A massive shift in UK corporate transparency is officially beginning. From 18 November 2025, Companies House is enforcing strictly new measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
The days of filing a confirmation statement with a simple click are over. Under the new rules, you cannot file your annual confirmation statement until every director in your company has verified their identity.
This guide explains exactly what directors need to do, what the "personal code" is, and why you must act before your filing deadline.
The New "No Verification, No Filing" Rule
Historically, Companies House accepted filings on good faith. Now, they require proof that directors are who they say they are.
From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes a legal requirement for:
- All new and existing Company Directors.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs).
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
Crucially: If you are due to file a confirmation statement (CS01) after this date, the system will block the submission unless all serving directors have verified their identity and provided their unique code.
Warning: Failure to file your confirmation statement on time is a criminal offence. If a director’s lack of verification delays the filing, the company and its officers risk prosecution and fines.
The "Companies House Personal Code"
The verification process produces a vital piece of data: the Companies House personal code.
This is a secure, 11-character code (e.g.,) FT5-15ED-7JY5that links an individual’s verified identity to their corporate roles. It acts like a digital fingerprint for that director within the Companies House ecosystem.
How the Process Works
- Verification: The director verifies their identity directly via GOV.UK One Login (using a passport or driving licence) or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a regulated accountant.
- Code Issuance: Once verified, Companies House issues the director their unique personal code.
- Sharing: The director must share this code with the person responsible for filing the company's confirmation statement (e.g., the company secretary or accountant).
- Filing: During the confirmation statement submission, you will be asked to input the personal code for each director.Match confirmed: The filing proceeds.No code/Mismatch: The filing is rejected.
- Match confirmed: The filing proceeds.
- No code/Mismatch: The filing is rejected.
Housekeeping Before You File
Because the verification system relies on accurate data, your company records must be spotless before you attempt to verify or file.
If a director has resigned but is still listed on the register, or if a new director has been appointed but not yet notified to Companies House, the system will flag errors.
- Step 1: Submit all AP01 (appointments) and TM01 (terminations) forms immediately.
- Step 2: Ensure the director’s name on the register matches the ID they will use for verification (e.g., "Robert" vs "Bob").
- Step 3: Only once the register is clean should you proceed with the confirmation statement.
Why Is This Happening?
This update is part of the government's crackdown on economic crime. By verifying identities, Companies House aims to:
- Prevent criminals from using fake names to set up shell companies.
- Stop fraudulent appointments of directors without their consent.
- Improve the accuracy of the public register.
Official Government Sources
For further technical details, please refer to the following official guidance:
- GOV.UK: Verify your identity for Companies House – The official guide on accepted ID documents and the verification process.
- GOV.UK: Companies House personal codes – Detailed guidance on how to use and protect your personal code.
- Companies House Blog: Identity verification update – Updates on the rollout of the ECCTA 2023.
This short video from Companies House provides a clear overview of the new identity verification requirements and timelines for directors.
