Companies House Director Identity Verification Update

As covered in our Companies House Reforms blog, director identity verification is to become mandatory on 18th November 2025 for all new company formations and appointments. 

The extra checks are being brought in to combat fraud and money laundering under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. 

Existing directors and PSCs will have 12 months to complete their verification - most will do this when filing their annual confirmation statement.

‍Timeline of identity verification implementation dates

April 2025 - Voluntary verification begins
Identity verification began voluntarily via GOV.UK One Login or ACSPs.

18th November 2025 - Verification becomes mandatory for new companies
Director identity verification is required for all new company formations and appointments.

Autumn 2026 - Verification deadline for existing directors
Within 12 months, existing directors and PSCs must verify their identity, ideally aligned with their annual confirmation statement.

Spring 2026 - Only verified individuals/ACSPs can file
Only verified individuals or Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be permitted to file on behalf of companies. If a director or PSC is not registered and verified with Companies House, filings must go through an ACSP.

Who needs to verify

• a director
• the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
• a person with significant control (PSC)
• an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - also known as a Companies House authorised agent
• someone who files for a company - for example, a company secretary

What happens if you don’t comply?

• You will not be able to submit annual accounts or confirmation statements.
• Your company may be struck off the register.
• You may face civil penalties, fines up to £10,000, or even criminal prosecution.
• Identity-fraud risks increase if false data remains unchallenged in your company records.

Over 100,000 UK companies have already had false or outdated data removed, and enforcement will only intensify in 2025 and beyond.

Ways to verify‍

Online via GOV.UK One Login

• Quick, secure, and free.
• Requires photographic ID (e.g. passport, driving licence) or a recent bank account or credit reference.

In person at a Post Office

• You begin online, then complete identity checks face-to-face.

Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) 

• Trusted professionals (accountants, formation agents, solicitors).
• Often used by companies seeking streamlined service or guidance.

Successful verifications will receive a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. 

After the deadline, directors will not be allowed to access Companies House to submit annual accounts or changes to directors' details.

About Registered Office/Director’s Service Addresses

Companies must, at all times, have an 'appropriate address' as a registered office/directors service address. 

To register a company in the UK, this:

• Must be a physical address in the UK (in the same UK jurisdiction your company is registered—England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
• Can’t be a PO Box—even if it has a full street address attached to it.

You can use a UK virtual address (like those provided by UK Postbox or other mail forwarding services) as long as it meets the following:

• It’s a real, physical location (not just a PO Box).
• The address provider allows you to receive official mail (HMRC, Companies House, etc.).
• You have permission to use it as a registered office.

What can our Business Addresses be used for?

Our Business Address Service is suited to all types of company structures, whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, limited company or PLC.

Uses of our business addresses:

• Correspondence Address - to give to suppliers for inbound mail
• Business Trading Address - to use on marketing materials and stationery
• Registered Office Address - for incorporated businesses
• Directors’ Service Address - to protect your privacy at home

Why choose UK Postbox for your 'appropriate address'?

UK Postbox helps businesses stay compliant, secure, and protected.

We offer fully compliant UK virtual office addresses that meet Companies House criteria. Whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, limited company, or PLC, our services help you:

• Protect your privacy with a Director’s Service Address.
• Ensure official mail is handled securely and professionally.
• Use our address as your Registered Office or Trading Address.
• Maintain a UK presence even if operating remotely or overseas.

FAQs about Companies House registered offices

Q: Can I use a PO Box for my Registered Office Address?

A: No. Companies House requires a physical UK address. UK Postbox provides real addresses, accepted for official use.

Q: Can I use a UK Postbox street address for both my Registered Office Address and Directors Service Address?

A: Yes, you can. UK Postbox provides real UK street addresses that meet Companies House requirements for both Registered Office and Director’s Service Addresses. This helps you keep your address private and allows you to manage your official mail online from anywhere in the world.

Q: Do I need to verify with Companies House for each company I’m involved in?

A: No. Once verified, your personal code links to all company roles you hold.

Q: How much does it cost to verify?

A: GOV.UK verification is free. ACSPs may charge, depending on services offered.