TL;DR: Companies House reform is already changing how UK companies prove who controls them and keep information current. Compulsory identity verification for directors and people with significant control began on 18 November 2025. Owners should check who must verify, protect each personal code, confirm filing responsibilities and use current Companies House guidance rather than relying on an old implementation timetable.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced a substantial programme of reform. Because different measures have commenced at different times, a checklist written before implementation can become misleading quickly. The sensible approach is to verify the current position for your company and treat Companies House data as an actively managed record.
Identity verification is now a live requirement
Companies House states that compulsory identity verification for directors and people with significant control came into effect on 18 November 2025. Verification may be completed directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider where appropriate. Once verified, the individual receives a personal code that is used to connect the verified identity to company roles.
Do not share or store that code casually. Decide who needs access for filings and keep a record of which directors and PSCs have completed the process.
Review the company record
- Confirm the registered office and registered email address are current.
- Check directors, secretaries and PSC information for accuracy.
- Make sure the company has an appropriate registered email monitoring process.
- Review who is authorised to file and how credentials are protected.
- Keep internal ownership and decision records even where a particular statutory register changes.
Create a filing-control sheet
List each obligation, deadline, accountable person and source of evidence. Include confirmation statements, accounts, identity-verification actions and any event-driven updates. A monthly check is usually easier than reconstructing the position immediately before a deadline.
What to do next
Use the official Companies House collection to confirm the requirement for every director, PSC and proposed appointment. If ownership is complex, records conflict or a filing could have legal consequences, obtain professional company-secretarial or legal advice.
Current guidance checked September 2026: Companies House identity-verification guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Do not rely on the annual filing alone
Some company information must be updated when an event happens rather than waiting for the next confirmation statement. Build joining, leaving, ownership and address changes into the company’s normal governance process. When a director or PSC changes, identify the filing, evidence and identity-verification implications before the appointment or transaction is completed.
Ask the accountant, company secretary or legal adviser to state clearly which filings they handle and which remain the directors’ responsibility. Keep copies of submissions and acceptance notices in a controlled location. This reduces the risk of assuming that another adviser or colleague has completed the action.
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