👑 Arendelle Quick Guide: New ID Rules for Company Bosses

Hello, Arendelle business owners! There's a mandatory new rule for anyone who is a limited company director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC) (someone who owns or controls a company).

As of 18 November 2025, you must formally prove who you are to Companies House. It's a simple, one-time check, but it's a legal requirement, so it's essential you get it done.

🛑 Why Do I Have to Do This?

Simply put: The government wants to crack down on fraud and make sure the business register is reliable.

For a long time, criminals could easily set up companies using fake names or stolen identities.

By forcing everyone who runs or controls a company to prove their ID, it becomes much harder for bad actors to hide and use UK companies for illegal activities like money laundering.

This is good for honest businesses like yours! It boosts trust and makes the UK a safer place for investment.

What happens if you don't? You could face fines, and your company may be blocked from filing important documents, which could cause major problems.

📝 What Exactly Do I Need to Do?

You need to verify your identity with Companies House to get a Companies House personal code.

This code is proof that your identity has been checked and confirmed.

You only need to do this once, even if you are a director of many companies.

1. How to Verify Your ID (The Easiest Way)

The quickest and cheapest way is to use the government's free online service (called 'Verify your identity for Companies House' which uses GOV.UK One Login).

• What you need:

  • A smartphone or computer.

  • A valid photo ID, usually a biometric passport (from any country) or a UK photo driving licence.

• The Process:

  • You'll be guided to either use a simple app to scan your ID and take a photo of yourself, OR

  • Answer security questions online (if you have a UK credit history), OR

  • Enter your ID details and then finish the check in person at a Post Office.

    
    

2. The Alternative

You can ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as your accountant or solicitor, to do the ID check for you. They will complete the check and submit the information to Companies House. (They may charge a fee for this.)

🔑 Get Your Personal Code

Once you successfully verify your identity, you will receive your unique Companies House personal code. This is your key and must be provided when you file certain documents to link your verified identity to your roles. If you have an accountant you should securely send this code to them (WhatsApp is encrypted) so they can submit relevant company documents on your behalf, such as your annual return and confirmation statement.

🗓️ When Do I Need to Do It By?

The deadline depends on your role, but it's best to do it now to avoid stress!

• New Directors/PSCs (from 18 Nov 2025): You must verify your ID before you are formally appointed.

• Existing Directors: You must submit your personal code with your company's next annual Confirmation Statement filed after the new rules start.

• Existing PSCs (who are not also directors): You must provide your personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month following the start date.

  
  

Start your verification journey now: Verify your identity for Companies House (GOV.UK)

We can't confirm your identity for you but we can talk you through the process if you need help.

By Arendelle Ltd