UK Identity Verification: What’s Live Now, What’s Next, and Who Must Act
Director identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is a live UK compliance requirement. The obligation is trigger-based, not a single filing deadline, and it affects directors, PSCs, LLP members, and some overseas company roles on different timelines
What UK identity verification is under ECCTA
Director identity verification (IDV) is now a live statutory requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). Companies House has moved from a passive registrar to an active gatekeeper, with new powers to verify the identity of those who set up, run, own, or control UK entities.
What this means for UK companies
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement. Importantly, this date marked the start of the regime, rather than a single universal deadline. Compliance obligations are event‑driven and arise throughout the corporate lifecycle including incorporation, appointment, PSC changes, and confirmation statements.
Verify your directors and PSCs quickly. Stay compliant with ECCTA requirements.
Who Must Verify Their Identity
Identity verification currently applies to individuals acting as:
- Company directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Directors of overseas companies with a UK establishment
Identity verification for people who file documents at Companies House (such as company secretaries, employees, or third‑party agents) will be introduced at a later phase (not before November 2026).
Timeline for Identity Verification Compliance
| Date / trigger | Who is affected | What must happen | Practical implication |
| 18 November 2025 | All UK companies | Identity‑verification regime goes live | Start of compliance — not a universal deadline |
| From 18 Nov 2025 (ongoing) | New directors/ LLP members | Verify identity before appointment or incorporation | Appointments cannot proceed without a personal code |
| From 18 Nov 2025 (ongoing) | New PSCs | Verify identity and provide personal code within 14 days | PSC verification follows PSC notification |
| First confirmation statement filed after 18 Nov 2025 | Existing directors | Must have verified identity and provided personal code | Filing is blocked if verification is incomplete |
| Day after confirmation statement date | Existing PSCs who are also directors | 14‑day window opens to provide personal code for PSC role | Director and PSC obligations are linked but separate |
| First day of PSC’s birth month (as recorded) | Existing PSCs who are not directors | 14‑day window opens | Individual‑specific trigger |
| Not before November 2026 | Filers, agents, company secretaries | Identity‑verification requirement expected | Preparatory steps recommended |
| Later phase (TBC) | Corporate PSCs, corporate directors, Limited Partnerships | Further identity‑verification rules | Secondary legislation awaited |
Preparing for Filer Identity Verification Requirements
While filer verification is not yet live, companies should treat it as a forthcoming compliance requirement and ensure that filing responsibilities and access are clearly mapped. This is especially relevant where filings are shared across in-house teams and external providers.
In practice, this means identifying:
- who submits filings internally,
- which filings are outsourced to third‑party providers, and
- whether those individuals will need to become verified or operate via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Early preparation helps avoid disruption when filer verification is formally introduced.
What PSCs Must Do After Receiving Their Personal Code
Verifying identity and receiving a personal code does not, on its own, complete a PSC’s obligations.
Each PSC must provide their personal code and a verification statement so their verified identity can be linked to each PSC role they hold. This is done via a dedicated Companies House online service, separate from the confirmation statement.
Limited Partnerships: Where the Deadlines Currently Stand
Limited Partnerships (including Scottish Limited Partnerships) are subject to a separate ECCTA reform timetable.
- Identity verification requirements that apply to companies and LLPs do not yet apply directly to Limited Partnerships.
- ECCTA introduces significant upcoming reforms for LPs, including enhanced registration, transparency, and compliance obligations.
- Identity verification is expected to be extended to LP‑connected roles in a later phase, once further regulations are published.
Practical Takeaway for Limited Partnerships
While Limited Partnerships are not yet subject to the same identity verification deadlines, they should be treated as firmly within scope of the next phase of ECCTA reform. LPs are encouraged to review structures, identify impacted individuals, and ensure records are accurate ahead of commencement.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or relied upon, as legal advice.
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