Company directors
New directors verify before they are appointed. Existing directors verify by the time their company files its next confirmation statement.
COMPANIES HOUSE IDENTITY VERIFICATION
Verify your identity for Companies House
Every company director and person with significant control (PSC) now has to verify their identity with Companies House. Britvex is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), so we can verify you and give you your personal code.
A clear fee, agreed before we start. You don't need to be a Britvex client. Verifying yourself on GOV.UK is free.
Deadline for existing directors and PSCs
17 Nov 2026
For most existing directors the real deadline is earlier: their company's next confirmation statement. PSCs have their own date, based on their birth month. The transition ends on this date. New directors must verify before they are appointed, and someone who becomes a PSC has 14 days to verify.
Who needs to verify
People with significant control
Usually anyone with more than 25% of the shares or votes. If they are not also a director, they verify within 14 days of the start of their birth month.
LLP members and new companies
LLP members follow the same rules. Anyone forming a new company needs every director and PSC verified first.
How it works with Britvex
1Tell us whoThe people to verify and their companies. We check the Companies House register for you.
2Send your ID securelyWe email a private link. From your phone or computer, upload your passport or photocard driving licence.
3We verify youWe check that the document is genuine, then confirm it is you on a short video call (or in person) with the document in front of us, to the standard Companies House sets for ACSPs. We keep the record for 7 years, as the rules require.
4Your personal codeYou receive your Companies House personal code, ready for your company's filings.
Questions
What is a personal code?
Once your identity is verified, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. It is used to link your verified identity to each company you are involved with, for example when your confirmation statement is filed.
Can I do it myself?
Yes. You can verify for free on GOV.UK using GOV.UK One Login. Many people prefer us to do it, for example if the online check does not accept their documents, they live outside the UK, or they want it handled together with their company's filings.
What happens if I don't verify?
Your company's confirmation statement may be held up, and acting as a director without a verified identity is an offence. Companies House can also show on the public register that someone has not verified.
What ID will I need?
Usually a passport or photocard driving licence. We will tell you exactly what we need before you upload anything.
Do I need to be a Britvex client?
No. We verify directors and PSCs whether or not we look after their company. Clients can order straight from the Identity verification page in their portal.
Ready to get verified?
Tell us who needs verifying and we will take it from there.