Running a healthcare business already involves a great deal of compliance, from patient data protection to accounting and payroll. Soon, there will be another important requirement to add to the list. From 18 November 2025, all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House.
This new process is one of the biggest changes to company law in recent years. It aims to improve transparency, reduce fraud and make the Companies House register a more trusted source of business information. For medical professionals running incorporated practices, clinics or care agencies, understanding these changes now will help prevent future disruption.
Why Companies House is introducing identity verification
The UK’s open corporate register allows anyone to see who is behind a business. It is an important tool for lenders, suppliers, investors and regulators. However, it has also been vulnerable to misuse, with cases of false or fraudulent appointments.
To address this, Companies House is introducing identity verification for anyone who sets up, owns, controls or runs a company. The main goals are to:
- Confirm that directors and PSCs are genuine individuals
- Prevent fake or misleading information from being added to the register
- Strengthen business transparency and reliability
- Reduce the risk of companies being used for criminal activity
This is part of a wider transformation to make the UK a safer and fairer place to do business.
Who needs to verify
The new rules cover a wide range of individuals involved in companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). From 18 November 2025, identity verification will be mandatory for:
- New directors and PSCs: anyone appointed on or after this date must verify before their appointment is accepted
- Existing directors and PSCs: those already registered must verify before the company’s next confirmation statement due after 18 November 2025
- Members of LLPs: individuals who own or manage an LLP will also need to verify
Verification for other roles such as corporate directors, company filing agents and corporate LLP members will be introduced later.
Individuals can also verify early. Since 8 April 2025, Companies House has allowed voluntary verification for anyone who wants to complete the process in advance.
How to verify your identity
There are two main ways to complete verification.
- Verifying directly through Companies House
You can verify online using GOV.UK One Login. Most people will need:
- A valid UK passport or photo driving licence
- A smartphone with the GOV.UK ID Check app installed
The process is simple and secure. Once verified, you will receive a personal verification code that can be used for every company where you are a director or PSC.
If you cannot complete the process online, you can visit a Post Office in person or provide alternative details such as your National Insurance number and bank information.
- Verifying through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Accountants, solicitors and company formation agents that are supervised for anti-money-laundering (AML) purposes can apply to become ACSPs. From 18 March 2025, AML-supervised firms are able to register as ACSPs to verify identities on behalf of clients.
At Kudos Accounting, we can assist clients with this process, ensuring their verification meets the required assurance level set by Companies House.
What happens if you do not verify
Failing to verify your identity within the required timeframe is a criminal offence. The consequences can include:
- Financial penalties issued by Companies House
- Inability to file company documents such as accounts or confirmation statements
- Inability to register a new company
- Prosecution for acting as a director or PSC without verification
For healthcare businesses, this could cause significant issues, such as delayed filings or complications with professional registrations that rely on accurate Companies House data. The easiest solution is to verify as early as possible to avoid any last-minute problems.
Why these changes are positive
Although this may feel like an extra administrative step, identity verification offers real benefits for legitimate businesses. It helps to:
- Build confidence and credibility by showing your company is genuine and transparent
- Protect against identity fraud and misuse of company details
- Improve access to finance, since lenders can trust verified data on the register
- Strengthen your professional reputation with patients, partners and regulators
For healthcare organisations, where trust and professionalism are central, these benefits are particularly valuable.
Preparing your practice for the new rules
To make sure your practice is ready, take the following steps:
- Identify all companies you are involved in, including property or management companies.
- List every director and PSC linked to those businesses.
- Note each company’s next confirmation statement date to determine your deadlines.
- Encourage all directors and PSCs to verify now through GOV.UK One Login or through your accountant once ACSP verification becomes available.
- Keep verification codes safe and record them in your company’s compliance files.
- Update your internal procedures so that new directors and PSCs complete verification before appointment.
This preparation will help ensure a smooth transition when the new rules come into force.
How Kudos Accounting can help
Kudos Accounting works closely with healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and care-agency owners. We can:
- Manage identity verification for directors and PSCs through our ACSP status
- Track deadlines and help you plan ahead for confirmation statements
- Ensure all Companies House records remain accurate and up to date
- Advise on any tax or National Insurance implications if your company pays for verification costs
By taking a proactive approach, your business will remain compliant and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
In Summary
From 18 November 2025, every company director and PSC in the UK must verify their identity with Companies House. The process is designed to be simple, secure and effective in building a more transparent business environment.
For healthcare companies, compliance with these new rules not only avoids penalties but also enhances professional credibility and trust.
If you would like help verifying your identity or reviewing your company compliance processes, contact Kudos Accounting on +44 20 3870 5385 or visit kudosaccounting.co.uk.
This article is for general guidance only and does not replace tailored professional advice.