Companies House Identity Verification (IDV) became mandatory on 18 November 2025, introducing new identity verification requirements for company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).

We are now well into the 12-month transition period, and existing directors and PSCs should ensure that they understand when their individual verification requirements fall due.

Existing Directors – Check Your Confirmation Statement Date

For existing directors, the requirement to provide their verified identity details is linked to the company’s Confirmation Statement.

Directors will need to have completed identity verification and obtained their unique Companies House personal code so that the code can be provided in connection with the relevant Confirmation Statement.

Companies should therefore not wait until their Confirmation Statement is due before checking whether all directors have completed IDV.

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

PSCs are also required to verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code within the applicable period.

Importantly, if an individual is both a Director and a PSC of the same company, their personal code needs to be provided to Companies House for each role separately.

The same personal code is used, but the Director and PSC requirements are separate.

Already Completed IDV?

If you have already successfully completed identity verification, Companies House will have issued you with a unique personal code.

This code is personal to you and should be kept securely. The same personal code can be used to connect your verified identity to each company role you hold.

For clients where Appleton provides Company Secretarial services, please provide us with your Companies House personal code once received so that we can ensure the relevant information is available when your Companies House filing falls due.

Have You Still Not Completed IDV?

If you have not yet completed your identity verification, we recommend arranging this well in advance of your next Companies House filing deadline.

Appleton Company Services Ltd is a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can assist directors and PSCs with completing their identity verification.

We offer a remote biometric verification process and can also assist where an individual experiences difficulties completing the standard verification process.

Not Sure What You Need to Do?

If you are unsure:

• whether you have completed IDV;
• when your verification requirement falls due;
• whether your personal code needs to be provided as both a Director and PSC; or
• whether Appleton can complete the verification on your behalf,

please contact our team and we will be happy to assist.

With the transition period progressing, we strongly recommend that companies review their directors and PSCs now and ensure the necessary identity verification has been completed rather than waiting until the next filing deadline.