Companies House – Update on Identity Verification
Discover when Companies House identity checks become mandatory for directors, PSCs & filers, and how to verify your ID before deadlines hit.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (further details here) brings about some of the most significant changes to Companies House since it was established, giving it the tools to play an expanded role in tackling economic crime.
One of the biggest changes being introduced is identity verification for all directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and those who file on behalf of companies. The purpose of the new identity verification process to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes.
Updated timescale to implementation
Companies House has recently updated its outline timescale in relation to the implementation to the identity verification giving a good indication of when it will be effective – from a voluntary and mandatory basis:
from April 2025, Companies House are allowing individuals to voluntarily verify their identity.
By Autumn 2025, Companies House intend to:
make identity verification a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors and PSCs.
begin the 12-month transition phase to require more than 7 million existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity – the identity verification will happen as part of the annual confirmation statement filing.
By Spring 2026, Companies House should be able to:
make identity verification of the presenters a compulsory part of filing any document.
require third party agents filing on behalf of companies to be registered as an authorised corporate service provider (more details below) (ACSP).
reject documents delivered by disqualified directors as they will be prohibited from doing so, unless they are delivered by an ACSP for specified filings permitted by law.
By the end of 2026, Companies House should be able to complete the transition period for mandatory identity verification and start compliance activity against individuals who have failed to verify their identity.
Verifying your identity directly with Companies House
So how does one verify their identity? Companies House recently published its rules around this which set out the requirements and possible routes to complete the identity verification process.
There will be three options:
Using the GOV.UK One Login ID Check app
Using the GOV.UK One Login web service
Using the GOV.UK One Login face to face service (such as at a post office)
With all the options, the individual must:
have access to the internet;
have an email account that has not previously been used for this purpose;
be a registered user of Companies House Services
have the required information and evidence to support their application for identity verification
The rules also provide a table of what is considered acceptable evidence for identity verification and will vary depending on which option the individual chooses to proceed with but will include a valid biometric passport from any country, UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional) and UK biometric residence permit, a UK biometric residence card and UK Frontier Worker Permit.
Verifying your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Identity verification can also be carried by ACSPs who are then able to file forms at Companies House on behalf of the relevant individuals and their companies. ACSPs are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering supervised activity, such as:
company formation agents
solicitors
accountants
chartered secretaries and governance professionals
Identity verification checks carried out by ACSPs must meet the same level of assurance as those who verify directly with Companies House.
What happens if you do not verify
If a person required to verify their identity does not do so after it becomes a legal requirement then they will not be able to:
make any filings; or
start a new company or entity
If a person continues to act as a director without verifying after it becomes a legal requirement, they will be committing an offence and could be disqualified. The company (or entity) and all directors may also be committing an offence.
If a person is (or was) a PSC without verifying after it becomes a legal requirement, they will be committing an offence.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need guidance on preparing for the new Companies House identity verification requirements, our corporate legal team is here to help.
Speak to one of our Corporate Solicitors in London today ↓
Written by:
Head of Corporate & Commercial Solicitor
Employment & Immigration Solicitor
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