§ Guide

Do directors need to verify their identity?

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Identity Verification (mandatory from 18 November 2025, transition period ends 18 November 2026)

When this applies

Director Identity Verification became mandatory on 18 November 2025, which started a 12 month transition period ending 18 November 2026. New directors must verify at appointment. Existing directors and PSCs must verify by the time the company files its first Confirmation Statement after 18 November 2025, so check your own filing date rather than assuming you have until November. You cannot file a Confirmation Statement at all until everyone is verified, and failure risks a Companies House financial penalty for each unverified director.

When it does not apply

Director Identity Verification applies to directors and PSCs of limited companies registered with Companies House. Not applicable to sole traders or partnerships.

What is at stake

Companies House financial penalties per unverified director (up to £10,000 under the penalty regulations, though Companies House has said it will not go above £2,000 initially), and acting as an unverified director is a criminal offence under section 167M of the Companies Act 2006. More immediately, your company cannot file its Confirmation Statement until every director and PSC is verified, and continued non-compliance risks being struck off the register.

What to do

Verify your identity with Companies House via the GOV.UK One Login service. The 12 month transition period ends on 18 November 2026, and existing directors must verify by the time their company files its first Confirmation Statement falling after 18 November 2025, so your personal deadline depends on your own filing date.

Reviewed: 2026-09-13  ·  Source: official guidance