What is Identity Verification?
Companies House announced a new required identity verification requirements in August 2025. These regulations require company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to complete AML checks in order to obtain a unique code that can be used for filing.
After a person has confirmed their identification, they are issued an 11-character code known as the identity verification code. Unlike the Companies House Authentication Code, this code is unique to the individual and does not apply to the firm. Starting on November 18, 2025, you will need to input this code when submitting your confirmation statement to Companies House. This is in order to ensure an improvement in transparency, trust and to minimise fraudulent activity.
Who needs an Identity Verification code?
In order to obtain the code, everyone who is a director of a company or a person with significant control over a company (a PSC) must go through these verification procedures. Before filing your next confirmation statement, you must finish these checks and obtain the code if you are an existing director or PSC of a business that has previously been incorporated. But if you want to start a new business, you have to get validated first and include this code while filling out the application for incorporation. This is also applicable if you are being appointed as a new director of a corporation that already exists; in that instance, you will also need to submit this identity verification code with your application for the position.
According to Companies House, people will only need to confirm their identification once; this won't happen every year. Companies House will provide the person with a personal code when they have been validated. This number and a verification statement confirming their identity verification for each position they hold inside the company must be submitted. When submitting, the code and the confirmation statement must be included.
Filing through Easy Digital Filing
Individuals can verify their identity with Companies House either by using the GOV.UK One Login service or by going through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), like Easy Digital. These are companies that can perform the AML checks on your behalf; however, you will still need to give them a picture ID, which they will then be sent to Companies House. After you have been validated, the identity verification code will usually still be delivered to your personal email account for you to access.
How to get started with Easy Digital Filing:
2) Then please head over to the 'Purchase Service' tab within your account and select package ADM-2 'Companies House Verification Service' costing £25 +VAT
3) Once purchased, your accounts specialist will then contact you to request the information needed for identity verification. You will need to provide either two documents from Group A (passport, UK biometric residence permit, or UK driver’s licence), or one from Group A and one from Group B (birth/adoption certificate, marriage/civil partnership document, visa, work permit, or bank statement). You will also need to provide a photo of yourself holding your ID, and confirm the director’s email address for the verification code.
4) Sit back and relax while your accounts specialist completes the necessary checks for you. Once the verification process has been finalised, you will receive an email containing your verification code.
This article is information only and has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, investment or other professional advice or services. You should not act upon the information contained in this article without obtaining specific professional or legal advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this article, and, to the extent permitted by law, Comdal Limited, its members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.
