If you’re a Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a UK company, identity verification is no longer optional , it’s the law. From 18 November 2025, PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House under the
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023. Missing your deadline can block your company from filing documents and even lead to prosecution.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, when, and how to stay compliant without the stress.
What Is a PSC and Who Does This Apply To?
A PSC (Person with Significant Control) is any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of a company's shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors, or exercises significant influence over the company.
This applies whether you live in the UK or abroad. If you hold a PSC role in a UK-registered limited company, LLP, or limited partnership, you must verify your identity , no exceptions.
Why Has ID Verification for UK PSCs Become Mandatory?
The UK government introduced mandatory ID verification for PSCs to tackle corporate fraud and improve transparency on the Companies House register. The goal is simple: every person listed on the public register must be who they claim to be.
Non-compliance triggers serious consequences. Companies House will issue enforcement notices, prevent your company from filing confirmation statements, and in persistent cases, pursue prosecution and financial penalties.
PSC Verification Deadlines: Know Your Timeline
This is where many PSCs get confused. Unlike directors, PSCs do not all share the same deadline , your specific window depends on your situation.
If you are both a Director and a PSC of the same company: You must provide your personal code within 14 days of your company's confirmation statement date.
If you are a PSC but NOT a director of the same company: Your 14-day window begins on the 1st day of your birth month. For example, if your date of birth is 15 June, your compliance window opens on 1 June each year.
If you became a PSC after 18 November 2025: You must provide your personal code either when your details are first added to the Companies House register, or within 14 days of being Added.
The key takeaway: PSCs have a very tight 14-day window. Don not wait until the deadline arrives , verify your identity in advance so you are ready.
What Is the Company's House Personal Code?
Once you complete ID verification, Companies House issues you an 11-digit personal verification code. This code is unique to you as an individual , not tied to any single company. If you are a PSC in multiple companies, you verify once and use the same personal code across all your roles.
This personal code must be submitted to Companies House within your specific 14-day window. Keep it safe , you will need it every time a related filing is made.
How to Get Your ID Verification for UK PSCs Done
There are two ways to complete your Companies House ID verification:
Option 1 – Via GOV.UK One Login (Free) You can verify directly through the
government's online portal using the GOV.UK ID Check app. This requires an NFC-enabled smartphone, a biometric passport or UK driving licence, and completion of a liveness face scan. While it's free, the government portal can fail to verify some individuals , and if it does,you don't get a second attempt through the same route.
Option 2 – Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) This is where a service like directorverifications.com comes in. As a Companies House-approved ACSP, we handle your entire ID verification process using enterprise-grade AI biometric technology , no app download required. Once verified, your 11-digit personal code is sent directly to your inbox.
This is particularly valuable for PSCs who:
Have already been rejected by the GOV.UK portal
Don't have an NFC-enabled smartphone Need verification completed quickly with a same day director ID verification option Are non-UK residents managing
bulk director ID verification for multiple people
Bulk ID Verification for Advisers Managing Multiple PSCs
Accountants, solicitors, and company formation agents managing multiple clients face a significant administrative challenge with PSC verification deadlines falling at different times throughout the year.
Our bulk director ID verification service is designed specifically for advisers and businesses handling verifications at scale. Instead of chasing clients individually, you can manage multiple PSC and director verifications through a single, streamlined process ,ensuring no one misses their deadline and no confirmation statement gets blocked.
What Happens If a PSC Misses the Deadline?
Failing to verify your identity as a PSC isn't a minor admin issue. Companies House will:
- Issue formal enforcement letters threatening prosecution
- Prevent the company from filing its confirmation statement
- Restrict the company from making new director appointments
- Pursue financial penalties for continued non-compliance
A single unverified PSC can block an entire company's ability to file. If you share a company with other directors and PSCs, their non-compliance affects you too.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
PSC verification deadlines are tight, the consequences of missing them are serious, and the The GOV.UK portal doesn't always work the first time. Don't leave it to chance.
directorverifications.com is a Companies House-approved ACSP offering fast, reliable
ID verification for UK PSCs , from £24.99, no app required, with your personal code delivered straight to your inbox. Get Your PSC ID Verified Today , From £24.99.
