Companies House identity checks start Autumn 2025

 

Companies House are due to introduce a new identity verification process from November 2025 to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes. The new identification process will be mandatory for all companies directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) on both incorporation and appointment.

Who do the changes affect?

The changes will affect both new and existing limited companies and other legal entities including LLPs, limited partnerships, and directors of overseas companies registered with Companies House.

 

When do the changes take effect?

On the 5 August 2025, Companies House confirmed that directors and PSCs of companies will be required to verify their identities from Tuesday 18 November 2025.

 

Who needs to verify their identity?

Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.

• New companies: All directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) will need to complete identity verification.
• Existing companies: All directors (or equivalent) and PSCs will have a transition period to verify their identity with Companies House.

Anyone acting on behalf of a company will also need to verify their identity before they can file information on behalf of the company at Companies House.

What do I need to do?

New companies: A verification statement must be provided at incorporation confirming the identities of all directors have been verified. You won’t be able incorporate a company without all directors being verified.

Existing companies: Directors must, at the same time as delivering the annual Confirmation Statement to Companies House, provide a verification statement.

Existing PSCs: Existing PSCs will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of 18 November 2025.

 

Who can verify me and how?

There will be two ways to verify your identity.

Once verified, users will have one account where they can access all Companies House services, across all companies for which they’re authorised to act for. This means, where an individual has more than one role, or is registered with multiple companies, they don’t have to complete the verification process multiple times.

Verifying your identity directly with Companies House:

Companies House have introduced a service to verify your identity using standard ID documents, such as a passport or photo driving licence. This service is free of charge at GOV.UK One Login

Verifying your identity through an authorised agent:

Companies House authorised agents, also known as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering supervised activity, such as company formation agents, solicitors and accountants.

Verifying your identity through the Post Office

Participating Post Office branches can conduct a face-to-face check for you after you’ve entered the details from your photo ID on GOV.UK.

What happens if verification is not completed?

Verification will be mandatory. Failure to verify would constitute an offence, punishable by a financial penalty or fine.

Without verification, you’ll also be unable to:

• Make any filings
• Start a new company or entity
• Register as an ACSP (also known as a Companies House authorised agent)

 

For more information about identify verification, contact your TC Group Relationship Manager, or get in touch today.

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*Updated 20/08/2025
Information is true at the date of publication 18/06/2025