Companies House will require directors and people with significant control of companies to verify their identities with the register from 18 November.

From November 2026, following the 12 month roll-out period, it will become an offence to act as a director without being verified.

From 18 November this year new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a new company or to be appointed to an existing company.

Existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity with the register when they file their next annual confirmation statement.

Existing people with significant control of companies will have to verify their identity by a set date that will be allocated to them within 12 months from 18 November.

Companies House said the new verification requirements will support UK growth by giving more assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK. There has been concern that so few checks on the people setting up companies in the UK means that many companies can be used by fraudsters or other criminals.

It estimates that between 6 and 7 million people will need to verify their identity by November 2026.

Justin Madders MP, Competition and Markets Minister, said: “Identity verification will play a key role in giving confidence to investors and consumers alike, ensuring greater transparency about the organisations they do business with. 

“Increasing confidence attracts investment and is an essential part of our mission for growth and Plan for Change. We will continue to make the process for registering as a company director as trusted and efficient as possible.” 

The register will contact companies with instructions on what their directors and people with significant control will need to do to verify their identity.

Those who need to verify their identity will be able to do so through the Gov.vo.uk One Login, or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.