New requirements for companies and LLPs for identity verification

You may have received notification from Companies House about new requirements for companies and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) for identity verification (IDV). If you have not already received such an email it is likely you will receive one in the coming weeks.

Who do we need to ID?

In short, Companies House will shortly require ID verification for individuals including company directors, PSCs (persons with significant control), LLP members and persons filing on behalf of a company. You will need to obtain a unique Personal Code Identification Number (PCIN) for each relevant person. 

We recommend you get ahead by acting soon to obtain the PCINs relevant to your company or LLP.

How do we verify IDs? 

We recommend using the free Companies House online ID verification process as the most straightforward and cost-effective solution in most cases. Individuals can access the Companies House service at: Verify your identity for Companies House - GOV.UK. Alternatively, Larking Gowen is registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and we can assist with ID verifications, as a charged service.

Whichever identity route is chosen, if Larking Gowen assists you with Confirmation Statements and other filings, you will need to send your PCINs to us.

When do we need to act? 

PCINs will become mandatory over the 12 month period from 18 November 2025. Timing depends on the roles of individuals:

• Directors will need to provide their PCIN as part of the company’s next confirmation statement falling due after 18 November 2025. A director of more than one company will need to confirm their PCIN for each company.
• Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity and provide their PCIN, but the timing depends on their situation:
  • If they are director, the code will be entered in the company’s confirmation statement; the number will also be filed using a separate PSC service within 14 days of the company’s confirmation statement date.
  • A PSC who is not a director of the same company must provide their personal code via the PSC service during the first 14 days of their birth month. For example, if their date of birth is 22 January, the 14 day period will begin on 1 January. 

In summary

You will need the PCINs relevant to your company or LLP for filing during the period November 2025 to November 2026. To avoid delays to filings, we recommend you prepare by obtaining the PCINs relevant to your company or LLP sooner rather than later.

George Ager