What it means for you
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will require all company directors and Persons with Significant Control, known as PSCs, to verify their identity.
This is a Companies House requirement and applies to every UK company. Once the requirement is in force, a Confirmation Statement, also known as a CS01, cannot be filed unless all relevant directors and PSCs have completed identity verification.
What is changing?
From 18 November 2025:
- All directors and PSCs will need to complete identity verification.
- Companies House will require this before a Confirmation Statement can be filed.
- Verification is expected to be a one-off process.
- Once verified, each person will receive a personal identity code that can be used for current and future company roles.
- New directors and PSCs appointed after this date will need to complete verification around the time of appointment.
Two ways to complete verification
There are two main options.
Option 1: Self-verification
Directors and PSCs can complete the identity verification process directly with Companies House.
To do this, they will need a GOV.UK One Login and suitable identity documents. These may include a valid passport or UK driving licence, together with proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement.
This option is free of charge.
Option 2: CooperFaure managed verification
For clients who would prefer us to handle the process, CooperFaure can act as agent and complete the verification on their behalf.
Our managed service includes:
- Secure collection of the required documents
- Completing the Companies House verification process
- Confirming completion
- Recording the personal identity code for future use
Our pricing
As part of our Confirmation Statement service, we already maintain records of directors and PSCs, so we can identify who needs to be verified and contact the relevant individuals.
Our identity verification fees are:
- £95 per individual
- £85 per individual where a company has more than three directors or PSCs
- £75 per new appointment after November 2025
The fee covers administration time, secure document handling, Companies House interaction, confirmation of completion, and recording of the identity code.
What happens next?
In mid-October 2025, we will contact clients with a short form to collect the names and email addresses of all directors and PSCs.
Each person will then be able to choose whether to complete self-verification directly with Companies House or use the CooperFaure managed verification service.
We will guide clients through the process step by step.
How to prepare now
To prepare for the new requirement, we recommend that directors and PSCs:
- Check that they have a current passport or UK driving licence
- Set up a GOV.UK One Login in advance
- Look out for our October email with the form and next steps
Important note
This article summarises the Companies House identity verification changes. We will confirm the exact process, timing, and next steps in our direct communications with clients.