Why this matters
Identity verification is a legal requirement being introduced to improve the accuracy and trustworthiness of the Companies House register. Directors, people with significant control and authorised agents are among the groups affected.
Treat the verification process as an individual responsibility rather than a company password exercise. Each person should use their own details and keep their personal code secure.
What to prepare
Check that each director and PSC has consistent personal details, access to suitable identity documents and an email address they control. Where an accountant or authorised agent is helping, agree who will verify the person and who will update the company record.
Do not email passports or personal codes unless a secure process has been agreed. Personal codes should be stored separately from ordinary company authentication codes.
Where the code is used
Companies House may ask for a personal code when a person is appointed or when a company files information such as a confirmation statement. Companies with several directors should plan ahead rather than discovering at filing time that one person has not completed the process.
A simple director register showing verification status, personal-code location and the next filing date can prevent last-minute delays.
A practical next step
List every active company, director and PSC, then mark who has verified and who still needs to act. Check the position again before each confirmation statement or director change.
Accountants4All can help organise company records and filing workflows, but identity verification must be completed through an approved route.
Official guidance
Rules and deadlines can change. Check the current official guidance and obtain advice for your circumstances.
GOV.UK: Verifying your identity for Companies HouseNeed a clear next step?
Talk through the records, deadline or setup involved.
This article provides general information and is not personal tax, legal or financial advice.