Your Guide to Identity Verification
Everything You Need to Know About the New Companies House Requirements
📋 What This Guide Covers
This comprehensive guide explains the new identity verification requirements for company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and shows you exactly how Jack Ross Chartered Accountants will support you through the process.
We understand that this is a new requirement and may seem unfamiliar. That is why we have created this detailed, step-by-step guide that explains everything in plain English. By the end of this guide, you will understand exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how we will help you every step of the way.
What Are the New Requirements?
Starting from 18th November 2025, all UK company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. This is a legal requirement introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), which is new legislation designed to increase transparency in UK business and combat economic crime.
The new law requires that every person who holds a directorship or has significant control over a UK-registered company must prove their identity to Companies House. This is a one-time process (unless Companies House specifically requests re-verification in the future), and once completed, you will receive a unique personal code that you will use for all your Companies House filings, now and in the future.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
You need to verify your identity with Companies House if you are:
- A company director: This includes all directors of UK-registered companies, whether you are the sole director or one of several directors. It applies to both active directors and those who are directors of dormant companies.
- A Person with Significant Control (PSC): You are usually considered a PSC if you own more than 25% of a company’s shares, have more than 25% of voting rights, or have significant influence or control over the company.
- An LLP member: If you are a member of a Limited Liability Partnership, you also need to verify your identity.
- Someone who files on behalf of companies: If you file documents with Companies House on behalf of other companies (for example, company formation agents), you need to verify your identity.
✓ Good News: It’s a One-Time Process
You only need to verify your identity once. After you have completed the verification and received your personal code, you can use that same code for all your director and PSC roles, across all companies, indefinitely (unless Companies House specifically requests re-verification in future, which would only happen in exceptional circumstances).
When Do You Need to Verify?
The deadline for verification depends on your specific situation:
| Your Situation | Your Deadline |
|---|---|
| New director appointed on or after 18th November 2025 | You must verify BEFORE your appointment can be filed with Companies House. The appointment cannot proceed without verification. |
| Existing director as of 18th November 2025 | You must verify by the date your company files its first confirmation statement after 18th November 2025. If your confirmation statement is due in December 2025, you must verify by December. If it’s not due until June 2026, you must verify by June 2026. However, we strongly recommend verifying as soon as possible rather than waiting until your deadline. |
| New PSC notified on or after 18th November 2025 | You must verify within 14 days of your PSC status being notified to Companies House. |
| Existing PSC who is also a director | You must verify within 14 days of your company filing its first confirmation statement after 18th November 2025. |
| Existing PSC who is not a director | You must verify by the 14th day of your birth month. For example, if you were born in March, you must verify by 14th March 2026. The verification window starts from 18th November 2025, so anyone with a birth month between November 2025 and November 2026 needs to verify on the 14th of that month. |
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Failure to verify your identity by the required deadline can result in serious consequences:
- Companies House may reject your company’s filings, meaning your confirmation statements, annual accounts, or other documents cannot be filed
- You could face unlimited fines
- Criminal charges may be brought
- Director disqualification proceedings may be initiated
- The public register will be annotated to show your “unverified” status, which could negatively impact your company’s credit rating and reputation
However, with proper planning and our support, meeting these requirements is straightforward. We are here to ensure you are fully compliant and that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How Jack Ross Will Help You
Jack Ross Chartered Accountants is a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House. This means we are officially authorised and qualified to verify your identity on your behalf. We are supervised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which means our processes meet the highest professional standards.
Why Use Jack Ross for Your Identity Verification?
You have two options for verifying your identity:
- DIY Route: You can verify your identity yourself using the GOV.UK One Login service. This is free, but requires you to have a UK biometric passport or driving licence, and you must navigate the Government’s online system yourself.
- Professional Route with Jack Ross: We handle the entire verification process for you, providing expert guidance, broader acceptance of identification documents, and peace of mind that everything is done correctly.
Benefits of Using Jack Ross as Your ACSP:
What Jack Ross Provides:
- Expert professional guidance through the entire process
- Acceptance of a much wider range of identification documents (not limited to UK biometric passports and driving licences)
- Particularly valuable service for overseas directors who may not be able to use the GOV.UK system
- Human support if any issues arise – you can call or email us with questions
- Seamless integration with your confirmation statement service – we ensure your personal code is included when we file your documents
- Professional verification completed by qualified chartered accountants
- Reduced administrative burden on you – we handle the complexity
- Risk mitigation – professional handling reduces the chance of errors or missed deadlines
Whilst there is a fee for our professional ACSP service, many of our clients find the convenience, broader document acceptance, and expert support well worth the investment. Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and you can discuss this with your Jack Ross contact.
The Verification Process: What to Expect
We have designed our verification process to be as simple and straightforward as possible. Here is exactly what will happen, step by step.
We Contact You and Gather Information
The first step in the process is when Jack Ross contacts you to explain the new requirements and gather some basic information. This initial contact will typically be by email, followed by a phone call if necessary.
What We Will Ask You For:
We will need you to provide the following information:
- Your full legal name: Exactly as it appears on your passport or other identification documents
- Your date of birth
- Your current residential address: This must be your actual home address, not a business address or PO Box
- Your email address: This is very important as it is where verification links and your personal code will be sent. Please provide an email address you check regularly
- Your mobile telephone number: For contact during the process
- Confirmation that you have: A valid passport (UK or international) and a recent proof of address document (bank statement, utility bill, or council tax statement dated within the last three months)
What We Will Explain to You:
In our initial communication, we will explain:
- Why this verification is required (the new ECCTA 2023 legislation)
- Your specific deadline for verification (based on your role and your company’s confirmation statement date)
- How the automated verification process works
- The cost of our professional ACSP service
- What documents you will need
- What happens after verification
📧 Please Respond Promptly
When we reach out to you about identity verification, please respond as quickly as possible. Whilst you may have several months until your deadline, starting the process early avoids any last-minute rushes and ensures everything is in place well before your confirmation statement is due.
We Initiate Your Verification
Once you have confirmed you wish to proceed and have provided all necessary information, we will initiate your identity verification through our secure verification platform, Inform Direct.
Inform Direct is a professional company secretarial software system that integrates directly with Companies House. When we initiate your verification, the system will automatically send an email to the email address you provided.
What Will Happen:
- We will enter your information into our secure system
- Within a few minutes, you will receive an email from “Inform Direct” (not from Jack Ross)
- This email will contain a unique link for you to complete your identity verification
- We will also send you a follow-up email explaining that you should expect this email from Inform Direct and what to do when you receive it
📬 Check Your Spam Folder
The email from Inform Direct may go into your spam or junk folder. If you do not see the email within a few minutes of us telling you it has been sent, please check your spam folder. If you still cannot find it after checking spam, contact us immediately and we will investigate.
You Complete Your Verification
This is the step where you will actively complete your identity verification using the automated system. The automated verification method is quick, convenient, and can be completed at a time that suits you.
What You Will Need:
Before You Begin, Please Have Ready:
- A smartphone with a camera (whilst it is technically possible to use a computer, we strongly recommend using your phone as it is much more reliable)
- Your passport (UK or international, must be in date)
- A recent proof of address document (bank statement, utility bill, or council tax statement dated within the last three months)
- Good lighting (you will be photographing documents and taking a selfie)
- About 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Automated Verification
Step 1: Click the Link in the Email
When you receive the email from Inform Direct, click on the verification link. This will open the verification portal on your phone’s web browser.
Step 2: Photograph Your Passport
The system will prompt you to take a clear photograph of your passport photo page. Hold your passport steady, ensure the lighting is good, and make sure all text is clearly visible. The system will provide guidance on the screen and will tell you if the photo quality is acceptable or if you need to retake it.
Step 3: Photograph Your Proof of Address
Next, you will photograph your proof of address document. Again, ensure good lighting and that all text is clear and readable. The document must show your current residential address and be dated within the last three months.
Step 4: Take Your Selfie
You will then be asked to take a “selfie” photograph of yourself. This is used for facial biometric matching against your passport photo. Face the camera directly, ensure good lighting, and follow any on-screen instructions (such as removing glasses if requested).
Step 5: Review and Submit
The system will show you all the photographs you have taken and ask you to confirm they are clear and accurate. If you are happy with them, submit your verification. If any photos are unclear, you can retake them before submitting.
Once you submit your verification, the system processes it automatically (usually within a few minutes). Jack Ross will be notified that your verification is complete, and we will then proceed with the next steps.
💡 Tips for Taking Good Photos
- Lighting: Natural daylight is best. Avoid shadows falling across the documents or your face.
- Stability: Hold your phone steady. If possible, rest your elbows on a table to avoid camera shake.
- Background: For the selfie, use a plain, uncluttered background if possible.
- Document positioning: Lay documents flat on a table rather than holding them in your hand – this often produces clearer photos.
- Follow instructions: The system provides real-time feedback. If it says the photo quality is insufficient, retake it following the guidance provided.
We Submit Your Verification to Companies House
Once your identity has been successfully verified through the automated system, Jack Ross will submit the verified information to Companies House on your behalf. This is a crucial step that formally registers your verified identity with Companies House.
We log into the Companies House system using our ACSP credentials and enter all your verified information, including:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your residential address
- Details of the identification documents we verified
- Confirmation that Jack Ross Limited ACSP verified your identity to the required standard
We also make a formal declaration to Companies House confirming that we have verified your identity and that the information provided is accurate.
✓ You Don’t Need to Do Anything
This step is completed entirely by Jack Ross on your behalf. You do not need to access Companies House or complete any forms yourself. We handle all the technical aspects of the submission.
After we submit the verification, Companies House processes it (usually immediately, but occasionally it may take a few hours). We will receive a confirmation from Companies House that the submission was successful.
You Receive Your Personal Code from Companies House
After Companies House processes your verification, they will send you an email containing your unique 11-digit personal code. This is the key outcome of the entire verification process.
What You Will Receive:
The email from Companies House will contain:
- Your personal code: An 11-digit code that is unique to you (for example: ABC-1234-5678)
- Confirmation of your verification: Details of what was verified and when
- Instructions on how to use your code: Guidance on when you need to provide this code
- Information about the code’s validity: Confirmation that this code works for all your director and PSC roles, across all companies, indefinitely
⚠️ CRITICAL: You Must Send Us Your Personal Code
This is the most important action you need to take: As soon as you receive your personal code from Companies House, you must email it to Jack Ross.
We need your personal code to include it in your confirmation statements and other Companies House filings. Without your personal code, we cannot file your documents with Companies House.
Please do not delay in sending us your code. We will remind you when we inform you that we have submitted your verification, but please make a note now: when you get your personal code, email it to us immediately.
Email Details:
The email from Companies House will come from a @companieshouse.gov.uk email address. It is not sent from Jack Ross – it comes directly from Companies House to you.
The email usually arrives within a few hours of Jack Ross submitting your verification, though it can occasionally take up to 24 hours.
📬 Check Your Spam Folder
The email from Companies House may go into your spam or junk folder. Please check there if you do not see it in your inbox within 24 hours. If you still cannot find it after checking spam, contact Jack Ross immediately.
Keeping Your Personal Code Safe:
Your personal code is important and should be kept securely. However, it is not as sensitive as a password or PIN – it is simply an identifier. You will need to provide it whenever filing documents with Companies House, so keep it somewhere you can easily find it.
Tips for keeping your code safe:
- Save the email from Companies House in a folder where you keep important documents
- Consider making a note of the code in a secure place (such as a password manager or secure notes app)
- If you are a director or PSC of multiple companies, remember that you only have one personal code that you use for all of them
We Record Your Personal Code and Complete the Process
When you send us your personal code, we will record it in our systems and ensure it is included in all your future Companies House filings.
What Jack Ross Will Do:
- Record your personal code in our company secretarial software (Inform Direct)
- Record your personal code in our client records system (CCH)
- Ensure that when we prepare your next confirmation statement, your personal code is automatically included
- Store all verification documentation securely in your client file
- Send you a final confirmation email confirming that the entire verification process is now complete
Once we have your personal code recorded, you do not need to think about it again. We will handle including it in your filings automatically. If you ever need your personal code in the future (for example, if you want to file something directly with Companies House yourself), you can contact us and we will provide it to you.
✓ Process Complete
Once we have recorded your personal code, the identity verification process is complete and you are fully compliant with the ECCTA 2023 requirements. You will not need to verify your identity again (unless Companies House specifically requests re-verification in future, which would only happen in exceptional circumstances).
Summary Timeline
Here is a visual summary of the entire process from start to finish:
| Step | What Happens | Who Does It | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Ross contacts you and gathers information | You provide information to Jack Ross | Immediate (once you respond to our email/call) |
| 2 | Jack Ross initiates verification in Inform Direct | Jack Ross handles this | Same day |
| 3 | You receive email from Inform Direct with verification link | Automatic | Within minutes |
| 4 | You complete automated verification | You complete via smartphone | 10-15 minutes of your time |
| 5 | Jack Ross submits verified information to Companies House | Jack Ross handles this | Same day after your verification is complete |
| 6 | You receive personal code from Companies House | Automatic | Within 24 hours (usually much sooner) |
| 7 | You send personal code to Jack Ross | You email it to us | Immediate (as soon as you receive it) |
| 8 | Jack Ross records code and confirms completion | Jack Ross handles this | Same day |
Total time from start to finish: Typically 3-5 working days, depending on how quickly you complete your part of the process. The actual time you need to spend on this is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Jack Ross’s ACSP service cost?
A: Our pricing is competitive and transparent. The exact fee will be discussed with you when we first contact you about your verification. Please speak to your Jack Ross contact for a specific quote. Whilst the GOV.UK One Login route is free, many clients find our professional service provides valuable peace of mind and support, particularly if they do not have a UK biometric passport or driving licence.
Q: Can I do the verification myself instead of using Jack Ross?
A: Yes, absolutely. You can verify your identity yourself using the GOV.UK One Login service at https://www.gov.uk/verify-your-identity-companies-house. This service is free. However, please note that it only accepts UK biometric passports or UK driving licences, and you will need to navigate the system yourself. If you choose to verify yourself, you must send us your personal code once you receive it from Companies House, as we need it to include in your confirmation statement filings.
Q: What if I don’t have a UK passport or driving licence?
A: This is one area where Jack Ross’s ACSP service is particularly valuable. Whilst the free GOV.UK One Login system only accepts UK biometric passports and UK driving licences, we can accept a much wider range of documents, including international passports, non-biometric passports, national identity cards, and other forms of photographic identification. If you do not have a UK biometric passport or driving licence, we strongly recommend using our professional service rather than attempting to use GOV.UK One Login.
Q: I am a director of multiple companies. Do I need to verify multiple times?
A: No. You only verify your identity once, and you receive one personal code that works for all your director and PSC roles across all companies. If you are a director of five companies, you still only verify once, and your personal code is used for all five companies’ filings.
Q: How long is my personal code valid for?
A: Your personal code is valid indefinitely unless Companies House specifically requests re-verification in the future (which would only happen in exceptional circumstances). Once you have your code, you can use it for all your Companies House filings, now and in the future, without needing to verify again.
Q: What if I lose my personal code?
A: If you lose your personal code, you can retrieve it in several ways: (1) Contact Jack Ross – we have your code recorded in our systems and can provide it to you (after confirming your identity). (2) Log into your Companies House account – your personal code is displayed there. (3) Contact Companies House directly – they can resend the email containing your code. This is one reason why it is useful to save the original email from Companies House in a safe place.
Q: I received the verification email from Inform Direct but the link has expired. What should I do?
A: Verification links typically expire after a certain period (usually 7 days). If your link has expired, contact Jack Ross immediately and we will generate a new verification link for you. There is no additional charge for this.
Q: The automated verification failed. What happens now?
A: If the automated verification fails, contact Jack Ross straight away. We will investigate why it failed and advise on the best course of action. Common reasons for failure include poor photo quality, expired documents, or facial recognition issues. In many cases, you can simply try again with better quality photos.
Q: I’m based overseas. Can I still use Jack Ross’s service?
A: Yes, absolutely. Our ACSP service is particularly valuable for overseas directors. The GOV.UK One Login system often does not work well for people based outside the UK, whereas our automated verification system accepts international passports and can be completed from anywhere in the world. We work with clients all over the world.
Q: How secure is my personal information?
A: Your personal information is handled with the highest levels of security and confidentiality. Jack Ross is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and subject to strict data protection requirements under UK GDPR. All information is stored securely and accessed only by authorised staff. Inform Direct and Companies House also operate to rigorous security standards. Your information is used solely for the purpose of identity verification and Companies House filings.
What You Need to Do Now
📋 Your Action Checklist
To ensure a smooth verification process, please take the following actions:
- Respond to Jack Ross: When we contact you about identity verification, please respond promptly with the information we request.
- Gather your documents: Locate your passport (or other photographic ID) and a recent proof of address document (bank statement, utility bill, or council tax statement dated within the last three months).
- Check your email: Make sure the email address you provide to us is one you check regularly, and ensure emails from “Inform Direct” and “@companieshouse.gov.uk” are not blocked by your spam filters.
- Complete verification promptly: When you receive the verification email from Inform Direct, complete the process as soon as possible. Do not delay – the sooner it is done, the sooner you will be fully compliant.
- Send us your personal code: As soon as you receive your personal code from Companies House, email it to Jack Ross immediately. This is critical – we cannot complete your filings without it.
- Contact us with questions: If you have any questions or concerns at any stage of the process, please contact Jack Ross. We are here to help and support you.
Contact Jack Ross
If you have any questions about identity verification, or if you need support at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
📞 Get in Touch
Jack Ross Chartered Accountants
Barnfield House
The Approach
Manchester M3 7BX
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. If you contact us outside these hours, we will respond on the next working day.
We are here to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible for you. Whilst the identity verification requirement is new and may seem unfamiliar, with our professional support and guidance, you will be fully compliant in no time. We have been serving clients in Manchester and throughout the UK since 1948, and we look forward to supporting you through this important regulatory change.
Thank you for choosing Jack Ross Chartered Accountants.