Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, every company director, Person with Significant Control (PSC) and LLP member must verify their identity with Companies House. The 12-month transition period ends on 17 November 2026.
As of June 2026, around three in ten directors and more than half of PSCs were still unverified — roughly 6 to 7 million people.
Who needs to verify?
- All company directors (including those of dormant companies)
- Persons with Significant Control
- Members of LLPs
It applies regardless of nationality or where you live.
What happens if you don't?
Acting as a director without a verified identity is an offence. Companies House has signalled enforcement including restrictions on filings, financial penalties, difficulty making new appointments or changes, and potentially disqualification.
What to do now
- Check each director's and PSC's verification status and personal code.
- Verify via GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (your accountant may be one).
- Diarise your company's specific deadline — check Companies House guidance, as the date that applies to your company can depend on your confirmation statement cycle.
While you're at it: is your website compliant?
Separate from identity verification, the Company, LLP and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 require limited companies to show their registered name, company number and registered office address on their website. Many don't. It takes minutes to fix — usually in the footer.
Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to small or dormant companies?
Yes. Company size and trading status don't change the requirement for directors and PSCs.
How long does verification take?
Online verification through GOV.UK One Login is usually quick if you have photo ID to hand. An accountant acting as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can also verify you.
What should be on my company website?
At minimum: your registered company name, company number, registered office address and place of registration. Our free website audit checks this.
