Companies House Tightens the Rules: Director Verification Coming November 2025

A New Era for Company Directors: What the 18 November 2025 Rules Really Mean

For years, Companies House has been seen as a database — a register that logs the basics of who runs what, often taken at face value.

But that era is coming to an end.

From 18 November 2025, a quiet revolution begins in the world of British business. For the first time, every company director and person with significant control (PSC) will need to prove their identity. It’s a sweeping reform designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to UK companies — and it will reshape how directors engage with Companies House.

This isn’t red tape for the sake of it. It’s part of the government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, a landmark piece of legislation born out of the push to clean up the register, close loopholes, and make corporate ownership more trustworthy.

What’s actually changing

From the 18th of November 2025, the following key measures come into effect:

• Identity verification becomes mandatory for all new and existing company directors, and for anyone who exercises significant control over a company.

• New directors must verify before appointment – if they don’t, the company simply can’t proceed.

• Existing directors and PSCs must verify their identities by their next confirmation statement deadline.

• Registers kept at company level – such as directors’ and secretaries’ details – will be abolished. This information will now live solely within the Companies House database, simplifying internal administration.

These changes aim to strengthen trust in the corporate system while easing some administrative burdens on legitimate businesses.

Why it matters

For most responsible directors, this won’t be a painful adjustment.

But for some, it will expose old habits, late filings, mismatched details, overlooked confirmations. The new rules bring a sharper edge to compliance. Without verified directors, Companies House can reject filings or appointments, slowing down even the most routine business changes.

It’s about confidence, both public and professional. When your directors are verified and your company is transparent, it tells clients, partners and investors that you operate to the highest standard.

What directors should do now

With a month to go, now is the time to prepare:

1. Confirm who needs to verify – every director and PSC, no exceptions.

2. Get the process in motion early – verification will take place through Gov.uk One Login or via authorised agents.

3. Review your next filing deadlines – especially your confirmation statement date. Use it as a practical trigger for compliance.

4. Update your onboarding process – new directors must be verified before appointment.

Getting ahead of these steps will mean a smooth transition come November and one less administrative headache.

Less bureaucracy, more integrity

In time, these reforms should make life easier for compliant businesses. The removal of outdated local registers reduces duplication, and a cleaner, verified Companies House register will enhance the UK’s reputation as a transparent and trusted place to do business.

It’s also a quiet shift in culture. Where once the register was about record-keeping, it’s now about reliability.

How Willis Cooper can help

At Willis Cooper, we’ve been advising business owners across Derbyshire for over 25 years, helping them adapt to change while staying compliant, confident, and in control.

We can help your business:

• Identify who needs to verify and when.

• Guide you through the new verification process.

• Keep your filings aligned with Companies House deadlines.

If you’d like clarity on how these new rules apply to your company, get in touch with our team.

A short conversation now could save hours of administration later.

Trusted advisors in Derbyshire since 2000.

📞 01773 881045

📧 info@williscooper.com