The latest changes to Companies House are coming soon and it is imperative that those affected prepare or face severe penalties.
From 18 November 2025, identity verification will be mandatory for new company directors, members of LLPs and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
Existing office-holders have a 12-month transition window, but from 18 November 2026, failure to comply carries serious consequences.
We want to explore the dangers of missing the deadlines and the harsh penalties that await non-compliance.
What happens if you fail to verify your identity with Companies House?
Once the regime is live, anyone who should have verified but has not will be prevented from submitting the company’s confirmation statement.
Failing to file a confirmation statement is a criminal offence and persistent non-compliance can lead to escalating sanctions.
Companies House can impose fines of up to £5,000 on officers and continued breach can result in director disqualification or the company being struck off the register.
Being struck off the register will carry with it severe damage to the reputation of a director and will make it challenging for them to find work with another company.
This is because they will be seen as a liability as being unable to file damages to your public record, which affects your company’s good standing and can frustrate banking, credit and commercial arrangements.
Director disqualification and strike-offs affect contracts, access to finance and your ability to trade.
The verification regime exists to protect the integrity of the register, with non-compliance being equated to a disruption of the legitimate business practices that Companies House encourages.
How do you verify your identity to avoid penalties?
Individuals may verify their identity via GOV.UK One Login, but many businesses find it simpler to use a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
ACSPs can manage the process end-to-end, reduce the risk of errors and submit filings on your behalf.
This is especially useful where you have several officers to verify or where directors are overseas, as delays are incredibly risky and could see important deadlines being missed.
External providers need to be properly authorised as only registered ACSPs can perform the verification tasks Companies House requires