Companies House has introduced mandatory identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs). So, if you run your own limited company, this applies to you.
The new rules form part of wider reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The aim is simple: improve trust in the Companies House register and reduce misuse of UK companies.
For contractors, the practical impact is clear. You’ll need to verify your identity, obtain a Companies House personal code, and make sure it’s linked correctly to each role you hold.
Here’s what you need to know, and how we can help make it straightforward.
Why Companies House ID checks matter for contractors
Historically, Companies House accepted most information on trust. Under the new regime, it has stronger powers to query, reject and remove information from the register.
Identity verification is central to these reforms.
For you as a limited company contractor, this means:
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you can’t legally act as a director without completing identity verification
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your confirmation statement can be rejected if verification isn’t completed in time
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missing deadlines could lead to enforcement action or financial penalties.
In short, this isn’t optional. It’s a compliance requirement that now sits alongside your annual accounts and corporation tax responsibilities.
When do the new ID verification rules start?
Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period.
There isn’t a single deadline for everyone. Instead:
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your due date depends on your role and your company’s filing cycle
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Companies House displays due dates on the public register
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you’ll be prompted ahead of your confirmation statement deadline.
If you’re both a director and a PSC, you may have more than one action to complete.
Who needs to verify their identity?
You must complete identity verification if you are:
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a company director
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a person with significant control (PSC)
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the equivalent of a director (i.e. LLP member)
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a director of an overseas company registered in the UK.
The two-step process explained simply
One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming verification is a one-off task. In reality, there are two steps:
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Verify your identity and receive your Companies House personal code.
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Provide that personal code for each relevant role you hold.
That second step is crucial. Verifying alone isn’t enough, your verified identity must be linked correctly to your director and/or PSC role.
How to verify your identity
There are two routes available.
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Verify online using gov.uk One Login (free)
You’ll use gov.uk One Login and may:- use the ID checking app- answer online security questions- provide photo ID details and attend a Post Office (if directed).
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Verify via an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)
An ACSP is an AML-supervised organisation (such as an accountant) authorised to complete verification on your behalf.
The ACSP will:
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Provide a link to complete identity verification
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Submit the verification details to Companies House
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Link your verification to all relevant roles you hold
As your accountant, we can support you through the appropriate route and ensure everything is completed to the correct standard.
What is the Companies House personal code?
Once verified, you’ll receive an 11-character Companies House personal code.
This code:
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is personal to you, not your company
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is generally issued once (unless Companies House requires re-verification)
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must be kept secure and only shared with trusted filers.
Think of it like a secure filing credential. It will be needed when submitting your confirmation statement or updating PSC details.
How contractors link their ID to their company
For most contractors, the key steps are:
If you’re a director:
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You must provide your personal code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement
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If you haven’t verified before filing, Companies House can reject the confirmation statement.
If you’re a PSC:
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You may need to submit your personal code separately within a defined 14-day window, depending on your circumstances.
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If you’re both a director and a PSC, you must complete both actions — they aren’t automatically combined.
This is where things can become confusing, especially if you manage more than one company.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Companies House has made its enforcement position clear:
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acting as a director without verification is unlawful
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PSCs who fail to verify may commit an offence
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confirmation statements can be rejected
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enforcement action, penalties or referrals may follow.
Even if prosecution isn’t pursued, continuing to act without verification may still be an offence.
For contractors juggling client work and deadlines, it’s easy to overlook something like this. But the consequences can quickly escalate.
A simple checklist for limited company contractors
To keep this manageable:
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confirm all roles you hold (director, PSC, LLP member)
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complete identity verification
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store your personal code securely
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ensure your code is included in your next confirmation statement
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identify any PSC submission windows and diarise them.
If you’re planning to incorporate a new company or appoint a director in 2026, early verification is strongly recommended.
How we support you through Companies House ID verification
At PayStream, we understand that compliance changes can feel like yet another administrative burden.
That’s why we:
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track your confirmation statement deadlines
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Assist you with identity verification
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ensure director and PSC requirements are handled correctly
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securely manage personal codes where we file on your behalf
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keep you informed of regulatory changes before they become urgent issues
For many contractors, the biggest risk isn’t the verification itself, it’s missing the second step or misunderstanding the PSC timing rules.
We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.
Stay compliant with confidence
Companies House identity verification is now part of the compliance landscape for limited company contractors. It sits alongside corporation tax, VAT and annual accounts as a core responsibility.
The good news? With the right process and support, it’s entirely manageable. If you’re an existing PayStream client and have questions about your verification status, confirmation statement, or wider limited company compliance, speak to your dedicated accounts team today. Alternatively, if you’d like to know more about our accountancy services and how we’re here to help keep things simple, so you can focus on what you do best, speak to a member of our limited company accounts team today on 0161 923 0201 for more information.
