From 18 November 2025, Companies House introduced major identity verification requirements for all company directors and people with significant control. This is part of a wider shift towards greater corporate transparency and a stronger response to economic crime. The changes may appear administrative at first glance, but they carry real implications for businesses of all sizes.
What has changed
The new rules introduce several important obligations.
First, anyone newly appointed as a director or as a person with significant control must complete identity verification at the time of appointment. This applies to individuals taking up roles in existing companies as well as those forming a new company.
Second, existing directors must confirm they have verified their identity when filing their next confirmation statement. This forms part of a transitional period, giving current directors time to complete verification without delaying their normal filing cycle.
Third, existing persons with significant control will need to submit a verification statement within a set timeframe once the process applies to them. The exact deadline varies according to their date of birth or appointment.
Failure to meet these obligations is a criminal offence and may lead to penalties or, in serious cases, referral for enforcement action.
Why it matters for your business
These changes strengthen the accuracy of the public register. For businesses that rely on Companies House information when checking customers, suppliers, or potential partners, this increase in reliability is a noticeable improvement.
The aim is also to limit the use of “bogus” directors and stop companies being used as fronts for criminal activity. Regulators have made clear that enforcement will be more active, and businesses should expect closer scrutiny of the accuracy of their filings.
For directors, the rules underline the personal responsibility attached to the role. Failing to complete verification may affect the filing of confirmation statements, the company’s standing, or even the director’s own legal position.
What you should do now
Start by checking who in your business is a director and who qualifies as a person with significant control. Confirm whether each individual has already completed verification.
If your business expects to appoint new directors or shareholders, build the verification process into your appointment procedure.
Review your next confirmation statement date so you know when the verification statement must be filed. It may also be helpful to update any internal governance notes or compliance guides to reflect these new responsibilities.