connect the personal code correctly.
That is why Companies House ID verification should be treated as part of your wider company compliance checklist.
At the same time, Companies House fees have also increased. From 1 February 2026, Companies House increased a number of key filing fees, including online incorporation and online confirmation statement fees. You can view the official update here: Companies House fees are changing from 1 February 2026
This means business owners should expect company admin to become slightly more expensive as well as more identity-focused.
7 practical steps to take now
Here are seven simple steps UK company directors can take now.
First, check who is listed as a director of your company.
Second, check who is listed as a person with significant control.
Third, confirm your company’s next confirmation statement date.
Fourth, ask each relevant person whether they have completed Companies House ID verification.
Fifth, make sure each verified person has safely stored their Companies House personal code.
Sixth, review whether your company records are accurate and up to date.
Seventh, speak to your accountant if you are unsure how the new rules apply to your company.
These steps are simple, but they can prevent a lot of unnecessary filing problems later.
How Sepera Accounting can help
At Sepera Accounting, we support UK limited companies with practical accounting, tax and company compliance.
We can help you understand what Companies House ID verification means for your business, review your company records and make sure your filings are handled properly.
Good compliance is not just about ticking boxes. It protects your company, keeps your records clean and gives you more confidence that your business is being run properly.
If you are unsure whether your directors or PSCs have completed Companies House ID verification, now is the time to check.
Final thoughts
Companies House ID verification is one of the most important company admin changes for UK directors in 2026.
It affects existing companies, new companies, directors, people with significant control and many people involved in company filings. While the process may be straightforward for some, the consequences of ignoring it could be frustrating and costly.
The best approach is simple: check your company records, verify early, keep your personal code safe and ask for help if you are unsure.
Sepera Accounting can help you stay organised, compliant and ready for the new Companies House requirements.
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