Companies House Confirms Mandatory Identity Verification, What It Means for Our UK Clients
- ciaranbrodigan
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
At UHY Farrelly Dawe White, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed and compliant across every jurisdiction in which they operate. For those with UK-registered entities or directorships, an important legislative change is on the horizon.
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification (IDV) for all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to enhance the integrity of the UK’s corporate register and combat financial crime.
Who this affects
This update applies to all companies registered in the UK. If your business operates through a UK company, or if you hold a directorship or controlling interest in a UK company, these new requirements will apply to you.
From 18 November 2025, all relevant individuals must complete IDV through the GOV.UK One Login service. Verified individuals will receive a unique personal ID code, linking them to all their UK company roles.
Key requirements
New directors: must verify their identity before incorporation.
Existing directors: must verify before the company’s next annual confirmation statement is filed.
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs):
PSCs who are also directors will verify at the same time as their directorship.
PSCs who are not directors must verify within 14 days of the start of their birth month, beginning in early 2026.
Why this matters
Failure to verify could lead to:
Rejected filings or delayed incorporations.
Criminal offences for acting as an unverified director.
Public compliance notices on the Companies House register.
Potential director disqualification for continued non-compliance.
For businesses with UK operations, this introduces additional governance and compliance responsibilities. Taking early steps to verify and review your company structure will help prevent administrative delays and reputational risks.
Our advice
Start preparing now by:
Identifying all directors and PSCs across your UK entities.
Ensuring they have valid identification ready for verification.
Reviewing internal governance and filing processes.
Scheduling IDV well in advance of the November 2025 deadline.
How UHY FDW’s Corporate Compliance team can help
Our Corporate Compliance team works closely with clients who have UK-based companies or interests to ensure full compliance with Companies House requirements.
We can:
Audit your UK company records to identify who needs verification.
Guide directors and PSCs through the IDV process.
Manage confirmation statements, incorporations, and ongoing filings.
Ensure your entity remains compliant, accurate, and up to date.
Stay ahead of the change
With the new IDV regime taking effect in November 2025, preparation now will save time and stress later. At UHY FDW, we help clients navigate evolving compliance landscapes with confidence.
Contact our Corporate Compliance team today to discuss how we can support your business in meeting these new Companies House obligations, efficiently, accurately, and on time.
If there are any items you wish to discuss with our team, just give us a call on +353 42 933 9955 or email info@uhyfdw.ie
