Verification at Companies House: how to check your deadline, complete the procedure, and correctly use your Personal Code

As of November 4, 2026, mandatory identity verification with Companies House has been in effect for nearly a year. For many directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), the deadlines for identity verification have already passed, while for others, they are fast approaching. Consequently, the primary task for owners of UK companies today is to check their status, ensure all requirements have been met, and promptly address any potential non-compliance. It is important to understand that completing identity verification and obtaining a Companies House Personal Code is only the first step. To finalize the procedure, one must correctly link this personal code to each relevant corporate role.

Who is required to undergo verification? As of November 18, 2025, identity verification requirements apply, among others, to:

• Directors – individuals who manage UK companies.
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) – individuals who meet specific criteria for exercising control over a company, such as owning more than 25% of its shares or voting rights.

If an individual serves as both a director and a PSC, they generally do not need to undergo identity verification more than once. However, the same Personal Code must be provided separately for each role. This is particularly relevant for international entrepreneurs who own multiple UK companies.

How do you determine your deadline in November 2026?

The transition period for existing directors and PSCs began on November 18, 2025, and is set to conclude on November 17, 2026. At the same time, this does not mean that everyone can wait until the final deadline; individual deadlines for many people have already arrived. For directors appointed before November 18, 2025, the obligation to verify their identity is linked to the first *Confirmation Statement* filed after the new rules came into effect. For example, if a company was due to file a *Confirmation Statement* in April 2026, the requirements for verifying its directors would have had to be met by that time. If you are both a director and a Person with Significant Control (PSC), you must provide your personal code separately in your capacity as a PSC, in addition to verifying your status as a director. For individuals who were already PSCs before November 18, 2025, there is a 14-day window that begins the day after the company’s *Confirmation Statement* reference date.

Important: Filing a *Confirmation Statement* early does not change this 14-day period.

For existing PSCs who are not directors of the company in question, the deadline is tied to their birth month. The code must be provided within the first 14 days of that month during the transition period. For instance, if your birth month is June, the deadline for submitting your code would fall between June 1 and June 14, 2026. If you became a director or a PSC after November 18, 2025, new directors must verify their identity and provide a personal code at the time of the company’s incorporation or when their appointment is processed. New PSCs may provide their code when they are added to the register or within 14 days of their status being registered.

You should not rely solely on the company’s incorporation date to calculate your deadline. The most reliable way to check this information is directly through Companies House.

To do so:

1. Access the official Companies House register.
2. Search for the company by its name or registration number.
3. Navigate to the "People" section.
4. Review the information regarding the director or PSC, including their verification status.
5. If you are a PSC, you can confirm your specific 14-day window using the dedicated government online service.

If the deadline has already passed, do not wait for the next Confirmation Statement or a new notification from Companies House. You must identify the reason for non-compliance and bring your records up to date as soon as possible.

How do you complete the verification process and obtain a Personal Code? There are two primary methods for verifying your identity:

1. Via GOV.UK One Login
This is a free government service. Depending on the verification options available, you may use a mobile app, an online check, or other established identification mechanisms.

2. Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Verification can also be carried out by an authorised corporate agent registered with Companies House. This option may be convenient for non-UK residents or individuals who are unable to complete the standard online verification process. Once your identity has been successfully verified, you will be issued a Companies House Personal Code—a unique personal identifier. This code belongs to the individual, not to a specific company, and can be used to confirm various corporate roles.

A common mistake is assuming that the verification process is complete simply because you have received a code. In reality, Companies House must also receive confirmation that the verified individual holds the relevant position or has the status of a Person with Significant Control (PSC). For a director, the personal code is submitted when filing a Confirmation Statement or documents regarding a new appointment. For a PSC, the code is submitted separately via the "Provide identity verification details" service.  If an individual serves as both a director and a Person with Significant Control (PSC), they must complete the requirements for both roles. If an individual holds such roles in multiple companies, compliance must be verified for each entity. A "Personal Code" must be kept confidential and shared only with trusted individuals authorized to carry out corporate procedures.

What should be done if a deadline has already been missed? As of November 2026, this issue is particularly relevant.

If the deadline has passed, the first step is to determine exactly what was not completed: whether the individual failed to undergo identity verification entirely, or whether they have already obtained a Personal Code but failed to submit it for the relevant role.

Subsequent actions depend on the specific situation:

• If identity verification has not taken place, it must be completed as soon as possible via GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
• If a Personal Code has already been obtained, verify which corporate roles it needs to be submitted for.
• If the non-compliance concerns a director, check the status of the company’s Confirmation Statement and assess potential legal consequences.
• If the non-compliance concerns a PSC, check the status of data submission and determine whether it is necessary to contact Companies House.

For a PSC, it is possible to request an extension of up to 14 days; however, such a request must be made before the original deadline expires. If the deadline has already passed, an extension cannot be assumed to be available. In exceptional circumstances, Companies House may consider substantiated explanations regarding the failure to comply, though this does not waive the underlying obligation to complete verification. Failure to adhere to verification requirements may result in financial penalties, legal liability, and restrictions on corporate activity. Specifically, a company will be unable to properly file a Confirmation Statement if its directors have not met the necessary requirements.

Continuing to perform the duties of a director without proper verification past the applicable deadline may constitute a legal offense. Failure to comply with PSC requirements may also lead to enforcement action. Companies House has the authority to employ enforcement mechanisms, including financial penalties and, where appropriate, legal action. Consequently, the absence of a formal notice or a fine does not necessarily mean that a company is in full compliance with all legal requirements. The verification process at Companies House is no longer just a matter of preparing for upcoming changes; it is a check on whether a company is actually meeting current statutory obligations.

The lawyers at Antwort Law can assist you with:

• verifying the status of directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) at Companies House;
• identifying current or missed deadlines;
• navigating the process of obtaining and using a Personal Code;
• ensuring compliance across multiple companies;
• determining the necessary legal steps to take in the event of a missed deadline.

Are you unsure whether your verification has been completed, or have you discovered that a deadline has already passed? Contact Antwort Law! We will help you analyze your situation, review your corporate data, and ensure that all requirements set by Companies House are met. Reach out to Antwort Law to protect your UK business from unnecessary legal risks.

Lidia Ivanova

International lawyer
Antwort Law