New Companies House Requirement: Identity Verification Coming Soon

By Kate | April 25, 2025

As part of the evolving changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT), identity verification will soon become a mandatory requirement for Companies House filings. These reforms aim to enhance the accuracy and security of the UK’s corporate register and prevent misuse of UK companies for fraudulent activity.

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Key Dates to Know

Dates	What’s Happening
Now	Registration is open for third-party corporate service providers to become Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
From 8 April 2025	Voluntary identity verification is open via GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP
Late 2025 / 2026 (TBC)	Mandatory identity verification begins for new directors and PSCs
TBC	Existing directors and PSCs are required to verify their identity as part of the annual confirmation statement

Who Will Be Affected?

Identity verification will become a legal requirement for:

All new directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) during incorporation or appointment.
Existing directors and PSCs, who will need to verify their identity when submitting their annual confirmation statement, once this requirement is enforced.
Anyone filing documents with Companies House.

Although mandatory identity checks are not yet in force, since 8 April 2025, individuals have been able to voluntarily verify their identity through either their GOV.UK One Login or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to complete identity verification (when required) may result in:

Inability to act as a company director
Rejection of filed documents
Potential fines or other enforcement action

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify my identity now?

Not yet. Mandatory verification is still being rolled out. However, since 8 April 2025, you can verify voluntarily.

Will this apply to dormant companies?

Yes. All directors and PSCs, regardless of the company’s activity, will need to comply.

What about LLPs or other business structures?

These rules primarily apply to limited companies, but related structures may also face new requirements. We’ll advise you based on your specific setup.

Stay Compliant with Confidence

We understand that regulatory changes can feel overwhelming. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step, from incorporation and annual filings to identity verification and AML compliance.

If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.