Companies House Identity Verification: Key Changes Ahead
Overview of Companies House identity verification reforms
From 2025 Companies House is introducing new identity verification measures as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), in order to combat economic crime and cut down on false and misleading information.
These identity verification checks will ensure that the the public register is correct and concise, reduce fraudulent use of identities and ensure that an individuals appointments are shown correctly. This change will help stop the way people used companies fraudulently in the past.
These reforms bring in mandatory identity verification for all new and existing company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone who files information on behalf of a company. Under the current timeline these checks will become mandatory from autumn 2025.
Who will be affected by the upcoming changes?
The company IDV requirements will affect all directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs) and those acting on behalf of companies. Even if you are a longstanding officer of a company there will be a requirement to complete an IDV check.
Key dates for companies
The new requirements will be phased in over the course of the year.
The first phase gives company directors and PSCs the choice to do their identity verification themselves, on a voluntary basis, online from the 8th April, 2025. While it is not yet mandatory to complete the identity verification you can do so now to ensure you are verified. More detail on how to do this can be found here.
The exact date of the next phase, making verification mandatory, has not been provided yet but this is expected to come into effect in Autumn 2025 for new directors. For existing companies, the identity verification process will be rolled together with the Confirmation Statement filing over the following 12 months from the date that it becomes mandatory.
By autumn 2026, every company will need to have followed identity verification requirements.
What directors need to do before autumn 2025
As the deadline gets closer, directors need to be sure they are ready for the new identity verification requirements. The first step will be to make sure that all directors and PSCs listed for your company are aware of the identity verification requirements. Each person will need to verify and give a unique identity number, known as a Companies House personal code, to Companies House when submitting filings.
Directors and PSCs of multiple companies can connect their verification to all appointments using their unique number. This will help make ongoing compliance easier.
How to verify your identity with Companies House
You can verify your identity in two ways. You can do it yourself with Companies House or go through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Completing the verification yourself is very simple and uses the GOV.UK One Login. This new digital account lets you verify who you are with documents that you should have to hand, you will also need a mobile phone with a camera to take a photograph of yourself. The link to verify your own identity can be found here. Once you have verified you will be given a unique identifying number that you must remember to be able to file company documents.
Alternatively, you can ask an ACSP, such as your accountant, solicitors, or company formation agents, to complete identity verification checks on you. These corporate service providers have to sign up with Companies House and must be registered with an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
What documents will I need?
To get through the online identity verification checks, you will need to provide a photo ID. These are some types of photo ID you can use:
- A passport with a biometric chip
- A UK photocard driving license.
- A UK biometric residence permit or card.
If you do not have any of the above, you can verify through an ACSP or in person at a post office but you will need to provide the documents that they request from you.
Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
If you would rather not complete the verification yourself then you can have your identity checks carried out by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. ACSPs must be registered with Companies House with an ACSP account and must be regulated by an AML supervisory body. Professional service providers such as accountants and solicitors will be able to do this for you and will require you to provide documents from approved lists as evidence of your identity.
What will happen after the verification has been carried out?
After you have completed your identity verification check, you will receive an unique identifying number. You will need to keep this number to hand as it will be required to make submissions on Companies House as well as linking your verified identity to your records as an officer of a company.
For officers of an existing company you will need to verify and provide your unique identifier in order to file your next Confirmation Statement once the legislation comes into effect. For new companies, all officers will need to complete their check before the registration process.