Director ID verification: the 17 November deadline

The 12-month transition period for Companies House identity verification ends on 17 November 2026. If you are a director of a UK company, a person with significant control (PSC) or an LLP member, you must have verified your identity and hold a Companies House personal code.

This is not a small-print change. By the end of June 2026 only around 55% of directors and 42% of PSCs had verified. Millions of people still need to act, and late October and November will be busy.

When is my deadline?

• Existing directors: you give your personal code when the company files its next confirmation statement. If that falls after 17 November, do not wait - verify now so the filing is not held up.
• PSCs who are not directors: your window is tied to the first 14 days of your birth month.
• New directors: you must verify before you can be appointed.

What happens if I don't?

Acting as a director without verifying is an offence. The company can face filing restrictions and financial penalties, and the register can show that you have not complied. Do not expect a grace period.

Two ways to verify

1. GOV.UK One Login - free, done through the app in minutes if you hold a biometric passport. Without one, you can verify in person at a Post Office.
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - useful for overseas directors, people without a biometric passport, complex name or address histories, or anyone rejected by the online route.

How BDE can help

BDE Accountants is a registered ACSP with Companies House. We can verify you and your co-directors, check your PSC register, and line up your next confirmation statement so nothing is rejected.

This article is general guidance based on the position at the date shown and is not advice for your circumstances. Speak to us before acting.