Companies House ID Verification: Can Directors Be Fined?

Can directors be fined for not completing Companies House identity verification? Yes. On 17 September 2026, the Insolvency Service announced its first convictions for these offences. Directors should check both their verification status and whether their personal code has been provided for each relevant role.

Information checked on 18 September 2026.

What has changed this week?

The official announcement, published on 17 September 2026, reports that three directors were fined following court proceedings on 16 September. One had verified his own identity but was prosecuted for failing to take reasonable steps to stop an unverified co-director continuing to act.

This is enforcement of existing requirements, not a new September deadline or a consultation. The practical message is to check the position across the board, rather than assuming your own completed check resolves everything.

When must a company director verify their identity?

Mandatory identity verification began on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition for existing directors. New directors must verify before acting; their code is supplied with the appointment or incorporation filing.

For existing directors, the requirement is linked to the company’s next confirmation statement during the transition. Directors of several companies must provide their code for each company. Do not assume everyone can wait until November 2026: check the relevant dates now. See Companies House’s timing guidance, updated 30 July 2026.

This guide focuses on individual directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of UK limited companies. Other roles have different arrangements; future requirements for corporate directors and people who only file documents should not be confused with the duties already applying to individuals.

Why does the confirmation statement matter?

A confirmation statement checks the information held about your company. It must be filed at least every 12 months, and the filing window extends up to 14 days after the review period ends. The official confirmation-statement guide explains how to check the deadline on the register.

Companies House’s verification guidance, updated 1 June 2026, says a company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors are verified. An unresolved check can therefore hold up the company filing as well as create a personal compliance problem.

How do I complete the check?

You can use the free Companies House service through GOV.UK One Login, or ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify you. An ACSP may charge. An accountant or solicitor must be registered as an ACSP to carry out this verification; do not assume ordinary client onboarding has completed the Companies House process.

Start from the official verification service, updated 30 April 2026. It explains acceptable identity documents and alternative routes. If directed to the Post Office, enter your photo-ID details online first; simply visiting a branch is not the full process.

I have verified already. What happens to my personal code?

Verification and linking your identity to a company role are separate steps. The personal-code guidance, updated 13 July 2026, explains that the code belongs to you, not the company. Use the same code across your appointments.

If you verified through GOV.UK One Login, sign in to Companies House with the same email address and open “Manage account” to find it. If an ACSP verified you, Companies House sends the code to the email address the agent provided.

Keep the code secure and share it only with trusted people who need it to file for you. Ask your accountant to confirm which roles have been linked and which submissions remain outstanding.

What if I am also a PSC?

There is a separate PSC submission. For a PSC registered before 18 November 2025 who is also a director of the same company, the 14-day period starts the day after the company’s confirmation statement date. Filing the confirmation statement early does not move that PSC window.

Other PSC situations have different timings, so check your own dates on the register using the official timing guidance. Then use the PSC verification-details service, published 18 November 2025, to provide the code and verification statement. The service has a restriction for protected personal information. Eligible users who cannot meet their deadline can request a 14-day extension before it passes.

What should directors do now?

• List each company and each director or PSC role you hold.
• Check the relevant dates and confirm that every director is ready for the company filing.
• Locate your personal code and agree who will submit each item.
• Keep filing confirmations and raise missing information promptly.

If a deadline has already passed, seek advice promptly rather than assuming late verification removes any earlier breach.

Frequently asked questions

Must I verify separately for every company?

Normally, no. Verify once and use your personal code for each appointment; do not repeat verification unless Companies House tells you to.

Does a director submission also complete my PSC requirement?

No. If you hold both roles, the PSC details must be provided separately.

Can I ask my accountant to help?

Yes. Agree the filing work with them and check ACSP status if you want them to carry out the identity verification itself.

Speak to SKN Chartered Accountants

Need help organising confirmation statements or understanding director and PSC requirements? Contact SKN Chartered Accountants on 0121 551 7626.

Sources were opened and checked on 18 September 2026. Publication or update dates are shown beside the links where available; the confirmation-statement guide displayed no publication or update date.

This article provides general information, not personalised tax or legal advice. Requirements depend on your role and circumstances. Obtain professional advice before acting.