IN Accountancy: Identity Verification Starts from 18th November – What Company Directors and PSCs Need to Know

From 18th November 2025, new legal requirements come into force under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023. All company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be required to carry out identity verification with Companies House.

This change is designed to reduce fraud, increase transparency, and improve trust in the Companies House register.

As accountants and fellow RIA Member, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared, but it’s important to note that your accountants cannot complete the identity verification for you. This is something every director or PSC must do themselves. However, we / your accountants are here to support you and guide you through the process if you need help (get in touch here). You can also watch a video here where Sarah Harkness, MD of IN Accountancy, explains the new requirements. 

 

What You Need to Do

  1. Get your documents ready
    You’ll need valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.

  2. Choose how to verify

    • Use the Verify your identity for Companies House service via GOV.UK One Login.

    • Or go through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

  3. Complete your verification
    Once verified, you’ll receive a personal Companies House code. Keep this safe – it’s unique to you.

  4. Use your personal code at the right time

    • Directors: You’ll need to include the code in your next confirmation statement after 18th November 2025.

    • PSCs: You must provide your code within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date, or within 14 days of the start of your birth month (if you’re not also a director).

    • If you are both a director and a PSC, you only need to verify once, but you’ll need to use your code for both roles.

  5. Stay compliant
    If you don’t verify, you won’t be able to file company documents, start a new company, or act as a director or PSC. Non-compliance could lead to fines or other penalties.

Key Points to Remember

  • You only need to verify once, but must provide your code for every role you hold.

  • From 13th October 2025, you’ll also need GOV.UK One Login to access WebFiling.

  • Make sure your details (such as date of birth) match across Companies House records and your identity documents.

  • Acting early will give you time to fix any issues and avoid delays.

How We Can Help

While we can’t complete the identity verification on your behalf, we can:

  • Explain the process step by step.

  • Help you check your company records match your ID.

  • Remind you of key filing dates.

  • Provide ongoing compliance support so you can focus on running your business.

👉 If you’d like guidance or reassurance, get in touch with our team today:

📞 0161 456 9666
📧 askus@in-accountancy.co.uk

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Start preparing now to ensure a smooth transition when the rules take effect on 18th November 2025.

Need Advice?

📞 Call us on: 0161 456 9666
📧 Email us at: askus@in-accountancy.co.uk
💬 Or visit our website to book a free consultation

And to keep up with all the latest tax updates, visit the HMRC website

Click here to read this article and further IN Accountancy News and Views

Check out the IN Accountancy RIA Foundation Member profile here  .