ECCTA identity verification: Why you should act now

Following the government’s updated guidance on ID verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”), our message is simple: directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) should verify their identity now. There is no need to wait until November. Early action will minimise disruption to governance, transactions, and routine filings when the new rules go live.

What the timetable says

From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory:

Directors

• Provide your personal code at your company’s next confirmation statement filed on or after 18 November 2025. Do this for each company.

PSCs

• If you are also a director: Provide your code within 14 days of the confirmation statement date. Provide your code separately for each role (director and PSC).
• If you are a PSC but not a director: Provide your code within the first 14 days of your birth month.
• If you become a PSC after 18 November 2025: Provide your code when you are added to the register, or within 14 days.

A 12 month transition period begins on 18 November 2025. Expect pressure points as millions will try to verify during filing cycles. Delaying is likely to create bottlenecks.

Why you should not wait

Critically, once the mandatory requirement is in force, an unverified director cannot lawfully act for their company. This can impede giving instructions to us/your solicitors, authorising filings, executing documents, and completing deals. After 18 November 2025, a director who continues to act without verification will be committing a criminal offence and could be disqualified. The company and all directors may also be committing offences.

How to verify: quick, free routes

• UK One Login: Free, online verification that generates your Companies House personal code.
• Post Office: Free, in‑person identity verification for those who cannot use the online route.
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers can also verify, but for most clients the GOV.UK One Login or Post Office routes are quickest.

Practical next steps

• Companies: Ensure your directors and PSCs act swiftly. Track completion and build personal codes into filing processes ahead of the next confirmation statement.
• Directors and PSCs: verify now, store your code safely and notify your company secretary or internal compliance contact.

Early action avoids the year end rush, protects continuity and de‑risks transactions and filings as the new regime goes live.

If you’d like support preparing for the upcoming changes, get in touch with our Corporate Team on 0113 207 0000.