Before the Register Says No: A 2026 Director’s Guide to Companies House Identity Verification

Companies House has moved a long way from the passive register that many directors still picture. In 2026, identity verification is part of the operating framework for UK companies, not an optional extra. For owners, the practical question is no longer whether verification matters, but whether the people named on the register can prove who they are before a filing is rejected or a transaction stalls.

Who must verify, and why it matters

The requirement applies to directors and people with significant control (PSCs). It also affects new appointments and incorporations: a company cannot simply add a director or PSC and assume the register will accept the appointment. Anyone acting through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) should confirm that the provider has the authority and evidence to verify on their behalf.

Verification is not a Companies House performance review. It is an identity check designed to strengthen the integrity of the register. That matters commercially: banks, lenders, landlords and counterparties increasingly look at register data when they assess a company. A director who has not verified can become a bottleneck in due diligence, finance and succession planning.

What counts as acceptable ID

Most directors will use GOV.UK One Login to verify their identity. In practice, that means a current passport, a UK photocard driving licence or another accepted identity document, supported by a facial check and personal details that match official records. A biometric residence permit or visa may be relevant for some directors, but the route depends on the document and the individual’s circumstances.

Where online verification is not possible, an ACSP can carry out checks using the appropriate evidence. The key word is evidence. An expired passport, a cropped photograph, a name that differs from the register or a document in a former name can all cause a verification to fail. Directors should check that their Companies House record uses the name that appears on their identity document, and correct any discrepancy before starting.

A step-by-step plan for busy directors

1. Inventory the register. List every director and PSC, including anyone appointed in the last twelve months. Check whether each person has verified and whether their recorded details are current.

2. Match names before documents. Compare the register entry with the passport or driving licence. Middle names, maiden names and abbreviations are common sources of failure.

3. Choose the route. Use GOV.UK One Login where possible. Use an ACSP where the individual cannot complete online verification or where the company wants a managed process.

4. Verify early. Do not wait for the accounts deadline, a bank onboarding request or a sale process. Verification is a personal step, and delays are rarely convenient.

5. Keep evidence. Retain confirmation of verification and any ACSP correspondence. A simple compliance folder is enough, but it should be accessible to whoever manages filings.

6. Check new appointments before filing. A new director or PSC should verify before or alongside appointment. Building verification into onboarding avoids a rejected filing later.

7. Review after changes. If a director changes name, resolves a discrepancy or appoints a new PSC, revisit the register. Identity verification is not a reason to let register data drift.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The first is assuming the accountant has done it. An accountant may act as an ACSP, but that does not remove the director’s responsibility to provide accurate information and complete the personal steps. The second is treating dormant or non-trading companies as exempt. A company with no activity can still have a register filing obligation and a director who needs to verify. The third is leaving PSCs until last. A PSC who is not a director may be less visible in day-to-day administration but is still central to the register.

Name mismatches are another frequent problem. A director known by a shortened name, a married name or a professional name may have a Companies House record that does not match the identity document. Correcting the register first is usually faster than trying to verify against the wrong record.

Finally, do not submit a filing in the hope that Companies House will sort it out. Rejected filings cost time, can affect statutory deadlines and may create uncertainty for lenders or buyers. In serious or persistent cases, an inaccurate register can put the company’s standing at risk.

Pre-submission checklist

• Every director and PSC is listed, including recent appointments.
• Each person has completed identity verification or has a confirmed ACSP route.
• Register names match the identity documents.
• Registered email and service addresses are current.
• New appointments have been verified before the filing is submitted.
• Evidence of verification is saved in the company’s compliance records.
• Anyone responsible for filings knows who has verified and who has not.

If verification fails

Do not ignore a failed check. Review the document, the name and the personal details first. If the issue is a register discrepancy, correct it through the appropriate Companies House process. If the individual cannot verify online, speak to an ACSP about the alternative route. False or misleading information is a far bigger problem than a short delay.

For UK companies, identity verification is best treated as routine governance rather than a one-off deadline. The directors who verify early, keep records tidy and build the check into appointments will find that the register remains an asset rather than a source of friction.