Companies House ID verification – what you need to know
From late 2025, most directors and people with significant control will need to have their identity formally verified with Companies House.
A reminder that big changes are coming to the way company directors and people involved in running companies deal with Companies House. From late 2025, most directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies will need to have their identity formally verified.
Why is ID verification being introduced?
The new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The government is introducing ID checks to help tackle fraud, money laundering, and the misuse of UK companies by criminals. Historically, it has been too easy for individuals to register companies using fictitious names or the stolen identities of innocent people. By verifying the identity of everyone setting up or running a company, Companies House aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of the public register.
Who needs to verify their identity?
The requirement applies to a broad range of individuals associated with a company. This includes all new and existing company directors, members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). Furthermore, anyone who files documents with Companies House on behalf of a company—such as accountants, company secretaries, or administrative staff—will also need to be verified.
How will the process work?
There will be two routes to verify your identity. The first is a direct route via the Companies House website, which will use technology similar to the GOV.UK One Login system. This will likely involve taking a photograph of your face and matching it against a valid piece of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. The second route is through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Accountants and legal professionals who are registered for anti-money laundering supervision will be able to verify their clients' identities and declare this to Companies House.
What happens if you don't comply?
The penalties for failing to comply with the new verification rules will be severe. For new companies, incorporation will be rejected if the directors have not verified their identity. For existing companies, unverified directors may face criminal proceedings or civil penalties, and the company's record on the register will be marked to indicate that it is non-compliant, which could damage its commercial reputation and access to finance.
While the exact implementation date has yet to be finalised by the government, directors should ensure their photo ID is up to date and be prepared to act quickly once the system goes live.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for general guidance on matters of interest only. It should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a Kingscott Dix professional.