If you thought Companies House was just about sleepy annual filings and the odd company search, think again. They’re shaking things up in a big way, and this time it affects you – yes, every director and every person with significant control (PSC).
From 18 November 2025, each director and PSC must have their identity verified and be issued with a unique personal ID code (or as we like to call it, your “magic number”).
A bit like the company authentication code you’ve already got, but this one’s personal – it belongs to you as a person, not the company. And the good news? Once you’ve got it, you keep it for life. One magic number, forever.
Why is this happening?
Because Companies House wants to make sure that the people listed as directors and PSCs are real, verified individuals. No more hiding behind smoke and mirrors.
What does it mean for you?
Here’s the short version:
- You won’t be able to file a confirmation statement after 18 November without including every director’s ID code.
- PSCs need one too (if you’re both a director and PSC, it’s the same code – no double trouble).
- Without the code, your company could get stuck and face penalties because filings can’t be made.
What you need to do:
- Head over to the Companies House website.
- Verify your ID (passport or driving licence + a quick selfie video).
- Get your personal 11-character code.
- Send it to us, just like you would with your company auth code.
Deadline alert:
We need all director and PSC codes in our hands by 18 November 2025. Please don’t leave it until the week before – if the system glitches or your passport’s out of date, it’ll be a nightmare.
Think of it this way: this is like renewing your driving licence. You don’t think about it until the expiry date looms, and then suddenly you’re grounded. We don’t want your company filings grounded – so let’s get it sorted now.
We’ll be chasing for your codes soon, but if you’re super organised, why not beat the rush and send yours over once you’ve got it?
What about new companies?
If you’re planning to set up a brand-new company after 18 November, the rules bite straight away.
- Every director must be verified and have their personal ID code before the company can even be registered.
- If someone is also a PSC, the same rule applies.
- No codes = no incorporation.
In other words, if you’re appointing directors for a shiny new company, they’ll need to sort their ID verification first. So if you’ve got plans to incorporate, let’s get those “magic numbers” sorted early to avoid any hold-ups.
Did you know? One code covers all your companies
If you’re a director (or PSC) of more than one company, don’t panic – you only need to do the ID check once. Companies House gives you a single personal code that you’ll use for every directorship and PSC role you hold.
That means if you’re a director of three companies (and a PSC in two of them), you still only get one “magic number”. Just make sure you give us that code for each company we look after for you, so we can keep everything compliant.
