We have previously reported a number of changes on Companies House which will affect you, as a director/ shareholder.
Action now needs to be taken on the first of these – identity verification.
What is changing?
Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.
From 18 November 2025, identity verification will be required for:
• new directors and persons with significant control (PSCs)
• existing directors and PSCs
• members of a limited liability partnership (LLP) Identity verification will be required at a later date for the following:
• people who file at Companies House
• limited partnerships
• corporate directors of companies
• corporate members of LLPs
• officers of corporate PSCs
What happens if I do not verify my identity?
If you do not verify you will not be able to:
• make any filings
• start a new company or entity
• register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP – also known as a Companies House authorised agent)
In addition, you will be committing an offence and may have to pay a financial penalty or fine.
What you need to do
Galloways will not be able to verify your identity. You need to verify your identity yourself.
There are four ways to verify your identity:
1. Using the GOV.UK ID Check app (recommended – quick & free) – Use a smartphone with a camera and one of these IDs: passport, UK photocard driving licence, or UK biometric card.
2. Answering security questions online – If you can’t use the app, you can answer questions about your financial history (e.g. bank accounts, credit, mortgage) and provide a passport or driving licence.
3. At a Post Office – If the above don’t work, you can verify in person at selected Post Offices with your passport or driving licence.
4. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – An ACSP can complete the process for you, but there is usually a cost. We recommend doing it yourself online wherever possible, as it is straightforward and free.
What happens next
• Once verified, you’ll be given a unique personal code.
• Please send this code to us so we can link it to your company records.
• This code is permanent and will cover all directorships or PSC roles for each verified individual
Don’t delay – verify your identity now.
You should complete this as soon as possible and provide us with your code once issued to enable us to continue to communicate with Companies House on your behalf. If you need support, contact our Company Secretarial Team at cosec@wearegalloways.com or ring us on 0800 0129190.
