A reminder that as part of the changes introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), new identity verification rules will take effect from Autumn 2025.
Anyone holding one or more of the roles below in a UK company must verify their identity and obtain a Companies House Personal Code:
- All individual Directors of UK companies
- All individual LLP Members of UK Limited Liability Partnerships
- All individual People with Significant Control (PSCs) of UK companies
- Anyone filing on behalf of companies as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
What is a Companies House Personal Code?
Once your identity has been verified, Companies House will issue you with a unique 11-character personal code. (An example of a personal code might be FT5-15ED-7JY5).
This code:
- Proves your identity has been confirmed
- Must be provided every time you take on a new qualifying role
- Will not be visible on the online public register
- Will be sent directly to your personal email address
In most cases, identity verification is a one-time process. You’ll only be asked to re-verify if Companies House suspects fraud or error.
Who Does Not Need a Personal Code?
You do not need a personal code if you are:
- A Company Secretary, as long as you do not also act as a Director or PSC
- A Shareholder, unless you qualify as a PSC due to your shareholding
- A Corporate Officer, Relevant Legal Entity (RLE) or Other Registrable Person (ORP)
Companies House has now confirmed that an individual involved with the running of a corporate entity will not need to have their identity verified.
What if You Live Abroad?
The personal code requirement applies regardless of your country of residence. Even if you are based overseas, if you hold one of the roles listed above in a UK company, you must verify your identity and obtain a Companies House personal code.
How Can You Verify Your Identity?
You can complete your own identity verification in one of the following ways:
- Online via UK Login – if you have the necessary identity documents or information
- In person at selected Post Offices – this option is available if you live in the UK. You must first use the Verify Your Identity for Companies House service to check eligibility
- Through an ACSP authorised agent – such as Clear Vision Accountancy, or a solicitor who is registered as an authorised agent with Companies House (you’ll need to provide appropriate identity documents)
Good News for Clear Vision Clients
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) supervised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, we can handle the identity verification process on your behalf.
As part of your first annual Confirmation Statement after the new rules come into effect, we will:
- Review that the identification documents provided by you remain valid
- Request further ID, if necessary
- Carry out an online verification check via Veriphy
- Notify Companies House of the completed verification
Your personal code will then be sent directly to you via your personal email address by Companies House. Once received, you’ll then need to provide the code to us to store and use for upcoming filings.
There’ll be no need to repeat this with future Confirmation Statements, it is a one-time requirement.
When Will the Code be Needed?
From Autumn 2025, your personal code will be required, every time you are appointed to any of the following qualifying roles:
- Director of a company
- Member of an LLP
- Individual PSC
Even if Companies House already has your code on file for another company or role, it must be provided to them, every time you take on a new appointment.
Keep Your Code Safe
Treat your Companies House personal code like you would a PIN or password. Store it securely and only share it with trusted professionals, (such as your accountant or ACSP) for filing purposes.
Any Questions?
We’re here to support you through these changes and ensure compliance with the new requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance with the identity verification process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.