Companies House ID verification – dealing with non-compliance

What is Companies House ID verification? 

Under the wide-ranging Companies House reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, an additional responsibility placed on company directors and PSCs is mandatory ID verification. Read about how to undertake this verification process here. 

This Companies House ID verification is a new mandatory requirement designed to improve transparency and prevent economic crime across the UK company register. Its purpose is to ensure that individuals who control or manage UK companies are who they claim to be. 

If you are a company director, a PSC or involved in managing a UK company (whether registered in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland), failing to comply with these rules can lead to serious consequences. 

Understanding what counts as non-compliance, the penalties involved, and what action to take if you fall behind is essential to protecting both your business and your position as an officer of the company. 

Who must comply with Companies House ID verification? 

The ID verification requirement applies to several key roles, including: 

• Company directors 
• PSCs 
• Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) 
• Anyone who files information at Companies House on behalf of a company 

How do you verify your ID for Companies House? 

You can verify your ID for Companies House for free personally, or via an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) for a fee. Whichever method you use, you will need to use approved identity documents and will have checks to prove you are who you say you are. This guide explains how to verify your ID online using the GOV.UK One Login app or the GOV.UK website. If neither of these methods verifies your ID sufficiently, you may be asked to go to a participating Post Office to complete the verification in person 

For new companies, ID verification is required at the point of incorporation. Existing directors, PSCs and LLP members must verify their identity within the timeframe set by Companies House, starting from 18th November 2025.  

Once the ID verification rules apply to you, you will not be able to file a confirmation statement or other similar documents with Companies House until you comply.  

What counts as non-compliance with Companies House ID verification? 

Non-compliance occurs when an individual who is legally required to verify their identity fails to do so correctly or on time. 

This can include: 

• Not completing ID verification procedures by the deadline. 
• Refusing to verify your identity. 
• Providing false, misleading, or inaccurate information when verifying your identity. 
• Continuing to act as a director, PSC or member of an LLP without completing ID verification. 

It is important to note that being unaware of the requirements does not exempt you from compliance. Company directors, PSCs and LLP members remain personally responsible for meeting their statutory obligations to comply with Companies House requirements.  

A company itself may also be breaking the law if any of its directors have not verified their IDs when required to. 

What are the consequences of non-compliance? 

Failing to comply with Companies House ID verification requirements can result in a range of penalties and enforcement actions. 

Companies House has stated that its approach to non-compliance is as follows: 

• Informing people of the changes to the law and requirements via their website, to newsletter subscribers, and emails to companies to tell them directly. 
• Nudging people to comply via emails, providing free webinars with guidance and speaking to professional bodies to cascade the information to members. 
• Sending letters to those who do not comply by the required date to explain they are in default and the consequences if they don’t rectify their position. 
• Enforcement through the court, The Insolvency Service or financial penalties. 

In the most serious cases of non-compliance (such as supplying false information or failing to comply with requirements three or more times in five years) Companies House will use its powers to prosecute companies and people. This can mean:  

• Criminal convictions. 
• Director disqualification. 
• Restrictions on company filings, meaning your company may be unable to submit confirmation statements or other statutory updates. 

Unverified directors may be legally ineffective and are likely to be referred to The Insolvency Service. 

Non-compliance can also create practical business problems. If Companies House blocks filings, this can delay funding, disrupt contracts, or raise concerns with banks and investors. 

What do I do if I haven’t complied by the deadline? 

If you realise that you have not completed Companies House ID verification on time, it is important to take action as soon as possible. 

Practical steps include: 

1. Confirm whether verification applies to you based on your role. 
2. Check any correspondence from Companies House for deadlines or notices. 
3. Complete ID verification promptly online or via an ACSP. 
4. Keep records confirming that verification has been completed – you will be given a personal code, and it is crucial you keep this code safe to prove you have verified your ID correctly. 
5. Seek professional advice if you are unsure about your obligations. 

If you receive a default letter from Companies House, you have 28 days to make a representation as to why you did not comply within the timeframe provided. If your representation is accepted, you will be given two months to ensure your ID verification takes place before any further enforcement action is taken. This is similar to the reasonable excuse process for late filing of tax returns.

How can TaxAssist Accountants help me? 

At TaxAssist Accountants, we help company directors and small business owners stay on top of their statutory obligations with clarity and confidence. 

Our team can: 

• Explain whether Companies House ID verification applies to you. 
• Help you understand the deadlines and compliance risks. 
• Support ongoing company secretarial and compliance requirements. 
• Act as a trusted adviser as company regulations continue to evolve. 

If you are concerned about Companies House ID verification or wider director responsibilities, call TaxAssist Accountants on 01494 718 777 or contact us here for tailored, practical guidance. 

Last updated: 18th February 2026