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What Do New UK Directors Need to Know About the Companies House ID Verification
Becoming a company director in the UK now comes with an important identity requirement. Under the latest Companies House rules, directors must complete identity verification and obtain a Companies House personal verification code. This requirement forms part of the reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023.
For new directors, understanding how Companies House ID verification works, when verification is required and how the personal code is used can help avoid unnecessary delays with company registration and future filings.
What Is the Companies House ID Verification Code?
The Companies House ID verification code is a unique personal code issued after an individual completes identity verification. Director Verifications explains that the code is an 11-character identifier and belongs to the individual rather than to a particular company.
Once your identity has been verified, Companies House sends the code directly to your email. You should keep it secure because you may need it for future Companies House filings.
The same verified identity can be connected to different roles and companies, rather than requiring you to complete the entire verification process every time you become a director.
Why Do New UK Directors Need to Complete ID Verification?
Mandatory identity verification for directors and PSCs came into effect on 18 November 2025 as part of the ECCTA reforms.
The purpose is to help Companies House establish that individuals involved in UK companies are genuine people and to reduce the misuse of companies for fraudulent or unlawful activities.
The requirement applies to UK directors as well as relevant overseas directors. Companies House states that directors registering a new company will need to provide their personal code for each director as part of the registration filing.
How Does Companies House ID Verification Work?
New directors can verify their identity through the government process or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
With Director Verifications, the process is designed to be straightforward:
Choose your verification service – Select the standard or fast-track option.
Complete secure checkout – Your verification link is provided by email.
Upload your ID – Submit an accepted government-issued identity document, such as a passport or driving licence.
Complete biometric verification – Your identity is checked using biometric technology.
Receive your personal code – After successful verification, Companies House sends your 11-character verification code directly to your email.
Director Verifications states that its service does not require customers to install a smartphone app or use GOV.UK One Login.
What ID Documents Can New Directors Use?
Identity verification requires an appropriate government-issued identity document. Depending on the verification route, acceptable documents can include a passport or driving licence.
Your personal information should be entered accurately and consistently. Differences between your identity document and the information supplied during verification can create problems or delays.
Before starting, check your name, date of birth, and other identifying details carefully.
What Happens After You Receive Your Personal Code?
Receiving the code does not mean you should simply store it and forget about it.
For a new company registration, Companies House requires the personal code for each director as part of the registration process. Existing directors generally provide their personal code with the company's next confirmation statement.
If you are both a director and a PSC of the same company, Companies House requires the personal code to be provided separately for each role.
This makes it particularly important for new directors who also have significant control over a company to understand both director and PSC requirements.
What About the Companies House PSC Personal Code?
A person with significant control (PSC) must also complete identity verification and obtain a Companies House personal code.
The Companies House PSC personal code is used to connect the verified identity with the relevant PSC record. Companies House confirms that PSCs have a legal requirement to verify their identity and provide their personal code.
If you are both a director and PSC, you generally only need to complete identity verification once, but your personal code must be provided separately for the two roles.
What If You Are a PSC but Not a Director?
The timing can be different. Companies House states that a PSC who is not a director of the same company must provide their personal code within the first 14 days of their birth month.
New PSCs may also have specific deadlines depending on when they are added to the register.
Why Choose Director Verifications?
For directors who want a simpler alternative to navigating the government verification process, Director Verifications provides an ACSP-based verification service.
The website states that the service uses biometric document checking, AI-assisted identity verification, and human intervention where necessary. Once verification is completed, the verified information is submitted through the Companies House ACSP process, and Companies House sends the personal code directly to the individual.
The standard service is currently advertised at £24.99, with a stated 24–48 hour weekday turnaround. A same-day fast-track service is also available at a separate price.
Key Tips for New UK Directors
New directors can make the process easier by following a few simple steps:
Complete identity verification as early as possible.
Use a valid government-issued identity document.
Make sure your personal information matches your identification document.
Keep your Companies House personal code secure.
Check your company's filing deadlines.
If you are also a PSC, understand your separate PSC verification requirements.
Do not leave verification until immediately before an incorporation or filing deadline.
Final Thoughts
Companies House ID verification is now an important part of becoming and remaining a UK company director. Obtaining your personal verification code early can help you prepare for company registration and future compliance requirements.
Whether you use the government route or an ACSP such as Director Verifications, the key is to complete your verification accurately and keep your personal code safe. For directors who want a convenient online process, Director Verifications provides a secure verification route designed to make the process simpler and less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Companies House ID verification code?
It is a unique personal code issued by Companies House after you successfully complete identity verification. It is linked to you as an individual rather than to a specific company.
2. Do all new UK company directors need to verify their identity?
Yes. Mandatory identity verification for company directors came into effect on 18 November 2025, with requirements applying according to the individual's role and circumstances.
3. What is a Companies House PSC personal code?
It is the personal verification code issued after a PSC completes identity verification. The PSC uses it to connect their verified identity with their PSC record at Companies House.
4. Can I use an ACSP for ID verification?
Yes. Companies House allows identity verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), as an alternative to the government verification route.
5. How much does Director Verifications charge?
Director Verifications currently advertises its standard verification service at £24.99, with a stated 24–48-hour weekday turnaround.
Ready to complete your verification? Get verified for £24.99 and take the next step toward Companies House compliance.