Legal News | 24.06.25

Companies House Identity Verification

Companies House have begun contacting relevant company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) concerning their new identity verification requirements. This aligns with their new identity verification regime, which went live on 8 April 2025.

Currently, identity verification is only voluntary, but this will change, and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) will make it a mandatory requirement for all directors and PSCs to verify their identity. Although there have been no exact dates announced, it is expected that all new directors and PSCs must verify their identity before Autumn 2025, with existing directors and PSCs being given a further 12 months before enforcement action takes place.

This identity verification process is part of the ECCTA’s wider aim at improving transparency within corporate entities and combating economic crime in the UK. It is hoped that the identity verification process will deter people from using companies for illegal purposes due to the increased transparency and accountability of the Companies House register.

What this means?

Whether you have been contacted directly by Companies House or not, if you meet one of the categories below, it is advisable that you verify your identity as soon as possible:

• a director;
• the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers;
• a PSC;
• an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent; or
• someone who files for a company, for example, a company secretary

You can verify your identity in one of three ways: online using your GOV.UK One login, in person at a Post Office, or through an ACSP, such as Wansbroughs LLP.

When you have completed the verification process you will receive a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. This code should be kept safe and only shared with people you trust. This code will be required in the future for, amongst other things, making filings, incorporating new companies and being appointed as a director.

This article should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you would like specific legal advice, or require any assistance with the identity verification process, including if you require support from Wansbroughs as an ACSP, then please get in touch: 020 4549 2460 or 01380 733300 | commercial@wansbroughs.com