Companies House identity verification began on the 18th of November 2025, kicking off a 12-month transition period. While it's not a hard deadline, businesses must prepare early to avoid delays in filing confirmation statements and staying compliant. Here's what the new rules mean for your company and how Ozria Consulting is helping clients stay ahead.

Understanding Companies House Identity Verification

From this point forward, all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of a company will need to verify their identity and receive a Companies House personal code. A 12-month transition period then begins, giving businesses time to ensure all relevant individuals are verified before their next confirmation statement is due.

Why This Matters for Your Business

For many SMEs, this update may seem straightforward, but the practicalities can create challenges if left too late.

  • You cannot file your next confirmation statement unless all directors are verified. One unverified director equals a blocked filing submission.
  • SMEs often have directors who travel, part-time PSCs, or external advisors. Coordinating identity verification in preparation for this change matters.
  • Verification itself is simple. Most people should be able to complete the process within minutes by using their GOV.UK One Login, or with support from their accountant or finance team.

Key Implications for Scaling Businesses

1. You Can't File Your Next Confirmation Statement Without Verification

If any director or PSC has not verified their identity, the filing cannot proceed. This can delay:

  • Banking updates
  • Funding rounds
  • M&A activity
  • International registrations
  • HMRC correspondence

2. Coordination Becomes Harder the Faster You Grow

SMEs in a scale-up phase rarely have neat, static governance structures. Directors may join, leave, travel, or operate across multiple entities. Early planning avoids last-minute delays.

3. Finance Teams Will Need to Integrate Verification into Workflows

It's not a one-off admin task; it's now part of:

  • Year-end workflows
  • Company secretarial processes
  • New director onboarding
  • Filing reviews

Forward-thinking finance teams will build this into their operations early.

At its core, this shift is about improving transparency and reducing fraud, but it also introduces another administrative layer for small and growing businesses.

If you need support navigating the new identity verification rules, or you'd like help strengthening any part of your finance function, we're here to make it simple.

The Companies House identity verification process is a significant change that requires early action. By understanding the implications and preparing in advance, you can keep your business compliant and avoid unnecessary delays.

Ozria Consulting works with SMEs and high-growth businesses to clean up, control and scale their finance functions. If you are not sure who in your group has to verify, book a discovery call.