Upcoming Changes to Companies House ID Verification

YCompanies House is introducing new identity verification requirements for company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing on behalf of a company. These changes aim to combat economic crime and increase transparency within the UK's business landscape.

Who Will Be Affected?

• All new and existing company directors: This includes directors of limited companies, LLPs, and other corporate entities registered with Companies House.

• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): Individuals who hold more than 25% of the shares or voting rights in a company, or who otherwise exercise significant influence or control.

• Anyone filing on behalf of a company: This includes company secretaries, accountants, solicitors, and any other individuals or firms submitting documents to Companies House.

How Will ID Verification Work?

Companies House will offer two main methods for identity verification:

Direct Verification via Companies House: Individuals are able to verify their identity directly through the Companies House online service. 

Co-Accounting Directors have tested this process which involves setting up a Gov.uk One Login.  This is different to a Government Gateway login and is personal to the individual not the company so personal information is required including Photo ID and personal financial information.  The process took us around 20 minutes.

Verification via an Authorised Agent: Individuals can choose to have their identity verified by an authorised third-party agent, such as an accountant* or solicitor, who will confirm their identity to Companies House. This option may be particularly useful for those who prefer not to use the direct online method or who are already working with an agent.

When does this need to be done?

The new identity verification with Companies House will become compulsory for all new directors and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) and on all new company incorporations from Autumn 2025. There will then be a 12 month transition period for existing directors and PSCs

For existing Directors and PSCs checks will need to be done before the Company’s next Confirmation Statement is submitted, indeed it will then not be possible to submit a Confirmation Statement without the necessary ID checks in place.

By the end of the 12 month transition period it will be an offence for Directors or PSCs to have not completed an ID check.

*Co- is in the process of getting authorised to act as agent and we will be informing clients on our process and any fees in due course.