Autumn 2026 deadline: identity verification rules for company directors and PSCs
If you are a company director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC), including a volunteer director of a residential management company, there is now a clear and non-negotiable deadline you need to be aware of.
The requirement to verify your identity with Companies House is already in force. All existing directors and PSCs must complete identity verification by autumn 2026.
This change was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and is designed to prevent the misuse of UK companies while improving transparency and accountability. While the intention is to tackle fraud, the practical impact is being felt most by resident-led companies where directors may not expect to face formal regulatory obligations.
Who must comply by autumn 2026?
You must complete identity verification if you are:
- A company director
- A Person with Significant Control (PSC)
- A volunteer director of a residential management company or right to manage company
There are no exemptions based on whether you are paid, how active your role is, or how long you have been a director. If your name appears on Companies House, the responsibility sits with you personally.
Why this matters for block management companies
Residential block management companies like Sandersons rely on their directors to remain compliant so we can continue to represent them properly. This includes filing confirmation statements, accounts and other statutory documents on time.
The new identity verification rules introduce an additional dependency: every director must be verified, otherwise the company’s ability to meet its legal obligations may be affected.
This is particularly important for blocks with multiple directors, where one individual failing to act can delay matters for everyone else.
The personal code and why it is essential
Once a director or PSC completes identity verification, Companies House issues them with a personal code. This code is unique to the individual and confirms their verified status.
We must have this personal code in order to submit any Companies House filings on behalf of the company. This includes:
- Confirmation statements
- Micro-entity accounts and other company accounts
- Director appointments or resignations
- Any statutory returns required by Companies House
Without a verified personal code for every director, filings cannot be completed. This can leave the company non-compliant, even if all other information is ready and accurate.
Every director must complete verification
This requirement applies to all directors in the block, without exception. It does not matter whether a director is:
- An unpaid volunteer
- Rarely involved in day-to-day decisions
- Appointed many years ago
- If you are listed as a director, you must verify your identity and provide your personal code.
Where even one director has not done so, it can prevent returns being filed for the entire company, creating unnecessary pressure, risk and difficult conversations within the board.
How identity verification is completed
There are three recognised routes to verification typically requiring a passport or driving license:
- Online via GOV.UK One Login
- In person at a UK Post Office, subject to eligibility
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a solicitor or accountant registered with Companies House
Unless an ACSP is appointed, the process must be completed personally by the director or PSC. If you are already verified for another company, you won’t need to repeat the process as your unique personal ID can be linked to multiple companies.
Why managing agents cannot do this for you
Managing agents are not permitted to carry out identity verification on behalf of directors as they are typically not registered as an ACSP. This is a common area of confusion, particularly for volunteer directors who are used to relying on their managing agent for administrative support.
While we can guide, remind and support you through the process, the legal responsibility remains with the individual director.
Avoiding problems as the 2026 deadline approaches
In our experience, compliance issues rarely arise because the rules are unclear. They usually happen because action is delayed, responsibilities are assumed, or directors believe someone else has already dealt with it.
A proactive approach includes:
- Ensuring all directors understand their personal obligations
- Confirming who has completed verification and provided their code
- Addressing non-compliance early, rather than close to filing deadlines
- Keeping clear records to demonstrate good governance
This protects the company and avoids last-minute disruption.
A necessary step towards better governance
While this change may feel burdensome, it represents a wider shift towards stronger corporate transparency and accountability. For residential management companies that already operate responsibly, it should reinforce good practice rather than undermine it.
Autumn 2026 will arrive quickly. Directors who act now will avoid unnecessary stress, protect their position and help ensure their company continues to operate smoothly.
If you would like guidance on director responsibilities, compliance or block management support, please get in touch with our block management team on 01227 765008 or email blockmanagement@sandersonsuk.com.