Do directors need to complete identity verification before company registration in UK?

Yes. From 18 November 2025, all new directors must complete verification under the UK Identity Verification Rules before incorporation or appointment. Without a verified status and personal code, a company cannot be registered.

Can one person reuse their verification for multiple companies?

Yes. Identity verification is usually completed only once. After verification, the individual receives a personal code that can be used across different roles and companies during company registration in UK or for future filings.

How are People with Significant Control (PSCs) verified under the UK Identity Verification Rules?

PSCs must verify within a 14-day window of their trigger date. The timing depends on whether they are new, existing, or also directors. During company setup, PSCs must provide their personal code and a verification statement to comply.

What happens if identity verification is not completed within the required timeframe?

Failure to verify within the deadline means the individual cannot legally act as a director or PSC. Under the UK Identity Verification Rules, this may lead to penalties, rejected filings, or delays in company registration in UK.

Can identity verification be done through an agent or service provider?

Yes. While GOV.UK One Login is the main route, companies can also use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to carry out verification checks. This is especially useful for international clients handling company registration in UK remotely.

New UK Identity Verification Rules for Company Setup 2025

The new UK identity verification rules have now changed the way businesses are formed and managed. From 18 November 2025, identity checks became a legal requirement for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and certain company officers. If you are planning company registration in UK, or you already run a business there, this guide helps you understand UK Identity Verification Rules.

Why the New UK Identity Verification Rules Matter

The new UK Identity Verification rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms. The aim is to stop fraud, improve the reliability of the Companies Register, and ensure only verified individuals can control or direct companies. For anyone looking to complete company registration in UK, this means identity verification is no longer optional but a mandatory requirement.

Who needs to do UK Identity Verification and When?

New Directors

From 18 November 2025, new directors must verify their identity before incorporation or appointment.

Existing Directors

Directors already listed must confirm their verification when filing their next confirmation statement. This falls within a 12-month transition window.

People with Significant Control (PSCs)

PSCs will need to provide verification within a 14-day window. The exact timing depends on whether they are new or already registered, and whether they also hold a director role.

Corporate Directors, LLP Members, and Limited Partnerships

Verification for corporate roles will be introduced later in future phases.

What is the process for New UK Identity Verification?

Choose a route:

GOV.UK One Login (free, digital verification process).
Authorised Corporate Service Provider (if using an agent).

Complete verification:
Most individuals complete the process in just a few minutes using the GOV.UK ID checking system.

Receive your Companies House personal code:
After verification, you’ll be issued a personal code. This code is used every time you take on a company role or file relevant documents.

Provide your verification statement:
Directors and PSCs must supply both their personal code and a verification statement when required, such as during incorporation or when filing.

What is PSC-14 Day Window as per new UK Identity Verification Rules?

Under the UK Identity Verification Rules, People with Significant Control (PSCs) must provide their identity verification statement and personal code within 14 days of their “trigger date.” The trigger date changes depending on the PSC’s situation. For example:

PSC Situation	Trigger Date for 14-Day Window	Explanation
New PSCs (added after 18 November 2025)	Date the PSC is registered with Companies House	If someone becomes a PSC after the new rules begin, their 14-day period starts from the day they are officially entered on the register.
Existing PSCs who are also Directors	Company’s confirmation statement date	If a PSC is already listed before 18 November 2025 and they are also a director, their 14-day window begins from the date the company files its next confirmation statement. This ties the PSC’s verification duty to the director’s duty.
Existing PSCs who are not Directors	First day of the month of birth shown on the register	For PSCs already on the register but not directors, the 14-day window is linked to their recorded month of birth. For example: if the PSC’s month of birth is March, the verification window starts on 1 March 2026.

Checklist for Company Registration in UK

Now with the new Identity Verification rules for company setup, you need to follow the checklist as follows for company registration in UK:
Ensure all proposed directors and PSCs can access GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP.
Ask them to verify their identity before starting incorporation.
Collect and securely store personal codes from directors and PSCs.
Include verification statements and codes during company formation.
Track confirmation statement dates for existing directors.
Monitor 14-day windows for PSC compliance.

What if you do not comply with New UK Identity Verification Rules for Company Setup 2025?

Acting as a director or PSC without verification in the UK after the rules take effect will now be an offence. While Companies House has stated that enforcement will be proportionate, businesses should not take chances and get their identities verified as soon as possible. Ensuring compliance with the UK Identity Verification Rules protects your company from penalties and prevents delays in formation or filings.

FAQs

Do directors need to complete identity verification before company registration in UK?
Yes. From 18 November 2025, all new directors must complete verification under the UK Identity Verification Rules before incorporation or appointment. Without a verified status and personal code, a company cannot be registered.
Can one person reuse their verification for multiple companies?
Yes. Identity verification is usually completed only once. After verification, the individual receives a personal code that can be used across different roles and companies during company registration in UK or for future filings.
How are People with Significant Control (PSCs) verified under the UK Identity Verification Rules?
PSCs must verify within a 14-day window of their trigger date. The timing depends on whether they are new, existing, or also directors. During company setup, PSCs must provide their personal code and a verification statement to comply.
What happens if identity verification is not completed within the required timeframe?
Failure to verify within the deadline means the individual cannot legally act as a director or PSC. Under the UK Identity Verification Rules, this may lead to penalties, rejected filings, or delays in company registration in UK.
Can identity verification be done through an agent or service provider?
Yes. While GOV.UK One Login is the main route, companies can also use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to carry out verification checks. This is especially useful for international clients handling company registration in UK remotely.

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