Prepare now! New director, LLP member, and PSC identity verification rules are coming
From 18 November 2025, all UK companies and limited liability partnerships ("LLPs") will face new identity verification rules for directors, persons with significant control ("PSCs"), and LLP members. These rules will also apply to directors of overseas companies registered in the UK.
These changes aim to improve transparency and tackle economic crime. Non-compliance will be a criminal offence. With less than four weeks until the requirement comes into force, it's time to check the verification status of your directors, PSCs and LLP members.
Upcoming changes to company law: what you need to know
As outlined in our earlier articles, including our August Legal Briefing on identity verification for directors and persons with significant control, these reforms, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, will affect how companies and LLPs report to Companies House. Companies and LLPs should review their internal processes now to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
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Subscribe nowWhat this means for you: identity verification
From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for all new directors, PSCs, and LLP members.
Existing directors, PSCs and LLP members will have up to 12 months to comply, with verification confirmation required as part of any annual confirmation statement filed on or after 18 November 2025.
Note that the requirement is triggered by the filing date, not the statement date. For example, if a confirmation statement made up to 5 November 2025 is filed on 19 November 2025, the identity verification requirements will apply.
How to verify your identity
Verification can be completed in two ways:
- Directly via the GOV.UK One Login service (online, mobile app, or in person)
- Indirectly through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider ("ACSP"), and we are happy to effect introductions to ASCPs who can assist
Consequences of non-compliance
Non-compliance may result in criminal sanctions in the form of a fine for the director or PSC and potential offences by the company and its directors or the LLP. Unverified directors also risk disqualification.
Changes to company registers
From 18 November 2025, companies will no longer need to maintain local registers of:
- Directors
- Directors’ residential addresses
- Secretaries
- PSCs
This information must still be registered and kept up to date at Companies House. You will also no longer need to provide a business occupation for directors.
However, you must still maintain a register of shareholders (members) at your registered office or single alternative inspection location, and make it available to the public.
What you need to do now
- Inform directors, PSCs and LLP members about the new identity verification rules
- Decide whether to use the Companies House system or an ACSP
- Begin the verification process early, especially for overseas individuals
- Track progress to ensure compliance
- Check and update Companies House records, especially dates of birth
- Keep a secure record of each individual's unique identifier code
How we can help
We are already supporting clients with these changes and can guide you through the identity verification process, liaise with ACSPs, and ensure your company or LLP is fully compliant.
Do not wait until the deadline, contact us today for advice on how to get ahead of the changes and avoid unnecessary disruption.
