From 8 April 2025, a voluntary identity verification service was launched by Companies House as part of a strategy to reduce potential fraud. Directors, PSCs (Persons with Significant Control), and others were given the option to verify early.
Identity verification is now MANDATORY as of the 18th November 2025!
Identity verification applies to:
There are three ways to complete identity verification:
You can upload and verify your identity documents online using the GOV.UK service: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house
Please note that a biometric passport is required for online verification.
Identity verification can also be completed in person at a participating Post Office offering in-branch verification.
You must still begin the process online first: https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login/proving-your-identity
Our Company Secretarial team can complete identity verification on your behalf as a Companies House authorised agent.
Over the next 12 months, we will contact clients at least one month before their confirmation statement due date. If you already know you would like Pierce to complete the verification for you, please contact us at: cosec@pierce.co.uk
GOV.UK One Login: All verification routes require you to have a GOV.UK One Login.
You may use one of the following documents:
Once your identity has been successfully verified, Companies House will issue you with a Companies House Personal Code.
This code is unique to you, not to your company. Even where Pierce completes the verification on your behalf, the personal code will be issued directly to the individual
Failure to comply with the identity verification requirements may result in:
To avoid disruption, we recommend verifying your identity as early as possible.
All PSCs must verify their identity and provide their Companies House Personal Code. The deadline for doing so is generally 14 days, although this varies depending on individual circumstances. You can check the relevant dates on the Companies House register.
If you hold both roles within the same company, your personal code must be provided separately for each role:
Filing the confirmation statement early does not alter the 14-day PSC deadline.
You must provide your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month.
Example: If your date of birth is 22 January, your verification window runs from 1 January to 14 January.
You must provide your personal code either:
The Company Secretarial team at Pierce is here to guide you through the identity verification process and ensure ongoing compliance with Companies House requirements.
For further information or to instruct us to complete verification on your behalf, please contact: cosec@pierce.co.uk
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