New Identity Verification Rules for Directors and PSCs

What you need to know…

From 18 November 2025, it will be a legal requirement for all UK company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House.

This change forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and is designed to reduce fraud and protect the integrity of the company register.

If you’re a Franks Accountants client, there’s no need to worry – we’ll handle the process for you. If you’re not, you’ll need to arrange verification yourself to avoid compliance issues.

Who Needs to Verify and When

Directors vs PSCs – What’s the Difference?

A director is someone formally appointed to the board to run the company.

A Person with Significant Control (PSC) is someone who owns or controls the company, even if they are not a director.

You’re classed as a PSC if you:

Own more than 25% of the shares,
Hold more than 25% of voting rights,
Have the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors, or
Otherwise exercise significant influence or control.

Many small business owners are both directors and PSCs, but not always:

Some PSCs are investors or shareholders who don’t sit on the board.
Some directors don’t own shares and therefore aren’t PSCs.

This is why the new rules treat directors and PSCs separately, with slightly different deadlines for identity verification.

Directors

Director type	When you need to Verify
New appointments	Must verify within 14 days of appointment.
Existing directors	Must verify before your first confirmation statement due after 18 November 2025.

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

PSC type	When you need to Verify
New PSCs	Must verify within 14 days of being registered.
Existing PSCs (If also a Director)	Verify before the company’s confirmation statement.
Existing PSCs (Non Directors)	verify within 14 days of the start of your birth month.

How Verification Works

Identity check – completed online via GOV.UK One Login, or by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as Franks Accountants.
Receive your personal code – unique to you and used to link your verified identity to all company roles.
Link the code – entered when filing confirmation statements or registering as a director/PSC

If You’re a Franks Accountants Client

We’ll ask you for proof of ID and complete the process through our ACSP status.
Once verification is complete, a personal code is issued by Companies House.
If the code is sent to you, simply pass it to us securely so we can file on your behalf.
This ensures you meet all deadlines without the stress of doing it yourself.

Not a Franks Accountants Client?

Verify yourself via GOV.UK One Login (free, online, and usually completed in minutes with valid ID).
Or appoint an ACSP (accountant or solicitor) to verify for you – fees vary.
Keep your personal code safe – you’ll need it for future filings.

Why Act Now

With millions of directors and PSCs needing verification, leaving it until the last minute could mean delays. Early action ensures your company can continue filing without interruption.

Need help with verification?

Join Franks Accountants and we’ll take care of the entire identity verification process for you – making sure everything is completed accurately and on time, so you stay compliant without the paperwork headache.

And it’s not just this task. As a Franks client, you’ll have a dedicated team who regularly handle similar compliance requirements, chase deadlines on your behalf, and step in quickly if HMRC issues ever arise.

From dealing with Companies House filings to resolving tax queries and minimising disruption from HMRC in investigations, we’re here to protect your time, reduce stress, and keep your business running smoothly.

How We Work

Working with us couldn’t be easier and we make switching simple…

Step 1.

Book A FREE Consultation

Contact us to book your FREE initial consultation. We’ll work around times that best suit you.

Step 2.

Initial Discussion

We take the time to get to know you and your business, your challenges and expected outcome.

Step 3.

Recommend Options

We’ll review and present our recommended options in plain english with associated fees.

What’s Included

It’s important you make a good connection with your accountant. Your accountant will become an extension of your business, working with you, for you.

Our initial free consultation allows us to get to know each other and for us to understand your challenges. We’ll also explain how we think we can make a difference. Here’s what you should expect in your initial consultation.

Typical consultations take around an hour, so we won’t take up too much of your time.
Don’t worry about preparing lots of information for us ahead of the meeting, it is not necessary.
If you would like to send us your last return, we’ll happily take a look before we meet.
We can meet at your convenience. Out of hours and even weekends, just let us know.
There’s no obligation and we will happily answer any questions you may have.

Book a FREE Consultation

Please complete the form below and we will get back to you promptly.

Franks Accountants respect our customers privacy. Rest assured, we will never pass your details on to any other companies.