Companies House ID Checks
Companies House has introduced mandatory identity verification otherwise known as Companies House ID checks for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This change is designed to improve transparency and reduce fraud, but it also brings new responsibilities for business owners.
If you are a director or PSC, verifying your identity is not optional. Failing to do so could prevent you from acting as a director and stop us from being able to act for you.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Need to Verify Your Identity
Identity verification is now a legal requirement under Companies House reforms. Its purpose is to:
- Confirm that individuals running UK companies are who they say they are
- Reduce fraud and misuse of company structures
- Improve trust and transparency across the register
Without verification, Companies House will restrict your ability to act and may take enforcement action against your company.
Who Needs to Verify
You must verify your identity if you are:
- A company director
- A person with significant control (PSC)
- Anyone who files information at Companies House on their own behalf
This applies whether your company is trading, dormant, new, or long-established.
When You Need to Verify
Verification is required:
- Before acting as a director
- Before Companies House filings can be made
- As part of ongoing compliance going forward
We strongly recommend completing verification as soon as possible to avoid delays with Confirmation Statements or other filings.
Ways to Verify Your Identity
You can verify your identity:
- Directly through Companies House using their online verification process
- Using approved digital identity methods
The process is straightforward, but it must be completed accurately to avoid issues later.
What Happens When You Verify
Once verification is complete, you will receive a Companies House personal verification code.
This code:
- Is unique to you
- Cannot be reissued
- Is required for Companies House filings
- Allows agents (such as Jenners) to act on your behalf
What You Need to Do With Your Companies House Personal Code
Your verification code must be:
- Stored securely
- Treated like an important legal document
- Shared with Jenners
Without this code:
- We cannot act for you
- We cannot file Confirmation Statements
- We cannot complete required Companies House submissions
What Happens If You Do Not Verify
If you do not verify your identity:
- You may be unable to act as a director
- Your company filings may be blocked
- Penalties may be applied
- Companies House may ultimately strike off the company
This is not an administrative preference it is a statutory requirement.
How Jenners Can Help
If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, need help understanding the process, or want to check that everything is in place, we’re here to help.
Getting this sorted early avoids delays, penalties, and unnecessary stress.
Keeping on top of your business compliance doesn’t have to be a headache with the right systems in place, you can stay organised, compliant and confident about your numbers.
At Jenner’s Tax & Business Advisers, we work with business owners across the UK to keep their bookkeeping tidy, their year-end accounts on track, and their tax position clearly understood and compliance needs met.
📞 Get in touch on 01432 379988 or visit our Contact Us page to find out how we can help simplify your accounts and keep your projects running smoothly.