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New Companies House Identity Checks and What That Means for Directors and Shareholders
From 18 November 2025, new rules apply at Companies House. Directors and major shareholders will be required to complete identity checks before they can take on certain roles or continue with company filings.
Here at Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace we are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which means we can complete this process on your behalf.
Why Companies House is changing its rules
The new requirements are being introduced to improve the accuracy and reduce the misuse of company records. For too long, it has been possible to file false or incomplete information. The new identity checks will help ensure that company data is more reliable.
How the identity checks work
Directors and shareholders will be able to verify their information through a gov.uk login or by using an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) such as Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace. Once verified, individuals will receive a unique personal code. This code can be used across all companies where the person is a director or shareholder.
What Directors need to do from the 18th November 2025
- New directors must verify their identity before they can incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company.
- Existing directors must confirm they have verified their identity when filing their next annual confirmation statement.
- A director’s personal code must be included in the confirmation statement for each company they are involved in. There will be a 12-month transition period to complete.
What Persons with Significant Control need to do
A Person with Significant Control (PSC) is anyone holding more than 25% of a company’s shares, or in other words, they are material shareholders.
- From 18 November 2025, PSCs must provide ID verification to Companies House within 14 days.
- Anyone becoming a PSC after that date will also have 14 days to complete the process.
- PSCs who are not directors must provide their personal code within 14 days of their birth month. For example, someone born on 28 February would need to verify from 1 February. This ensures all PSCs are verified within 12 months.
How to complete the process
You can complete the verification in two ways:
1. Direct with Companies House – Set up an account, follow the guidance, and upload the required ID documents.
2. Through Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace – As an ACSP, we can manage the process for you. You will still need to provide ID, such as photographic identification, but we handle the submission.
Next steps
These new rules take effect from 18 November 2025. Directors and shareholders should act early to avoid delays in filings or appointments.
Our Corporate Law team is here to help
Call our corporate law team on 01224 332400 or email info@raeburns.co.uk to make sure you and your company are ready for the changes.