November 10, 2025 Identify verification reaches milestone
In our May 2025 article, “Verifying Identities,” we commented that with some seven million verifications required it “may be worth considering making a voluntary verification now rather than run the risk of being caught in a backlog later on.” At that time the exact date on which identity verification would come into force was unknown. Now with the in-force date having been set at 18 November 2025, the need to verify is becoming ever more important.
With that in mind, it was good to see an announcement from Companies House that over one million individuals had already voluntarily undergone the identity verification process. However, that still leaves some six million individuals who will have to verify their identities at some stage in the forthcoming year in accordance with a Companies House timetable.
For company directors and people with significant control, that deadline varies depending on whether someone is a director, a person with significant control or both. So, depending on circumstances, the deadline may be based on the date of filing a confirmation statement or on a birth date. Full details are set out in our August article: “Companies House sets date for mandatory Identity Verification.” Companies House has also signalled that after 18 November, directors and PSCs will be able to check their individual verification deadline dates on the Companies House register. Companies House also intends to contact companies directly with deadline details for directors and PSCs.
As with our earlier articles on the topic of identity verification we would encourage individuals not to leave it to the last minute to proceed with the verification process. Although Companies House comments that “the identity verification process can usually be completed in minutes,” that is not always the case. Particularly when it comes to complex company structures or those who may reside abroad, the process may take some time
Commenting on the one million milestone, Companies House Chief Executive, Andy King, said: “One million identities verified is an important milestone, but it’s only the beginning. Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling companies are who they say they are. This will make our data more reliable and less open to misuse, supporting a more transparent and trusted business environment.”
Elemental is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). As such we are authorised to file on behalf of organisations and to conduct identity verification processes on behalf of our clients.
