ACT NOW: Director’s ID Verification Now Mandatory

What this is: The clock is ticking. With the 18 November 2025 deadline for mandatory director identity verification fast approaching, UK companies must act now to avoid non-compliance under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).

What this means: As of October 2025, less than 15% of the estimated 7 million individuals required to verify their identity had done so. That leaves millions at risk of missing the deadline.

Catching Up on Director ID Verification? Here’s What You Need to Know Before 18 November

If you’re still getting up to speed on the Companies House ID verification requirements, here’s a quick but critical recap:

Starting 18 November 2025:

• New company incorporations: All proposed directors must complete ID verification before incorporation.
• New director appointments: Individuals must verify their identity before being officially appointed to an existing company.
• New PSCs (Persons with Significant Control): Must verify their identity upon being added to the register and within 14 days of appointment.
• Existing PSCs (who are not directors): Must verify their identity during the first 14 days of their birth month.
• Existing directors: Must verify their identity before the company’s next confirmation statement is filed.
• New LLP members: Must have their identity verified at the time of appointment or within 14 days thereof.
• Existing LLP members: Must verify their identity before the LLP’s next confirmation statement is filed.

Potential for Delays

Having the right documents is essential to timely completion of identity verification with the Companies House, irrespective of whether you are undertaking this directly via Gov.uk or through an Authorised Corporate Service (ACSP).

These are a few examples of situations that may result in delays:

• Not having a recent address proof due to relocation
• Foreign directors not having suitable form of identification document
• ID documents in a foreign language needing translation
• Not being able to access the software needed to verify

ACSPs may be able to provide a more bespoke solution to companies and individuals who are trying to complete the verification process for complex situations including overseas directors/ PSCs.

What Is Coming Next

Be prepared to have all your filers (i.e. company secretaries) complete their ID verification by Spring 2026.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or relied upon, as legal advice.