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The 18th November marks a critical milestone for companies registered in the UK, as new mandatory requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 come into force. Our Corporate Solicitors are ready to guide you through these essential compliance obligations and help you meet the approaching deadline with confidence.
With less than a few weeks remaining until the mandatory identity verification requirements begin, directors, persons with significant control, and limited liability partnership members across the UK should look to act quickly to ensure compliance with these new legal obligations to verify their identity. The changes represent the most significant overhaul of corporate transparency requirements in recent years, designed to combat economic crime and strengthen the integrity of corporate information held at Companies House.
From 18th November 2025, Companies House will begin the mandatory identity verification regime for all directors and persons with significant control.
New directors will need to verify their identity before they can be appointed to existing companies or incorporate new businesses. This represents a fundamental shift in how corporate appointments are processed, with identity verification becoming an essential prerequisite for all corporate roles.
The 18th November milestone triggers a 12-month transition period for existing directors and persons with significant control, though the timing of individual obligations varies depending on specific circumstances. Understanding your personal deadline within this transition period is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties that could affect your ability to operate your company and its business effectively.
The identity verification requirements apply to several categories of individuals involved in UK corporate entities. All company directors, whether existing or newly appointed, must verify their identity with Companies House. Persons with significant control, typically those owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights, also fall within the scope of these requirements.
Members of limited liability partnerships represent another category requiring verification. Relevant legal entities must nominate a verified natural person to act as their relevant officer. The breadth of these requirements means that millions of individuals across the UK will need to complete the verification process, making early action essential to avoid delays and compliance issues.
Existing directors must confirm their identity verification when filing their next annual confirmation statement after 18th November 2025. This creates varying deadlines depending on each company’s confirmation statement due date, with some having immediate obligations while others may have several months to comply.
Persons with significant control (PSCs) who are not also directors must verify their identity within 14 days of the first day of their month of birth (as recorded on the register) if they were already a PSC on 18th November 2025.
If a PSC is also a director of the same company, the 14-day verification window begins from the company’s next confirmation statement date following 18th November 2025.
This personalised approach to deadlines requires careful tracking to avoid missing critical compliance dates that could result in penalties or restrictions on company operations.
The identity verification process can be completed through two main routes, each offering different advantages depending on individual circumstances and preferences. Direct verification through Companies House using GOV.UK One Login provides a straightforward online option for those with suitable identity documents and smartphone access.
Alternatively, Authorised Corporate Service Providers offer professional assistance with the verification process, providing valuable support for those requiring additional guidance or who would prefer a professional to complete the process on their behalf to save time and help ensure full compliance with Companies House requirements.
The official guidance from Companies House outlines the technical requirements and procedures for both verification routes.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers operate under strict anti-money laundering regulations and provide comprehensive support throughout the verification process. These professionals can handle verification scenarios, assist with technical difficulties, and provide ongoing guidance on compliance obligations beyond the initial verification requirement.
Professional ACSP services become particularly valuable for businesses with multiple directors or complex corporate structures, where coordinated compliance efforts can streamline the process and reduce administrative burden. The expertise provided by authorised professionals helps identify potential issues early and implement solutions before they become compliance problems.
Failure to complete identity verification by the required deadlines carries potentially serious consequences for both individuals and companies that can significantly impact business operations. Non-compliant individuals may commit a criminal offence and face civil or criminal penalties, including financial fines and possible director-disqualification proceedings that could prevent future involvement in UK companies.
There are also practical and operational implications. Companies House will restrict filings that relate to unverified directors or PSCs, meaning that key updates – such as confirmation statements, director appointments, or share-structure changes – may not be accepted until verification is complete. In serious or prolonged cases of non-compliance, Companies House may take further enforcement action, including annotating the register or initiating strike-off proceedings.
Completing identity verification early provides numerous advantages for companies and individuals preparing for the new requirements. Early verification eliminates the risk of missing deadlines during the busy transition period, when processing delays might occur due to high volumes of last-minute applications.
Professional and personal benefits include demonstrating corporate responsibility, avoiding compliance stress, and maintaining smooth business operations throughout the transition period. Early adopters also benefit from current system availability and support resources before they become stretched during peak demand periods approaching and following the deadline.
Consider a manufacturing company with four directors and two persons with significant control, with their confirmation statement due in February 2026. The company proactively arranged identity verification for all officers in early November 2025, well before the mandatory deadline. This early action allowed them to identify and resolve a documentation issue for one director, complete verification for their PSCs, and maintain normal business operations without compliance concerns.
Their proactive approach meant they could focus on business development rather than compliance deadlines, while competitors faced last-minute verification challenges that delayed important corporate filings. The company’s early compliance also enhanced their professional reputation with clients and partners, demonstrating strong corporate governance and transparency and forward-thinking management.
Fosters Solicitors operates as a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), authorised by Companies House to conduct identity verifications on behalf of clients. Our professional team provides comprehensive support throughout the verification process, using secure, market-leading technology to handle digital identity checks efficiently.
Our end-to-end service includes guidance on deadline requirements, assistance with complex verification scenarios, coordination of multiple officer verifications, and ongoing support for compliance obligations. We handle the technical aspects of verification while providing clear communication about requirements, deadlines, and next steps for maintaining ongoing compliance.
As an ACSP, we operate under strict anti-money laundering regulations and provide end-to-end support in fulfilling your obligations under the new legislation.
Our identity verification pricing
We use secure, market-leading, third-party software to handle digital ID checks, offering convenience and reliability. We will handle the process on your behalf, beginning to end, verifying your identity to the required standard and ensuring a smooth and easy process. You just need to provide some basic details, which can be entered directly into our online verification form (see below).
To ensure you meet the requirements of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, we strongly encourage early engagement. At Fosters Solicitors, our dedicated Corporate team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Begin your ID verification today by completing our online form. For more tailored advice, please contact our team directly.
Beyond identity verification, our corporate team provides integrated support for all aspects of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act compliance. This includes guidance on enhanced Companies House powers, updated filing requirements, and strategies for maintaining accurate corporate records under the new regulatory framework.
Our proactive approach helps clients understand not just immediate verification requirements, but also long-term compliance obligations and best practices for operating under the enhanced transparency regime. This comprehensive support ensures businesses remain compliant while focusing on their core commercial activities.
Professional preparation for the 18th November deadline requires understanding both immediate requirements and longer-term compliance implications. Expert guidance emphasises the importance of early action, comprehensive record-keeping, and proactive communication with professional advisors to navigate the changing regulatory landscape successfully.
The identity verification requirements bring significant benefits for corporate transparency and crime prevention, creating more trustworthy corporate registers and reducing opportunities for economic crime. However, implementation challenges include administrative burden, technology requirements, and coordination across multiple corporate roles.
Challenges include managing multiple verification deadlines, coordinating across complex corporate structures, adapting to new technology requirements, and understanding varying compliance timelines. Professional guidance helps businesses navigate these challenges while maximising the benefits of enhanced transparency and improved corporate governance standards.
The mandatory identity verification requirements begin on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs. New appointments and incorporations require verification from the start date.
All company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and limited liability partnership members must verify their identity. This includes both existing officers during the transition period and all new appointments from 18th November 2025.
Existing directors must confirm verification when filing their next annual confirmation statement after 18th November 2025. PSCs who are not also directors have 14 days from the start of their birth month during the 12-month transition period to complete verification.
Non-compliance may result in criminal or civil penalties for both individuals and companies, including financial fines and potential director disqualification. Companies House will also restrict filings that involve unverified officers or persons with significant control, which could prevent key updates or changes from being processed and disrupt normal business operations. In the most serious cases, Companies House may take enforcement action – including striking the company off the register.
Yes, voluntary verification has been available since April 2025 and is strongly recommended. Early completion avoids deadline pressure, potential processing delays, and ensures smooth business operations throughout the transition period.
ACSPs like Fosters Solicitors provide professional verification services, handling the process, offering guidance, and providing ongoing compliance support. This is particularly valuable for companies with multiple officers or complex structures, or who would prefer a professional to complete the process on their behalf to save time and help ensure full compliance with Companies House requirements.
Verification typically requires a current biometric passport or UK photo driving licence, plus access to a smartphone for the GOV.UK ID Check app. Alternative verification methods include bank details, National Insurance number, and security questions.
Yes, once you complete verification, you receive a personal code from Companies House that can be used for all your corporate roles. You don’t need to verify separately for each directorship or PSC position you hold.
This article was produced on the 3rd November 2025 for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.
