Companies House Identity Verification Rollout: What You Need to Know

As part of the Economic Crime and Transparency Act 2023, there’s a big change coming to Companies House. New identity verification requirements are being introduced, which will impact all companies.  

In this article, we discuss why this change is coming into force, what’s changing and how you can prepare successfully now.  

Why are Companies House ID verification changes coming?  

Companies House identity verification rollout is a new legal requirement affecting certain individuals, directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing for a company to verify their identity. This is being introduced to:  

• Improve corporate transparency. 
• Prevent fraudulent or false company information. 
• Ensure only verified individuals can form or manage companies in the UK.  

When is the companies house identity verification rollout? 

It’s currently in a voluntary adoption phase; however, it will become mandatory from 18th November 2025. A transitional phase covering the twelve months from this date will come into effect, after which all relevant individuals will need to have completed the ID verification.  

Who must verify their identity?  

It’s not just new company owners. There are five different groups to which ID verification applies: 

• Directors of UK companies. 
• People with Significant Control (PSCs) (i.e., individuals who own or control more than 25% of a company). 
• Members of LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships). 
• Anyone filing on behalf of a company (e.g. agents or authorised corporate service providers). 

In most cases, you’ll only need to verify your identity once. The code received once the verification is completed will be used on all relevant companies where an individual meets the criteria. 

If an individual has a role at more than one entity, the verification must be completed by the earliest applicable deadline. If an individual takes on a new directorship, is appointed a member of a different LLP or becomes a PSC of another entity on or after 18 November 2025, then they may need to complete IDV earlier as they should align with the ‘new’ appointment deadlines.  

How can you verify your ID?  

There are two main routes:  

1. Direct Verification via Companies House

You can verify your identity through the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service, which uses the GOV.UK One Login. There are three ways to do it:  

App: Use a phone with a camera and one of the following: 

• UK photocard driving licence 
• UK passport 
• Non-UK passport with a biometric chip 
• UK biometric residence permit/card 
• UK Frontier Worker permit 

Online browser: Answer security questions (e.g. bank account or mobile contract) and provide one of the following: 

• UK passport 
• UK photocard driving licence 
• UK bank or building society current account 

In person: Enter your ID on GOV.UK, then visit a participating Post Office to scan your ID and take a photo. Accepted ID includes: 

• UK or non-UK passport 
• UK or EU photocard driving licence 
• EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein national ID card 

2. Verification via an Authorised Agent (ACSP)

You can ask an authorised agent (e.g. accountant, solicitor, or formation agent) to verify your ID. They must be registered with Companies House and follow AML rules. 

They’ll collect your documents, confirm your identity to Companies House, and you’ll get a personal code by email. 

What happens after 18th November?   

While the voluntary phase for completing the ID verification is available now, from 18th November, the deadlines become stricter. 

• Existing Directors and members of LLPs will need to verify their ID and provide the code as part of the company’s next confirmation statement. 
• New directors/members must verify their ID before their appointment is registered. 
• When forming a new company, the ID verification will need to be completed before the registration filing, as the company can’t be formed without the personal code for each Director. 
• If you’re both a Director and a PSC of the same company, you’ll need to provide the code separately for each role. In addition to including the code in the confirmation statement as a director, you’ll need to provide the code in a separate service within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.  
• If you are a PSC but not a director of the same company, then you’ll need to provide the personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month. As an example, if you’re date of birth is 25th December, then you’ll need to register the code between the 1st and 14th of December 2025. 
• The service for PSCs registering their codes will be made available after 18th November. 

Are there consequences for non-compliance? 

Due to the Companies House identity verification rollout, failure to verify may lead to offences, penalties, and potential removal from the company register. 

• Individuals who fail to verify may be barred from acting as directors or PSCs. 
• Companies that continue to list unverified individuals may face fines or prosecution. 
• The company’s ability to make filings could be restricted. 

Companies House anticipates that it will start compliance activity against those who have failed to complete the ID verification in the latter part of 2026. 

How can AAB Help with Companies House identity verification rollout? 

Running a business is demanding, and effective governance is key to maintaining your growth and operational efficiency. Our Business Advisory services are designed to support you in three critical areas: the board, compliance with the Companies Act, and maintaining strong relationships with shareholders.  

Compliance with the Companies Act can be complex, but our team can simplify it for you. We ensure that your business adheres to all legislative requirements, minimising risks and allowing you to focus on growth. Our proactive approach keeps you ahead of regulatory changes and prevents compliance issues from becoming obstacles.  

We ensure you prepare and stay compliant with the Companies House identity verification rollout requirements by offering a support service through a trusted third-party provider to manage the verification on your behalf as an ACSP, ensuring everything is handled efficiently.  

If you have any questions about the changes coming to identity verification, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Graeme Carlin or your usual AAB contact.  

Winners of Large Firm of the Year and Tax Team of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2025.