Companies House Identity Verification: Essential Guide
25/06/2025
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As of 2025, a major change is coming for all UK company directors, PSCs, and those filing with Companies House: companies house identity verification will be a legal requirement, following the companies house identity verification launch in 2025.
This is part of the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to prevent fraud, improve trust in the UK business registry, and ensure transparency across all company records. The reform also gives Companies House enhanced powers to query, reject, or remove incorrect information from the register, and issue civil penalties of up to £10,000 for non-compliance. You can find full details on the UK Government website.
For directors setting up a new business, it’s crucial to stay informed on the latest legal requirements. You may also want to review your company formation obligations or speak to an accountant for limited company to ensure everything is in order.
Why companies house identity verification matters
Previously, it was possible for individuals to register companies and assign directorships without confirming their identity. This loophole allowed fraudulent actors to create shell companies, obscure true ownership, and engage in financial misconduct. By introducing mandatory companies house identity verification, Companies House is closing that gap.
This change means only real, verified people can form or control UK companies. It enhances trust in official business data and deters criminal exploitation of the UK’s corporate framework. With greater confidence in the register, banks, suppliers, and partners can make more informed decisions when dealing with a company.
It also helps tackle identity fraud. In the past, individuals could be appointed to company roles without their consent. These changes will now prevent unauthorised listings and give individuals better protection from impersonation and reputational damage. These developments are part of a broader shift detailed in the Companies House guide, which explains how the register is becoming more reliable and secure. The companies house identity verification launch marks the beginning of a new, more secure framework for UK businesses.
Who needs to verify their identity?
If you hold or intend to hold one of the following roles in a UK company, you will be required to verify your identity. This requirement applies to both newly appointed and existing individuals and is designed to ensure that only verified and accountable people have control over or represent a business on the Companies House register. It’s not just a one-time check — going forward, companies house identity verification will be tied to many filing and registration activities you’re involved in.
- A company director – whether you’re newly appointed or have served for years
- A Person with Significant Control (PSC) – someone who holds more than 25% of shares or voting rights
- A company secretary, LLP member, or general partner – where formally registered with Companies House
- A managing officer – including those with significant influence in company operations
- A filer – anyone responsible for submitting documents on behalf of a company
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – such as accountants or formation agents registered with Companies House
All new appointments will be blocked without verified status. Existing role holders have a one-year transition window to comply.
Key dates and timeline
The rollout of companies house identity verification is being implemented in phases to give companies and individuals time to adjust. It starts with a voluntary phase before becoming mandatory, ensuring that both new and existing appointments meet the new compliance requirements. ACSPs also need to register early to support their clients. Below is a summary of key milestones and who they apply to:
| Date | Milestone | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 8 April 2025 | Voluntary companies house identity verification opens | All roles (optional) |
| 18 March 2025 | ACSP registration opens | Accountants, agents, solicitors |
| Autumn 2025 | Mandatory verification for new appointments | New directors, PSCs, officers |
| Autumn 2025–26 | Transition period for existing roles | Current directors, PSCs, secretaries |
| Spring 2026 | Filing restricted to verified individuals | Anyone filing with Companies House |
To avoid disruption, all relevant individuals are encouraged to complete their verification well before these deadlines. Companies House estimates that over 7 million people will fall within the new verification requirement.
How to verify your identity
There are three main ways to complete your companies house identity verification, each designed to accommodate different needs:
| Method | Who it’s for | Requirements | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK One Login (online) | Most users with valid photo ID | Passport, driving licence, BRP/BRC, or Frontier permit | Free | Uses facial recognition; app or browser-based |
| Post Office (in-person) | UK residents without compatible photo ID | Address documentation may be required | Free | Begins online; completed at a local Post Office |
| ACSP (via accountant) | Businesses preferring professional help | Use a registered, AML-supervised Corporate Service Provider | Varies | Register as an ACSP and verify clients on their behalf |
Note: To register as an ACSP, agents must pay a £55 fee and have senior staff (e.g., directors) verified first. Once registered, they can verify identities on behalf of clients.
Need help verifying your identity?
Stay compliant and avoid delays—let Fusion Accountants handle your Companies House Identity Verification quickly and accurately.
What happens after verification
When you complete verification, you’ll receive a personal code known as a Unique Identifier. This code will be linked to your identity and required for all relevant Companies House transactions going forward. It is reusable across roles and companies.
You’ll use it to:
- File confirmation statements
- Register new companies
- Accept directorships or PSC roles
This Unique Identifier should be kept secure, as it proves your eligibility to act in official capacities. You should only share it with trusted individuals such as your accountant or company administrator.
What if you don’t verify?
Not verifying your identity by the deadline means you’ll be restricted from several essential activities that are fundamental to running or managing a UK company. These restrictions will not only prevent you from fulfilling your role but may also cause delays or penalties for the business itself. It may also raise concerns with partners, clients, or financial institutions relying on up-to-date Companies House records. Directors who remain unverified after the transition period could risk losing their position or face enforcement action. You won’t be allowed to:
- Form a new company
- Be appointed as a director or PSC
- File confirmation statements or other required documents
Consequences include civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or disqualification as a director. Companies House can also remove unverified individuals from the register and strike off non-compliant companies.
Protecting against identity theft
New rules help individuals protect their personal information and reduce the risk of identity misuse. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House has introduced new data suppression options that allow individuals to withhold certain sensitive details from the public register, especially if they are at higher risk of fraud or unwanted contact. Companies House will now allow you to suppress your:
- Residential address
- Signature
- Full date of birth (day element)
- Occupation
These privacy safeguards will be especially valuable for those at risk of identity fraud, and Companies House has the right to revoke suppression if misused. Combined with verification, these features help ensure that only authorised, traceable individuals appear on the register.
Summary table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must verify | Directors, PSCs, secretaries, LLP members, ACSPs, filers |
| Verification routes | GOV.UK One Login, Post Office, or via ACSP |
| Cost | Free (unless using an ACSP who may charge) |
| Unique ID Code | Provided post-verification; needed for filings |
| Deadlines | Autumn 2025 (new roles), Autumn 2026 (existing roles), Spring 2026 (filers only) |
Next steps for business owners and directors
Start by confirming whether your role is in scope. If you’re a director, PSC, or company secretary, it almost certainly is. Prepare the necessary ID documents and choose how you’d like to verify—whether online, in person, or through an ACSP.
Don’t delay. Begin the verification process now, especially with the companies house identity verification launch already underway and if you’re considering a company formation or new appointment later this year. Speak to your accountant if you’d like help completing the process, or explore ACSP options for faster, managed verification. You may also want to review your registered office address or confirmation statement obligations during this transition.
Need help verifying your identity?
At Fusion Accountants, we help directors and company owners stay compliant with Companies House changes. Whether you need guidance or want us to handle verification as your ACSP, we’re here to help. Our expert team can manage the process for you, ensure correct filings, and keep you up to date with ongoing compliance requirements.
