There are some important changes at Companies House around ID verification which will shortly become mandatory. Read on for further information on what you need to do.
If you are a director of a limited company you might have received an email recently from Companies House asking you to verify your ID.
All company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) now need to verify their identity to prove who they are. This is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to help prevent people using companies for illegal purposes.
Identity verification will become mandatory in Autumn 2025; however, you can verify your ID online now if you prefer.
There are a few ways to do this:
online using Gov.UK One login - if you have the identity documents or information required
in person at selected Post Offices - you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way
using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – for example, an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent (you’ll need to provide suitable identity documents)
Early action will help you to avoid delays or complications. If your company has multiple officers, allow plenty of time for each one to verify their identity.
Directors based outside of the UK may also need extra time if they plan to use an authorised agent, also known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify their identity.
What happens when you verify?
Identity verification is a two-step process.
Step 1: Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code.
This code is personal to you, not the company. Keep this information secure until you need to use it. You can view your personal code in the ‘manage account’ section of your Companies House account.
Step 2: From Autumn 2025, link your verified identity to Companies House records.
You’ll need to provide your personal code and a verification statement for each company role you hold.
See below for specific guidance from Companies House Read guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House
Important!
If you or any other directors do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you will not be able to file your company’s Confirmation Statement or other filings. You’ll also be committing an offence and there are a range of consequences, including a financial penalty and being unable to start a new company.
How can we support you?
We are in the process of getting registered as Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) so we can continue to file documents on your behalf.
If you would like us to help you get your ID verified please contact one of the team and we will advise you how we go about this.
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