As part of the Companies House ongoing efforts to improve corporate transparency and reduce economic crime, a new identity verification requirement for company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and those who file on behalf of companies is being introduced. These changes form a key element of the UK government’s broader economic crime reform agenda, particularly under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
What Is Identity Verification?
Identity verification is a process that confirms a person is who they claim to be. For Companies House, this process involves checking a person’s identity using reliable documentation or systems — typically through a digital process or an authorised intermediary.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
The following individuals must verify their identity:
- Company directors (including directors of corporate directors)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Members of LLPs
- Anyone filing documents on behalf of a company, unless they are doing so through an authorised
Even if someone already appears on the Companies House register, they will still need to verify their identity once the new rules come into effect.
How Do You Verify Your Identity?
There are two options for verifying your identity:
1. Direct Verification with Companies House
You can verify your identity online through a secure system that matches your details to official records, such as your passport or photo driving licence. This is a reasonably quick digital process.
2. Verification via an Authorised Agent
Companies House have confirmed that Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP’s) can provide this service, however it is likely to be an expensive route which is not the preferred option.
What Information Will Be Required?
To verify your identity, you’ll typically need:
- A valid photographic ID (passport or driving licence)
- A facial recognition check (such as a portrait picture or video check)
- Personal information such as your date of birth, nationality, and home address
Agents may ask for additional documentation as part of their compliance checks.
For those who do not have a passport or driving licence there will be other documents that will be accepted. Also, for those who are digitally excluded it is understood there will be a system provided by the Post Office to assist with this.
When Will This Be Mandatory?
The identity verification system started the roll-out phase in April 2025 which means company directors and PSCs can now undergo the required identity verification on a voluntary basis. Mandatory compliance will begin in October 2025 (exact date yet to be confirmed) for all new company formations. Also, from October 2025 existing company directors and PSC’s will be required to undertake identity checks before the filing of the next company confirmation statement. For example, if your next company Confirmation Statement is due to be submitted in November 2025, all directors of the company must have had their identities verified before the Confirmation Statement can be submitted. Therefore, by Autumn 2026 all identities will need to be verified.
Companies House will not accept filings from unverified individuals once the new system is in full force. Failing to verify your identity will have serious consequences:
- You won’t be able to act as a company director or file documents
- Your company may be flagged for non-compliance, potentially leading to fines or being struck off
- Criminal sanctions may apply in cases of deliberate evasion or false filings
Preparing for Compliance
Here’s what companies should do now:
- Identify who needs verification in your company
- Inform your directors, PSCs, and filing agents
- Encourage those individuals to gather their ID documents and be ready for the digital process
- Consider working with an authorised agent if you prefer not to handle this in-house
Identity verification with Companies House is part of a major shift to make UK companies more trustworthy and less vulnerable to fraud and abuse. While the transition may take some adjustment, early preparation will make the process smoother for everyone involved.