ECCTA: Companies House identity verification goes live 18 November 2025
Mandatory identity checks for new and existing directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will start on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period for existing officeholders.
Changes under ECCTA
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 brings in new identity verification rules for a wide range of individuals linked to registered entities. This includes company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), certain officers of relevant legal entities, members of LLPs, nominated directors of corporate general partners in limited partnerships, and individuals who submit filings on behalf of others.
From 18 November 2025, new directors must provide their Companies House personal code when registering a new company or on appointment to an existing company. New PSCs must provide their personal code within 14 days of being added to the register.
For existing directors and PSCs, the requirement will be phased in over 12 months:
- Directors must give their personal code as part of their company’s next confirmation statement (and do so for each company where they are a director).
- PSCs who are also directors must provide their code in both capacities.
- PSCs who are not directors must provide their code within the first 14 days of their birth month.
Verification can be completed via GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised corporate service provider. Once verified, Companies House will issue a personal code.
Identity verification for people who file at Companies House, corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs and officers of corporate PSCs will be introduced at a later date.
Learning points for employers
Organisations should identify all relevant individuals well in advance of November 2025, ensure they understand the process, and build verification steps into appointment and onboarding procedures to avoid delays, rejections or penalties.