From Autumn 2025, all company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing documents on behalf of UK companies will need to verify their identity with Companies House. This requirement, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), represents one of the most significant changes to company administration in decades.
The new identity verification regime is designed to increase transparency, improve the accuracy of information held by Companies House, reduce fraud, and make it more difficult for companies to be used for illegal purposes. The government aims to ensure that individuals appearing on the Companies House register are who they claim to be, helping to deter economic crime.
It is also something to take into account if you are opening a UK branch of your business.
When will this happen?
Companies House identity verification implementation timeline
18th March 2025
Third-party providers able to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
8th April 2025
Identity verification requirements come into effect on a voluntary basis
Autumn 2025
Mandatory identity verification for all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) on incorporation and appointment
12-month transition period
Existing directors and PSCs will have a year to comply with the new requirements, and so will be required to have completed identity verification by autumn 2026
Spring 2026
Identity verification becomes compulsory for anyone filing documents at Companies House on behalf of a company
Who needs to verify their identity?
The verification requirements will apply to:
- All directors of UK companies
- People with Significant Control (PSCs)
- The equivalent of directors (including LLP members, general partners, and managing officers)
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
- Anyone filing documents at Companies House (e.g., company secretaries)
How does direct verification with Companies House work?
For direct verification with Companies House, you’ll first need to create a GOV.UK One Login account if you don’t already have one. The verification process requires you to provide personal information including your full name, date of birth, email address, and home address. You can verify your identity in one of three ways.
How to verify your identity
There are three main options for identity verification:
Option 1: Using the GOV.UK ID Check app | Option 2: Using the GOV.UK One Login website | Option 3: In person at a Post Office |
|
|
|
It’s important to note that the app and website options are only available for people with certain UK forms of ID or a biometric passport, and the face-to-face option is only available to those who can provide a UK home address. Direct verification may therefore not be suitable for some non-UK directors and PSCs.
Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
If direct verification isn’t suitable for you, you can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as accountants, solicitors or company formation agents. To use this option:
- The ACSP must be registered with a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body
- The ACSP must also have registered with Companies House as an ACSP
- You’ll need to provide the same personal details as required for direct verification
- Two forms of evidence may be required: photographic ID and supporting documentation
- Acceptable ID includes passports without a biometric chip and certain non-UK documents
- This option is available to individuals from any country
- This is useful for those unable to use the Companies House direct verification methods
- ACSPs are likely to charge a fee for this service
- From spring 2026, all intermediaries who wish to make filings at Companies House on behalf of others will have to register as ACSPs
This option is particularly useful for non-UK directors and PSCs who cannot use the Companies House direct verification methods.
What happens after verification?
Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, you’ll receive a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you and not linked to any specific company. From Autumn 2025, you’ll need to use this code when filing your company’s confirmation statement, being appointed as a director, becoming a PSC, and to connect your verified identity to Companies House records for each role you hold.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Failure to verify your identity by the required deadline will have serious consequences. You won’t be able to make any filings, start a new company, or register as an ACSP. You’ll be committing an offence and may face financial penalties or fines. Directors continuing to act without verification could be disqualified, and both the company and all directors may be committing an offence.
How Gravita can help
With the verification deadline approaching, now is the time to prepare. At Gravita, we understand these new requirements can seem daunting, but we’re here to make the process as simple as possible.
As specialists in corporate compliance, we can guide you through the verification process and act as your Authorised Corporate Service Provider. We’ll help you identify which individuals in your business need to verify and establish a robust process for ongoing compliance. Our team will ensure your confirmation statements include all necessary verification information and keep you updated on further regulatory changes.
Get ready now
Don’t wait until the last minute to comply with these important new requirements. The transition period will pass quickly, and preparation is key to avoiding potential penalties.
Contact our expert team at Gravita today to discuss how we can help you prepare for and implement these changes efficiently. We’ll ensure your business remains fully compliant while minimizing the administrative burden on you and your team.
