---
title: Received an email from Companies House about identity verification? Don’t panic
description: Received a Companies House email about identity verification? Here’s what it means, what to do, and how to stay compliant without the stress.
---

[blog](https://esxr.co.uk/blog)

# [Received an email from Companies House about identity verification? Don’t panic](https://esxr.co.uk/blog/received-an-email-from-companies-house-about-identity-verification-dont-panic)

 Written by [Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience](https://esxr.co.uk/blog/author/dean-shepherd) | Mar 18, 2026 8:45:40 AM

If you (or one of your clients) have recently received an email from Companies House about **People with Significant Control (PSCs) needing to verify their identity**, you’re not alone.

This is part of a **major UK regulatory change** and while the wording can feel a bit alarming, the reality is far more straightforward.

Let’s break it down in plain English 👇

 

 

## What is this email actually about?

This requirement comes from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

The aim is simple:

👉 **Make sure the people behind UK companies are real, identifiable individuals**

In practice, this means:

- All **directors and PSCs** must verify their identity
- Once verified, they receive a **Companies House personal code**
- That code is then linked to their role on the public register

It’s about **transparency and fraud prevention**, not catching anyone out.

 

 

## Who needs to take action?

If your company has:

- Shareholders with **more than 25% ownership**, or
- Individuals with **significant influence or control**

…then those individuals are classed as **PSCs** and will need to verify their identity.

📌 In many small owner-managed companies, this will simply be:

> “You — the director/shareholder”
> 
>  
> 
>  

## What’s with the 14-day deadline?

The email mentions a **14-day window**, which understandably raises eyebrows.

Here’s the important context:

- This isn’t a one-off panic deadline
- It’s part of an **ongoing compliance cycle**
- The trigger is usually: 
    - Your **Confirmation Statement date**, or
    - The PSC’s **birth month**

👉 There is also the option to request an **extension** if needed.

So yes it’s important, but it’s not designed to trip you up.

 

 

## What happens if you ignore it?

The email references penalties like fines or prosecution.

That’s technically correct but in reality:

- These rules are aimed at **persistent non-compliance or bad actors**
- Not genuine business owners trying to do the right thing

👉 The key takeaway:  
**As long as you engage with the process, you’ll be absolutely fine.**

 

 

## How do you actually complete the process?

There are two steps:

### 1. Verify identity

This can be done either:

- Directly with Companies House, or
- Through an **Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)** (like us 👋)

### 2. Provide your personal code

Once verified, you:

- Submit your **Companies House personal code**
- Confirm your identity is verified

 

 

## How we help (so you don’t have to worry about it)

As an **Authorised Corporate Service Provider**, we can:

✔️ Handle the **identity verification process for you**  
✔️ Obtain your **Companies House personal code**  
✔️ Ensure everything is correctly **linked and filed**  
✔️ Keep you compliant without you needing to navigate the system

In other words:

> **You focus on running your business — we’ll handle the compliance.**
> 
>  
> 
>  

## Final thought

This email might feel a bit heavy-handed, but it’s really just part of the UK moving towards a **more secure and transparent company register**.

For genuine business owners, it’s:

👉 A **small admin task**  
👉 With **big-picture benefits** for trust and credibility

 

 

## Need help?

If you’ve received this email and aren’t sure what to do next:

- We can **take this off your plate entirely**
- Or simply guide you through it in a few minutes

[Book a meeting](https://esxr.co.uk/book-a-meeting) and we'll get it sorted. 

[View full post](https://esxr.co.uk/blog/received-an-email-from-companies-house-about-identity-verification-dont-panic)

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