Companies House Changes: What Directors Need to Know

Who this guide is for

This guide is for UK limited company directors, shareholders, people with significant control and anyone planning to set up a company.

It is especially useful for small companies that have not reviewed Companies House details recently.

Why Companies House rules are changing

The reforms are part of wider changes to UK company law designed to improve transparency, reduce misuse of companies and strengthen the accuracy of the public register.

Companies House is moving from being mainly a passive register towards having stronger powers and checks.

Identity verification

Identity verification is one of the biggest changes.

From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a legal requirement. This started a transition period for existing directors and PSCs.

New directors and PSCs also need to consider verification requirements when companies are formed or appointments are made.

Directors and PSCs

Directors and people with significant control are central to the new rules.

Existing directors and PSCs may need to verify their identity by the relevant due date. PSCs may also need to provide a statement confirming verification and their Companies House personal code within specific periods.

The timing can depend on the company's confirmation statement date and the person's role.

Registered office and email address

Companies must maintain an appropriate registered office address and registered email address.

The registered office must be suitable for receiving official correspondence. The email address should be monitored because official communications may be sent there.

Using unreliable addresses can create missed notices and compliance problems.

Confirmation statement changes

The confirmation statement is becoming more important as part of the reform process.

Companies may need to confirm additional statements and ensure details are accurate. Identity verification timing for existing directors and PSCs can also link to the confirmation statement process.

What directors should do now

Directors should:

1. Check company details on Companies House.
2. Review directors and PSCs.
3. Check registered office and registered email address.
4. Understand identity verification requirements.
5. Track the next confirmation statement date.
6. Speak to an accountant or adviser if the company structure is unclear.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is assuming Companies House changes affect only new companies.

Another mistake is ignoring PSC details because the company is small or family-owned.

Some directors also fail to monitor registered email addresses, which can cause official notices to be missed.