REMINDER: Companies House identity checks

Alexander Knight & Co is reminding company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) to complete the new Companies House identity verification process as individual compliance dates begin to fall due.

Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with Companies House introducing the changes over a 12-month transition period.

Once an individual has successfully verified their identity, Companies House issues them with a unique 11-character personal code.

For anybody becoming a new director, this code is now required as part of the appointment process. Existing directors are also being brought into the new system during 2026 and will need to provide their personal code as part of their company’s next confirmation statement.

People with Significant Control must also verify their identity and provide their code within the timeframe specified by Companies House.

For Alexander Knight & Co clients, there is an important practical point.

We undertake Companies House filings on behalf of many of the businesses we advise. Where a director or PSC has not yet provided us with their personal code, we may be unable to complete the relevant filing once their individual compliance date arrives.

If you have already completed the identity verification process, please send your 11-character code to your usual Alexander Knight & Co contact.

If you have not yet verified your identity, we recommend completing the process as soon as possible rather than waiting until a filing deadline is approaching.

Verification can be completed online through GOV.UK One Login using suitable identification, such as a biometric passport or UK photocard driving licence. Other verification routes are also available.

Kate Rowbottom at Alexander Knight & Co said:

“We are now contacting clients whose individual compliance dates are approaching and where we have not yet received their Companies House personal code.

“The important thing is not to leave it until the last minute. If you have already verified your identity, please send the code to us so that we have it ready for future Companies House filings.

“If you haven’t completed the process yet, we would encourage you to do so as soon as possible. If you experience any problems or are unsure what you need to do, please get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction.”

You can complete the Companies House identity verification process through the official GOV.UK service.

Already verified? Please send your 11-character Companies House personal code directly to Alexander Knight & Co so we can update our records.

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