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Your Guide to Companies House ID Verification & PVCs

Understand the Companies House identity verification process and personal verification codes.

As of 18 November 2025, Companies House now requires all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and LLP members to complete identity verification and obtain a Personal Verification Code (PVC).

This code is then used to link you to all companies you are associated with as an officer. This article explains:

  • ID Verification for new companies
  • ID Verification for existing companies
    • How to complete verification 
    • What happens after verification
    • Deadlines for completing verification

ID Verification for new companies

If you are forming a new company with 1st Formations, the process is straightforward.

  1. After you our mandatory identity verification checks during your order, we submit your details to Companies House
  2. Companies House generates your Personal Verification Code (PVC) and emails this directly to the personal email address you provide

Once received, you will need to upload your PVC via your customer portal. Don't worry - we will send you full instructions on how to do this!

ID Verification for existing companies

If you already have an existing company, identity verification must be completed directly with Companies House.

How to Complete Verification

This is done through the GOV.UK One Login system and usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

To complete your verification:

  1. Visit the GOV.UK Verify Your Identity page
  2. Create a GOV.UK One Login account (if you don’t already have one)
  3. Follow the identity verification steps
    • You will need to provide a valid photo ID
    • You will also be asked to take a selfie using a smartphone or tablet
    • This may require downloading the GOV.UK One Login app

Once completed:

  • You will be issued a Companies House Personal Verification Code (PVC)
What happens after verification

Once you have your Personal Verification Code:

  • You must submit it to Companies House for each director/member/PSC role you hold
  • This links your identity to your company appointments
Deadlines for completing verification

Make sure you store your code safely, as it will be required for ongoing compliance.

Directors (only)

  • You must verify and submit your PVC by your company’s next confirmation statement

PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) (only)

  • You must verify and submit your PVC within 14 days of the start of your birth month
    • Example: If you were born in April, your deadline is 14 April 2026

Directors who are also PSCs

  • You must meet both requirements:
    • Submit by your next confirmation statement (as a director)
    • Then within 14 days of that confirmation statement date (as a PSC)