Starting on 18 November 2025, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in UK companies. This is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at improving transparency and reducing fraud.
Who Must Verify?
Identity verification will be required for:
- All new and existing directors of UK companies
- All new and existing individual members of an LLP
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) of a company or an LLP
- Individuals filing on behalf of a company
Most people will only need to verify once even if they are connected to multiple companies, unless instructed otherwise by Companies House.
Timeline of Changes
- 8 April 2025: Voluntary identity verification began
- 18 November 2025: Mandatory identity verification for directors, LLP members and PSCs
- Spring 2026: Mandatory identity verification for filings documents at Companies House. Any third parties filing on behalf of a company or LLP must be an authorised corporate service provider (‘ACSP’)
- Autumn 2026: Deadline for existing directors and PSCs to complete identity verification during a 12 month transition period
What’s Required?
Directors must verify their identity before filing the next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025. Each director will need a personal code and verification statement. Without this, the company cannot file.
PSCs must submit a personal code within 14 days of their verification window, which depends on their registration date and whether they are also a director.
How to Verify Your Identity
There are two routes to complete an identity verification:
- With Companies House directly – a person can open an account with Companies House and verify their own identity; or
- Via an ACSP – a person can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (such as accountants or a law firm) that will check their identity and submit a statement to Companies House
Why It Matters
These reforms aim to:
- Ensure individuals setting up and running companies are who they claim to be
- Prevent misuse of UK companies for illegal purposes
- Improve the accuracy and trustworthiness of the Companies House register
By verifying identities, Companies House will strengthen corporate accountability and help build a safer business environment in the UK.
As Stephens Scown is an ACSP, our specialist team can act for you as the gateway to verifying identities directly with Companies House. Further easing the burden for directors and business owners to comply with the changing regulations.
For more information on how we can assist you in this change, please contact our corporate team via enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk.