Published by Prokeeper Limited | Updated October 2025
Understanding the New Companies House ID Verification Rules
From 18 November 2025, the UK government is introducing a new legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSC) to verify their identity through Companies House. This move is designed to make the UK’s business register more transparent and to protect legitimate companies from fraud or impersonation. If you’re a director, company secretary, or accountant filing on behalf of a business, this rule affects you.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
-
- Company directors
-
- People with significant control (PSC)
-
- Company secretaries
-
- Anyone filing documents on behalf of a business
Once verified, you’ll receive your own Companies House personal code—an 11-character identifier linking your verified ID to your company roles.
Why Identity Verification Matters
If you fail to complete the process you could:
-
- Be unable to make filings or register a new company.
-
- Face financial penalties or fines.
-
- Fall out of compliance with Companies House regulations.
In short, verifying your identity keeps your company legally compliant and protected from fraud.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
-
- A smartphone or tablet (Apple or Android)
-
- One of the following ID documents:
-
- UK passport
-
- UK driving licence
-
- Non‑UK passport with biometric chip
-
- UK biometric residence permit or Frontier Work permit
-
- Your current and recent addresses (past 3 months)
How to Verify Your Identity (with Screenshot Guidance)
Tip: Have your smartphone and photo ID ready before you start.
-
- Start on GOV.UK
Click “Verify your identity” -> “Go to GOV.UK One Login.”
- Start on GOV.UK
-
- Sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login
If new, create your account, confirm the code sent to your email, set a password, and choose how to get security codes (we usually recommend SMS).
- Sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login
-
- Choose your location
Select “UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man” (or “Another Country” if applicable), then Continue.
- Choose your location
-
- Confirm you have acceptable ID
Tick Yes if you have one of: UK passport, UK driving licence, non‑UK biometric passport, UK BRP/BRC/Frontier Worker permit.
- Confirm you have acceptable ID
-
- Choose how to verify (phone or no phone)
If you choose smartphone, a QR code appears to download the GOV.UK One Login app.
- Choose how to verify (phone or no phone)
-
- Install and open the app
Scan the QR code, install, open the app, and sign in with your One Login.
- Install and open the app
-
- Capture your document
On the app, pick your ID: Yes for passport, or “No, use a different type of photo ID” for a driving licence. Follow the prompts to capture front and back where required.
- Capture your document
-
- Face scan (accessibility note)
Complete the facial verification. Warning: this screen has flashing colours. If you’re photosensitive, consider looking away and asking someone to assist.
- Face scan (accessibility note)
-
- Return to your browser (or continue on phone)
You’ll see “Identity verification: Completed.” Click Continue.
- Return to your browser (or continue on phone)
-
- Confirm your personal details
Tick Yes if your details match your ID -> Confirm and continue.
- Confirm your personal details
-
- Give consent for checks
Companies House will ask for permission to check your document with the issuing body. Tick consent -> Continue.
- Give consent for checks
-
- Add your address
Enter postcode -> Find address -> select your address (Choose address). If you lived elsewhere in the past 3 months, add that too; otherwise tick No and I confirm my details are correct.
- Add your address
-
- Finish — save your code
You’ll see confirmation screens; click Continue to finish. Important: Save your 11-character Companies House personal code. You may share it with trusted people who file on your behalf, but keep it as secure as your UTR.
- Finish — save your code
What happens if you don’t verify?
You won’t be able to make filings or start a new company, and you may face financial penalties for non-compliance.
Need a hand? Prokeeper Limited can verify you
At Prokeeper Limited, we’re registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). We can handle the entire verification process securely and in full compliance with the UK’s Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
Our fee: £75 per director Simple, secure, and compliant
Available for clients across the UK and abroad
Why choose Prokeeper Limited?
-
- We stay ahead of HMRC and Companies House regulatory changes
-
- We make compliance simple and stress-free
-
- We offer transparent pricing and professional support
-
- We’re a trusted partner for limited companies, contractors, and startups
Let’s get you verified
Don’t wait until the last minute — get compliant ahead of the 2025 deadline. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the verification process.
+44 777 660 8857
hello@prokeeper.co.uk
www.prokeeper.co.uk