🪪 How to Prepare for the Upcoming UK Director Identity Verification (2026)

🧾 Background

The UK government is strengthening its company registration process to improve transparency and prevent fraud.

From 2026, all company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing on behalf of a company will be required to verify their identity digitally through Companies House.

This is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Prepare

1. Check your company details now

Log in to Companies House and review:

Registered office address

Director details (name, date of birth, nationality)

PSC (People with Significant Control) information

Company secretary (if applicable)

Make sure everything matches your official ID (passport, driving licence, or national ID card).

Update any incorrect or outdated information using your Companies House account.

2. Ensure your digital Companies House account is active

Each director will soon need their own Companies House account.

If you only use your accountant’s login, make sure you can access your own personal account too — this is how you’ll verify your ID later.

Bookmark the official login page: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

3. Prepare your identification documents

When the system goes live, you’ll need:

A valid photo ID (e.g. passport or driving licence).

A selfie or live video check through the official Companies House verification system (or a third-party provider authorised by them).

Non-UK residents may be asked for additional verification or to upload documents such as residence permits or certified ID copies.

4. Coordinate with your accountant or agent

If your accountant (like Yahesa Accounting) files documents on your behalf, they’ll also need to be an authorised agent with verified credentials.

Make sure your agent’s details are up to date, and that you understand who is responsible for maintaining the company record and submitting filings.

5. Stay informed

The new system is expected to start phasing in during 2025, with mandatory verification for all directors by 2026.

Companies that fail to complete verification may face filing restrictions or even removal from the register.

💡 Pro Tip from Yahesa Consulting

Start early!

If you’re a director of multiple companies, make sure your name, address, and date of birth are identical across all records. Small inconsistencies (like abbreviations or middle names) can delay verification once the system launches.