Companies House PSC verification: complete identity verification guide

Companies House PSC verification is now a legal requirement for people who own or control UK companies. A person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity and then connect their Companies House personal code to every PSC role they hold. This guide explains who is affected, how PSC identity verification works, and the deadlines that apply.

What is a person with significant control?

A PSC is an individual who owns or controls a company. You will usually be recorded as a PSC if you hold more than 25% of its shares or voting rights, can appoint or remove a majority of its directors, or otherwise exercise significant influence or control. A PSC may also be a director, but the two roles remain separate on the Companies House register.

Why is Companies House PSC verification required?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced identity checks to improve the accuracy of the UK company register and make it harder to use companies for fraud. Companies House PSC verification confirms that the person attached to a controlling interest is the real individual they claim to be.

Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025. That date began a transition period; it was not a single deadline for every PSC. Each PSC has an individual 14-day period in which to provide their personal code, based on their role and circumstances.

When must a PSC provide their personal code?

• Director and PSC of the same company: the 14-day period starts the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.
• PSC but not a director: the 14-day period is generally the first 14 days of the PSC’s birth month.
• New PSC from 18 November 2025: the code can be supplied when the PSC is added to the register or within the permitted 14-day period.

Your specific dates can be checked on the Companies House register. Filing a confirmation statement early does not move the PSC’s verification window. Read the official Companies House deadline guidance.

How PSC identity verification works

1. Verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
2. Receive your unique 11-character Companies House personal code.
3. Use the official PSC service to connect that code to the relevant company and PSC role.
4. Repeat the role-linking step for every company where you are registered as a PSC.

You normally verify your identity only once. The same personal code belongs to you and can be used for multiple companies, but it must be provided separately for each PSC role. If you are both a director and a PSC, supplying the code for your directorship does not complete the PSC identity verification requirement.

Using DirectorKYC for PSC identity verification

DirectorKYC provides a guided ACSP verification route for UK and international applicants. The service costs a fixed £19.99 per person and supports PSCs using suitable UK or overseas identity documents. Most straightforward verifications are completed within two working hours after valid documents and payment have been received, although additional checks can take longer.

See the identity document requirements before starting, or review how DirectorKYC verification works step by step.

The process is completed online: create an account, select the PSC verification service, provide your details, complete the secure identity and document checks, and follow the personal-code guidance when verification is complete. DirectorKYC is operated by HopeTex Limited, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

What you need before starting

• A current accepted photo identity document
• Your current residential details
• The company number for each business where you are a PSC
• Your name and date of birth exactly as recorded at Companies House

Differences between your identity document and the Companies House record can prevent the personal code from linking correctly. Check spelling, middle names and date of birth before beginning companies house psc verification.

What happens if a PSC does not verify?

A PSC who does not complete all verification requirements on time may commit an offence and may face a financial penalty or fine. Companies House may also display a note against the PSC on the public register. If you cannot provide the details in time, an extension may be available, but it must be requested before the existing deadline expires.

Start your Companies House PSC verification

Do not wait until the final day of your 14-day window. Completing PSC identity verification early leaves time to resolve document or register mismatches and ensures your personal code is ready when it must be supplied.