Verification will be instant according to Companies House, provided the correct documentation is supplied to prove identity such as a valid passport. The new rules will affect all directors, with six to seven million currently registered at Companies House. However, directors will only need to register once if they hold multiple directorships.

The start date for ID verification is 18 November 2025, although the deadline for individual directors varies depending on their confirmation statement deadline.

Directors will be able to verify themselves either directly or through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), such as an accountancy or law firm.