UK Companies House: New Requirements for Identity Verification

UNDERSTANDING THE UPCOMING CHANGES FOR DIRECTORS, PSCS, AND FILERS



Companies House Identity Verification: Changes to UK Company Law

Companies House has confirmed that mandatory identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will begin on November 18, 2025. The new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to prevent fraud and improve the accuracy of the public register.

The requirements are broken down as follows:

  • For new appointments and incorporations: New directors will need to verify their identity before they can be appointed.
  • For existing directors: They must confirm they have verified their identity when the company's next annual confirmation statement is filed, as part of a 12-month transitional period.
  • For new PSCs: They must verify their identity within a specified timeframe.
  • For existing PSCs: They must verify their identity by a specific day within 12 months of the start of mandatory verification.

Companies House will be contacting companies to inform them of the requirements, and from 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to see their individual due dates.

What happens when you verify?

When identity verification is successfully completed, Companies House will give the individual an 11-character Companies House personal code. This code is unique and should be kept secure as it will not be publicly disclosed.

The method of verification determines how the individual receives the code:

  • Via an ACSP: The individual will receive their personal code via email.
  • Directly with Companies House: The code will appear on the screen. The code will also be available in the "manage account" section of their Companies House account.

The personal code is used to connect a person's verified identity to each of the roles they hold on to the Companies House register.

How is your personal information held?

The new identity verification (IDV) rules are changing the way personal information is handled by Companies House and Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).

Data Protection and Privacy

Under the new legislation, documents submitted to Companies House for identity verification will not be publicly available. The GOV.UK One Login service uses encryption to protect your data and requires a strong password for security. Third parties handling this information are also required to keep it secure.

ACSP Data Handling and Public Disclosure

If you verify your identity through an ACSP, they must keep records of all evidence and information for seven years. The public register will show your name, the ACSP's name and their Anti-Money Laundering supervisory body, and the date the identity checks were completed.

When might reverification be required?

Companies House has confirmed that identity verification (IDV) is generally a one-time process. However, they may require you to re-verify if they have reasonable cause to believe the information you provided was misleading, false, or deceptive. This would be done via a notice requesting re-verification within a specific timeframe.

Re-verification is not required for expired or replaced ID documents, or for a change of name, although Companies House has not yet confirmed the exact process for this. The guidance explicitly states that you should not re-verify unless instructed to do so by Companies House.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Under the new mandatory identity verification (IDV) rules, there are several consequences for non-compliance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Criminal Offence: Failing to comply can result in a criminal offense, leading to a fine or financial penalty. Additionally, the register will be updated with a note that the individual's identity is not verified.

Offences for Directors: If a person acts as a director without verifying their identity, that individual, the company, and any other directors will be committing an offense. This could also lead to disqualification.

Offences for PSCs: Any individual who is or was a Person with Significant Control (PSC) and does not complete IDV will be committing an offense.

Inability to Act: Once IDV becomes a legal requirement, a person whose identity is not verified will not be able to be registered as a director or LLP member upon incorporation. They will also be unable to make filings on behalf of a company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: Identity verification is a process to confirm that a person is who they claim to be. The goal is to reduce fraud, making it harder to register fictitious directors, and to improve the integrity and accuracy of the public record at Companies House.

A: The new IDV requirements apply to all new and existing directors of UK companies, new and existing individual members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), and Person with Significant Control (PSCs) of a company or LLP. It also applies to individuals who file information at Companies House and directors of overseas companies with a UK establishment.

A: IDV becomes compulsory for directors, LLP members, and PSCs in connection with new company formations and new appointments from 18 November 2025. A 12-month transition period will begin on this date for existing directors, LLP members, and PSCs to complete their verification. By spring 2026, IDV will become compulsory for those who file documents at Companies House.

A: There are two main ways to verify your identity:

  • Directly with Companies House: This is a free option. You can use the UK One Login Check app with a biometric passport, UK photocard driving licence, or certain residence permits. The UK One Login web service can be used with a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or a UK bank account with a national insurance number. A face-to-face service is also available at select post offices.
  • Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP): This is a paid service, and the fees are set by the ACSP. They may accept a wider range of documents, and the specific requirements will depend on their process.

A: Failing to comply with IDV requirements can result in a criminal offense and a fine or financial penalty. The register will also be updated with a note that your identity is not verified. An unverified person will not be able to be registered as a director or LLP member on incorporation or make filings on behalf of a company.

A: You will need to provide your full name, any former names, date of birth, home address, address history for the last 12 months, and email address. You will also need to provide one or more identity documents, depending on the verification method used.

A: Companies House will issue you an 11-character unique personal code. This code is confidential and will link your verified identity to each of the roles you hold on to the Companies House register.

A: Generally, yes, IDV only needs to be completed once. However, Companies House may require you to re-verify your identity if they have reasonable cause to believe that the information or evidence you provided was misleading, false, or deceptive.

Learn more about new Companies House Identity Verification Requirements

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