Legal News | 11.08.25
Update: Identification Verification Regime at Companies House
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has been gradually introducing a new identity verification regime, and it has just been announced that as of 18 November 2025, this verification will be mandatory for a number of people involved with UK businesses.
Companies House began contacting relevant people concerning the new verification regime earlier this year, and the regime was officially introduced on 8 April 2025 for people to voluntarily verify their identity in preparation for the upcoming changes.
It has now been announced that, as of 18 November 2025:
- All new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed as a director of an existing company.
- Existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity when filing their next annual confirmation statements.
- Existing PSCS will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed date within 12 months of 18 November 2025.
Individuals will be able to comply with the mandatory verification requirements by verifying their identity with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as Wansbroughs LLP.
They have further confirmed that generally, individuals will only need to verify their identity once. Once they have successfully verified their identity, they will receive a personal code from Companies House, which will be used for each company role they hold, so it is important that this code is stored safely.
Companies House have confirmed that it will be an offence to act as a director without being verified, but that they will adopt a proportionate approach to enforcement.
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 aims to deter people from using companies for illegal purposes by increasing transparency and accountability.
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
