Changes to Companies House identity verification rules

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) came into effect in March 2024, granting Companies House enhanced powers to combat economic crime, promote economic growth, increase transparency in company ownership, and support legitimate businesses.

Under the ECCTA, Companies House is introducing a requirement for all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity. Preparation is crucial for companies to ensure compliance, as this requirement takes effect on 18 November 2025, followed by a 12-month transition period.

Director Identification Verification

From 18 November 2025, all individual directors must verify their identity before filing their company’s next confirmation statement. If you serve as a director for multiple companies, you must complete the verification process separately for each company. Identity verification will also be required for incorporating a new company or appointing a new director to an existing company from 18 November 2025.

PSCs Identification Verification

PSCs must also verify their identity from 18 November 2025 using a separate service. There is a 14-day window for this verification, with the start date depending on your role:

• Director and PSC of the same company: If you hold both roles, you must verify your identity separately. As a director, you must verify your identity and provide your personal code in the company’s confirmation statement. As a PSC, you must verify your identity using a separate service and provide your personal code within 14 days of your company’s confirmation statement date.
• PSC only: If you are a PSC but not a director of the company, you must verify your identity within the first 14 days of your birth month. For example, if your birthday is 22 January, the 14-day period starts on 01 January.
• PSC after 18 November 2025: If you become a PSC after this date, you must verify your identity within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register.

Identity verification is a two-step process:

1. Verify your identity and receive your Companies House personal code.

2. From 18 November, link your verified identity to each company role you hold by providing your personal code and a verification statement for each role.

Methods of Verification

Companies House Service (GOV.UK One login)

This free service asks a few simple questions to determine the best verification method for you online. Depending on your answers about your device and photo ID, you will be guided to either:

• Verify with an app
• Verify by answering online security questions
• Verify at a post office

If you verify via GOV.UK One Login, your personal code will be available in the ‘Manage Account’ section of your Companies House account.

Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Alternatively, you may ask an ACSP – authorised to submit information to Companies House on clients’ behalf – to verify your identity. ACSPs must be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) body and typically include accountants, solicitors, or company formation agents. Each ACSP has its own process, usually involving providing approved documents as evidence of your identity.

Flint Bishop will register as an ACSP to continue to make Companies House filings for clients but will not offer standalone identification verification services. However, ACSP providers offering such services can be recommended. If you verify your identity using an ACSP, you will receive your personal code by email.

How to Prepare

To ensure compliance and to avoid delays in filing your confirmation statement after 18 November 2025, companies should:

• Ensure current information on Companies House for directors and PSCs is accurate, especially dates of birth.
• Allow sufficient time to complete the verification process, particularly if there are multiple directors and/or PSCs.
• Give directors and PSCs based outside of the UK plenty of time to verify using GOV.UK One Login or to find an ACSP if preferred.

The ECCTA represents one of the most significant recent company law overhauls. The upcoming identity verification step requires companies to be proactive and prepared for compliance starting 18 November 2025.

Next Steps

To stay ahead and ensure full compliance with the new identity verification requirements under the ECCTA, start preparing today. Review your company’s records, communicate with all directors and PSCs about the upcoming changes, and plan the verification process well in advance of the 18 November 2025 deadline. Proactive action now will help you avoid delays, penalties, and disruptions in your company filings.