Changes at Companies House - Identity Verification Checks

Currently unconfirmed, the implementation date could be in “Autumn 2025” when all those individuals of a company/LLP will need to have had their ID verified in order that they can be appointed (either on incorporation or subsequent appointment) or that the company/LLP can file their Confirmation Statement as it falls due.

How will it work?

Companies House have been sending the below guidance to registered email addresses inviting them to verify their ID. The verification of ID is up and running but is currently voluntary, prior to Autumn 2025.

Identity verification

All company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) need to verify their identity to prove who they are. This is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to help prevent people using companies for illegal purposes.

Identity verification will become mandatory in autumn 2025.

Act now and verify your identity before it becomes a requirement.

Early action will help you to avoid delays or complications. If your company has multiple officers, allow plenty of time for each one to verify their identity. Directors based outside of the UK may also need extra time if they plan to use an authorised agent, also known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify their identity.

How to verify your identity

You can verify:

• Online using GOV.UK One Login – if you have the identity documents or information required.

• In person at selected Post Offices – you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way.

• Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – for example, an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent (you’ll need to provide suitable identity documents).

What happens when you verify

Identity verification is a two-step process. Step 1: Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code.

This code is personal to you, not the company. Keep this information secure until you need to use it.

Step 2: From autumn 2025, link your verified identity to our records.

You’ll need to provide your personal code and a verification statement for each company role you hold. We’ll provide more information on how to do this in the coming months.

Read guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House

If you or any other directors do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you will not be able to file your company’s confirmation statement or other filings.

You’ll also be committing an offence and there are a range of consequences, including a financial penalty and being unable to start a new company.

Whichever verification method is used, in all cases a ‘Companies House personal code’ will be provided. This code will need to be provided for all appointments and confirmation statements from Autumn 2025 onwards. If you use a professional advisor, such as Lovewell Blake, to help with Companies House filings you will need to provide them with this code. It is intended that verifying your identity is a one-off process and an individual’s code can be used for all their appointments across all their companies.

What is an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)

This is a registration that Lovewell Blake LLP now has with Companies House. An ACSP will be able to verify identities on Companies House behalf. The procedures surrounding this are not fully clear yet so keep an eye on future communications from us.

What can you do now?

Given the imminent need to obtain a personal code it makes sense to go through the verification process on the link above and be prepared. If there are any issues with the verification process that will provide plenty of time to resolve them. Once you have your personal code then keep it safe and pass it on to us or whoever deals with your Companies House submissions.