Dewan K, FCCA
Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant
Visiting university lecturer in accounting and tax in the UK
Cannot File Without:
A massive shift in UK corporate transparency is officially beginning. 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.
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 verification process produces a vital piece of data: the Companies House personal code.
This is a secure, 11-character code that links an individual's verified identity to their corporate roles.
Example format:
FT5-15ED-7JY5
It acts like a digital fingerprint for that director within the Companies House ecosystem.
Verification
The director verifies their identity directly via:
GOV.UK One Login
Using a passport or driving licence
ACSP
Authorised Corporate Service Provider (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
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.
Submit all AP01 (appointments) and TM01 (terminations) forms immediately
Ensure all director changes are up to date on the register
Ensure the director's name matches their ID
The name on the register must match the ID they will use for verification (e.g., "Robert" vs "Bob")
Only once the register is clean should you proceed
Wait for confirmations before attempting the confirmation statement
This update is part of the government's crackdown on economic crime. By verifying identities, Companies House aims to:
Prevent Criminals
Stop criminals from using fake names to set up shell companies
Stop Fraud
Prevent fraudulent appointments of directors without their consent
Improve Accuracy
Enhance the accuracy of the public register
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA)
This legislation provides the legal framework for these new requirements
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
Don't let the new identity verification requirements catch you out. Our expert team can help you navigate the process, ensure your company records are up to date, and file your confirmation statement on time.
Expert company compliance • Identity verification support • Confirmation statement filing
Effective Date
18 November 2025
Who Must Verify
All directors, PSCs, LLP members
Personal Code
11-character code (e.g., FT5-15ED-7JY5)
How to Verify
GOV.UK One Login or via ACSP
Impact on Filing
Cannot file CS01 without verified codes
Consequences
Late filing is a criminal offence