Companies House Identity Verification became mandatory from 18 March 2025—all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must now complete this verification with Companies House. This requirement stems from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to boost corporate transparency and reduce fraud in UK business registrations.
If you’re forming a new company or already listed as a director, here’s what you need to know about identity verification requirements—and how to stay compliant.
What Is Companies House Identity Verification?
Identity verification is a new legal requirement where directors, PSCs, and certain others must confirm their identity with Companies House before they can act in those roles.
This move helps prevent fraudulent appointments and fake companies by ensuring that only verifiable, real individuals are allowed to control UK companies. You can learn more directly from the UK Government guidance.
Who Needs to Verify?
From 8 April 2025, anyone connected to a UK-registered company in a key role must complete identity verification with Companies House. That includes:
- All company directors, including executive, non-executive, alternate, and even “shadow” roles—no matter where they’re based. This ensures that every person formally representing a company is verified and accountable .
- People with Significant Control (PSCs)—anyone owning more than 25% of shares, controlling voting rights, or exercising substantial influence over company decisions. Verifying PSCs helps expose hidden ownership structures.
- LLP members, general partners, and managing officers—the regulations extend beyond companies to these key roles, aligning with transparency goals
- Anyone filing documents (e.g. secretaries, formation agents, authorised agents) must also verify before submitting filings on behalf of a company. One verified identity covers all roles held by that person.
By requiring verification across these roles, Companies House ensures that the register reflects real, traceable individuals, making it harder for fraudsters to game the system.
How Does Identity Verification Work?
There are two main paths you can take to complete the mandatory Companies House identity check—each tailored to suit different circumstances depending on your documentation, location, and personal preferences:
1. Using Companies House’s Online Portal
This is the recommended method for most directors. You’ll need:
- A valid UK passport or driving licence
- Access to a phone or device with a camera for facial matching
- A Companies House account
2. Through an Authorised Agent
Some professionals, such as accountants who specialise in company formation, can complete the verification process on your behalf, provided they are registered as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
This is particularly useful if you’re a non-UK resident director or don’t have access to standard UK ID documents. For a breakdown of the legal framework, visit the ICAEW summary of verification rules.
When Must You Verify Your Identity?
Below is how the Companies House identity verification timeline pans out for different roles—covering voluntary early checks, mandatory deadlines, and transitional periods to ensure you’re fully compliant:
| Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| New Directors | Before your company is incorporated |
| Existing Directors | Companies House will confirm the deadline via email/post (expected phased rollout from March 2025) |
| PSCs | Same timelines as directors |
| Agents filing on behalf | Must verify before submission |
If you do not verify in time, Companies House may reject filings, or in more serious cases, prevent you from acting as a director.
Why This Matters
While this may seem like just another compliance step, it actually enhances the integrity of your business. Verified directors show customers, partners, and suppliers that your company is legitimate and trustworthy.
For clients working in regulated industries—such as hospitality or finance—verified leadership is also an important part of due diligence and reputation management. Majestic offers company formation accounting services designed to keep you compliant every step of the way.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your responsibilities, your accounting partner should help you understand the next steps and ensure you’re covered well before the deadline.
How Accountants Can Help with Compliance
Experienced accountants don’t just help with tax and bookkeeping—they also guide you through Companies House compliance, helping you avoid delays and penalties.
Majestic Accountants work with clients across the UK to support incorporation, director compliance, and ongoing business obligations. If you’re starting or managing a company in 2025, we’ll help you stay on the right side of evolving legal requirements like Companies House identity verification.
Looking for help with ongoing reporting or HMRC-related submissions? Explore our corporation tax services.
Final Thoughts
Companies House identity verification has become a vital requirement for both setting up and running a UK business. It safeguards your company’s reputation, strengthens public trust, and plays a key role in reducing fraud on the Companies House register.
By acting proactively—whether by verifying your own identity early or partnering with a trusted accounting firm—you’ll avoid operational disruptions and maintain regulatory compliance. For clear, official guidance straight from the source, you can explore the Companies House blog post on how this new system helps prevent illicit activity.