Understanding the PSC Register & 2026 ID Verification

LH

Laura Hughes

Corporate Law Advisor • March 2026 • 7 min read

The PSC Register is no longer just a box-ticking exercise. The 2026 Economic Crime Act reforms make identity verification mandatory for all PSCs and directors. Here is exactly what that means.

Who Is a PSC?

A Person with Significant Control (PSC) is anyone who meets one or more of the following conditions:

  • Owns more than 25% of the company's shares
  • Holds more than 25% of the company's voting rights
  • Has the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors
  • Has significant influence or control over the company
  • Has significant influence or control over a trust or firm that itself meets one of the above conditions

2026 Mandate

From 2026, all directors and PSCs must have their identity verified with Companies House. This is mandatory. Unverified individuals cannot be appointed as directors and PSC information without verification is treated as incomplete.

How Identity Verification Works

Companies House has partnered with certified identity verification providers. The process involves submitting a biometric document (passport or national ID), a selfie, and proof of address. This takes approximately 5-10 minutes online and is completed once — not annually.

PSC Register Obligations

Every company must maintain a PSC register and file PSC information at Companies House. Changes to PSC status (new PSC, change of control %) must be reported within 14 days. Failure to maintain an accurate PSC register is a criminal offence for both the company and its officers.

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