Who Needs to Verify Their Identity Under the New Companies House Rules?

Introduction

Identity verification is becoming mandatory for thousands of individuals across the UK business landscape. If you work with or for a UK company, you may now be legally required to verify your identity under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

This blog explains exactly who must verify, helping you determine your obligations ahead of the 2025 rollout.

Directors and director-equivalents

All company directors must verify their identity. This includes:

• Directors of UK companies

• Directors of overseas companies registered in the UK

• Managing officers

• General partners of limited partnerships

• LLP members

No director can be appointed without verification.

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

Anyone who meets the PSC criteria — for example, owning more than 25% of shares or exercising significant influence — must verify their identity.

If you become a PSC after 18 November 2025, you must verify as soon as your PSC status begins.

Filing agents and company secretaries

Any individual who files documents at Companies House must verify. This includes:

• Company secretaries

• Individuals submitting filings on behalf of companies

• Agents acting for multiple clients

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

Businesses that perform company filings or identity checks must register as ACSPs. A senior person within the organisation must verify their identity as part of the registration process.

Not sure if you need to verify?

If you register, manage, control or file for a company, you will almost certainly be required to verify. RapIDfy helps you check your status and complete verification quickly and securely.