Verify your identity for Companies House
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, every UK company director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) must verify their identity with Companies House. It became mandatory from 18 November 2025. New directors and PSCs verify when they're appointed or when the company is formed; existing directors and PSCs verify by their company's next confirmation statement. Once verified, you get a Companies House personal code that proves who you are for all future filings.
PSC identity verification
A Person with Significant Control (PSC) — broadly, anyone who owns or controls more than 25% of a company — must verify their identity in the same way as a director. If you're both a director and a PSC, you still only verify once. Companies House is phasing PSC verification in by birth month: PSCs are given a personal window based on the month they were born, so check when yours opens and don't leave it to the deadline.
Companies House personal code — what it is and how you get one
Your Companies House personal code (sometimes searched as a "personal verification code") is a unique identifier issued to you once your identity is verified. You get one by completing identity verification through either route below. You then give the code to your company or your agent so your role can be confirmed and filings made. One code covers every directorship and PSC role you hold — you never need more than one, and it's separate from your company's authentication code.
Deadlines: when you must verify
- Mandatory since 18 November 2025. This started a 12-month transition — it is not itself the deadline for everyone.
- Existing directors & PSCs: verify by your company's next confirmation statement, with a final backstop of 18 November 2026.
- New directors / PSCs and new companies: verify at appointment or incorporation.
- PSCs: a personal window based on your birth month — verify when yours opens.
The two routes: free GOV.UK One Login vs an authorised agent
Both routes produce the same Companies House personal code. The free route is right for many people; an authorised agent helps when you don't have the exact documents GOV.UK One Login needs, you're overseas, or you'd rather it was handled for you.
| GOV.UK One Login (free, DIY) | Authorised agent — TaxStats ID | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £39 (digital) |
| Documents | Biometric passport or UK photocard driving licence | Wider range — passport, licence, and via video / in-person options |
| Overseas directors | Harder without UK documents | Supported (video call) |
| Support | Self-service | Handled for you, with help by phone/email |
| Typical time to code | Varies | ~24 hours |
| Resulting personal code | Same code | Same code |