Companies House identity verification requirements to come into force from autumn 2025

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), reforms have been introduced to Companies House concerning identity verification, which will become compulsory from autumn 2025. Our corporate solicitors share their guidance on the changes.

The Companies House identity verification requirements will begin to be implemented from spring 2025 and will continue to be rolled out in phases with transitional periods continuing until 2027. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) received royal assent in October 2023 and the act introduced comprehensive changes to company law.

Who will need to verify their identity?

From 8 April 2025*, individuals will be able to voluntarily verify their identity with Companies House. Individuals who will need to verify their identity include:

• new and existing directors
• new and existing persons with significant control (PSC)
• anyone acting on behalf of a company.

The identity requirements will mean that any person (natural or legal) who is setting up, running, owning or controlling a company registered in the UK will need to verify their identity with Companies House.

While individuals will be able to voluntarily verify their identity at this stage, identity verification will become a compulsory requirement for all new directors and PSCs from autumn 2025. This will also mark the beginning of a 12-month transition period for all existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity.

The expectation is that identity verification will form part of a companies’ annual confirmation statement filing and by spring 2026, identity verification will be a compulsory part of filing any documentation to Companies House.

At present, the government predict that by spring 2026, all individuals presenting information to Companies House will need to verify their identity and all third parties filing on behalf of a company will need to be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

How can individuals verify their identity?

In order to comply with Companies House identity verification requirements, individuals will be presented with two routes to verify their identity: either directly via the GOV.UK One Login service or indirectly through an ACSP.

GOV.UK One Login

From 8 April 2025*, individuals will be able to use GOV.UK One Login to verify their identity via the following options:

• the ID Check app
• the Web Channel, or
• the face to face service (in order to access this service individuals will need to visit a Post Office that offers ‘in branch verification’).

The ID document requirements will differ according to the service used, however most individuals should be able to use ID documents such as their passport.

Authorised Corporate Service Provider

Since 18 March 2025, sole traders and firms that are supervised by a relevant anti-money laundering body can now apply to become ACSPs.

Individuals may apply to an ACSP to have their identity verified with Companies House and will need to provide largely the same information as required for verification directly with Companies House.

ACSPs will have the dual function of identity verification for individuals as well as being authorised to file documents to Companies House as a third-party agent on behalf a company. By Spring 2026, it will be compulsory for third party agents filing on behalf of companies to be registered as an ACSP.

What are the consequences of getting Companies House identity verification requirements wrong?

It is important to keep an eye on the government website in the coming months for further updates as to when Companies House identity verification requirements will become compulsory.

Failure to comply with these requirements on time will result in an offence being committed, and the consequences could include a financial penalty and being barred from making any filings for your company or starting a new company.

*Highlighted dates are accurate as of the time of publication. Please be aware that these dates can change.

If you and your business require legal assistance, or have any questions regarding the latest changes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert corporate & commercial team.

Our corporate & commercial team is rated by national legal guides The Legal 500 and Chambers UK. The department’s expert lawyers can help businesses big or small on a variety of challenges that may arise.