Companies House identity verification is no longer simply a future requirement.
On 17 September 2026, Companies House and the Insolvency Service announced the first convictions involving company directors for identity verification offences.
One point is particularly important for businesses with more than one director:
A director may need to consider not only their own verification status, but also whether appropriate steps have been taken where another director has not complied with the requirements.
What should UK companies be checking now?
🔹 Existing directors
Existing directors generally need to provide their Companies House personal code as part of the company’s next confirmation statement during the transition period.
🔹 Directors who are also PSCs
Identity verification itself is completed once, but the verified identity needs to be connected separately to each relevant role.
🔹 PSCs who are not directors
Different timing rules can apply, so it is important to check the individual compliance period rather than assuming everyone has the same deadline.
🌏 What about overseas directors?
Living outside the UK — for example in Hong Kong or Singapore — does not in itself remove the requirement.
If you remain a director or Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a UK company, the identity verification rules may still apply.
Identity can be verified directly through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
A practical checklist for company owners:
✓ Have all directors completed identity verification?
✓ Does each director have their personal code?
✓ Is anyone both a director and a PSC?
✓ Have the relevant roles been connected correctly?
✓ When is the company’s next confirmation statement due?
The important point is not to assume that every director or PSC has the same compliance date.
With the first convictions now announced, businesses should consider checking their Companies House records and responsibilities sooner rather than leaving this until the next filing deadline.