ComplianceLast reviewed 27 August 2026· 5 min read

Companies House identity verification: what founders need to do in 2026

Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with a transition period. Here is who needs to verify, roughly when, and how to check your own deadline.

This one catches founders out because nothing happens until a filing is due, and then it blocks the filing. Sorting your personal code early costs very little.

Key takeaways

Legal identity verification requirements began on 18 November 2025.
That start date opened a 12-month transition period.
In transition, existing directors generally provide their personal code with their next confirmation statement.
New directors verify as part of appointment or incorporation.
Check your own company's confirmation statement date, that is your practical deadline.

What changed

Companies House confirmed identity verification rollout from 18 November 2025, when the requirements became law. The rollout was designed with a twelve-month transition rather than a single cut-off, so different people hit the requirement at different times.

Who does what

If you are already a director, the transition route is generally to verify and then supply your personal code when your company next files its confirmation statement. If you are being appointed to a new or existing company, verification is part of that process rather than something you defer.

People with significant control and those filing on a company's behalf are also in scope. Check the GOV.UK guidance for the exact position that applies to your role.

Practical steps

The verification itself is short. The failure mode is leaving it until a filing deadline.

Verify your identity through GOV.UK and store your personal code securely.
Look up your company's confirmation statement due date and diarise it.
Make sure every director and PSC has done the same, one unverified person can hold up a filing.
If an accountant or formation agent files for you, confirm who is handling codes.

What to ask other founders

Guidance tells you the rules. Other founders tell you what actually happened. These are worth asking as a structured Advice or Critique request.

When did your verification requirement actually bite, appointment or confirmation statement?
Did your accountant or formation agent handle codes, or did you?

Ask for advice

Sources & further reading

General information only, not legal advice. Confirm your own obligations and dates against the GOV.UK guidance.