Significant changes are happening to the Companies House identity verification process.
From April 2025, as part of the reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House is introducing new identity verification requirements. The identity verification changes affect UK company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and individuals filing company records on behalf of UK companies.
If you are a business owner, director, PSC or file on behalf of a company, here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
What’s changing with identity verification?
These changes come into effect from 8 April 2025 on a voluntary basis. From Autumn 2025, mandatory ID verification is required for all new director appointments and incorporations.
This is also the start of a 12-month transition period for existing directors to complete new ID verification.
This tightening of the identity verification process is aimed at reducing fraud, tackling economic crime, improving data accuracy, and increasing corporate transparency in the Companies House register.
Who is affected by the new identity verification rules?
The following individuals will be required to verify their identity:
- A director of a company or LLP
- A Person with Significant Control (PSC – individuals that own or control more than 25% of shares or voting rights)
- A person filing to Companies House (unless acting via an authorised agent)
- Anyone authorised to file information on behalf of a company, such as company secretaries or authorised corporate service providers.
For companies, all directors must complete ID verification, not just one individual.
The obligations will apply to new and existing directors.
How will identification verification work?
There are three ways in which individuals will be able to complete identity checks:
- Directly through Companies House using a verify online system at GOV.UK;
- In person at a UK post office; or
- Via Authorised Corporate Service Providers, such as Edwards Chartered Accountants, who will carry out verification on your behalf.
There will be a legal requirement to verify identity by uploading an image of yourself via Gov.uk and from a verified device such as your phone and linking to an image from a passport or driving licence.
Once your verified identity is confirmed, you’ll be issued a unique verification code or unique identifier, which will need to be used for all future filings.
GOV.UK One Login
Individuals can complete the process directly via the Companies House online platform. This will require:
- A UK passport or photocard driving licence, and;
- Answering some security questions online
- If no digital ID is available, alternative documentation (with additional checks) will be required.
Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
This could be your accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent. Providers should be officially registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House.
Failure to comply
Failure to complete verification may result in:
- Refusals or delays in company incorporations.
- Filing restrictions for documents such as your annual confirmation statement, changes to officers, etc.
Fines or criminal sanctions for deliberate non-compliance.
What to do next
We recommend that everyone affected should voluntarily verify their identity now if they haven’t already.
Provide your Companies House personal code to your accountant/service provider, to ensure that filing delays are not encountered.
How can Edwards Chartered Accountants help?
As a Companies House Authorised Agent, Edwards can:
- Verify directors and PSCs on your behalf.
- Maintain compliant records with Companies House.
- File Companies House documentation.
Working with Edwards Accountants ahead of mandatory deadlines will ensure your business is compliant. We can ensure that all your identity verification requirements are met.
To get ahead of the new rules, contact Edwards Accountants to find out more.