TL;DR
If you're a PSC and don't verify, your company can't file its Confirmation Statement, which can lead to it being struck off the register. Identity verification was introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and became mandatory on 18 November 2025, to stop criminals hiding behind fake identities.
Why PSCs Must Verify
The Problem
For years, criminals used UK companies to commit fraud, launder money, and evade sanctions.
Anyone could claim to be a PSC (Person with Significant Control) without proving who they were. Companies House just had to take their word for it.
This meant the "PSC register" – meant to show who really controls companies – was full of fake names, false addresses, and fictional people.
The Solution
Identity verification. Now, everyone who claims to control a UK company must prove who they really are.
This means showing real ID documents (passport, driving licence, etc.) and having them checked by approved services like TaxStats ID.
The result? A trustworthy register where you can see who really controls UK companies.
The Law
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 gave Companies House new powers.
- Companies House can now verify identities
- All PSCs must be verified before filing
- Unverified people can be removed from registers
- Fines and prosecution for non-compliance
What Happens If You Don't Verify?
Serious Consequences
1. Company can't file Confirmation Statement
Companies House won't accept your company's annual filing if any PSC isn't verified. This blocks essential paperwork.
2. Late filing consequences
A late Confirmation Statement can now carry a financial penalty, and Companies House can strike the company off the register and prosecute directors. The deadline still matters.
3. Company struck off
Keep missing filings and Companies House will dissolve your company. It stops existing legally.
4. Personal prosecution
Deliberately giving false information or refusing to verify is a criminal offence.
Benefits of Verification
Stay Compliant
Your company can file documents and stay on the right side of the law.
Protect Your Identity
Verification stops fraudsters pretending to be you and registering companies in your name.
No Annual Renewal
Verify once, and you use the same Personal Code each time — no annual renewals. Companies House hasn't set a fixed expiry; if re-verification is ever introduced, we'll let you know.
Works for All Roles
One verification covers you as PSC, director, and across all your companies.
When Do I Need to Verify?
By your company's Confirmation Statement due date during the transition.
Identity verification became mandatory on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition to around mid-November 2026. For an existing company, your deadline is linked to your next Confirmation Statement. A PSC who is not also a director gets a separate 14-day window to provide their personal code, starting on the first day of their month of birth as shown on the Companies House register.
Check your deadline