Why Identity Verification Is Now Mandatory

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, new rules are being introduced to enhance the integrity of Companies House and prevent misuse of corporate structures.

From 18 November 2025, directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity before being appointed or to confirm as part of their confirmation statement.

During a 12-month transition period, existing directors and PSCs must complete their identity verification.

What This Service Is For

Identity verification ensures that every person connected to a UK company is who they say they are.

It helps prevent fraud, identity theft, and unauthorised filings on behalf of a business.

This process supports the integrity of the Companies House register and protects both businesses and the public from misuse of corporate entities.

Verification is now required under the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to confirm the authenticity of directors, shareholders, and people with significant control (PSCs).

Core Benefits of Identity Verification

Compliance

Meet UK legal identity verification requirements

Security

Prevent identity and company fraud

Transparency

Ensure accurate and transparent company records

Trust

Protect your business reputation and clients

Who Must Verify Their Identity

Who Can Use This Service

  • Directors

    Individuals registering new companies or appointed to an existing one must complete identity verification before their appointment takes effect.

  • Shareholders

    People with significant control (PSCs) or major shareholders verify to confirm ownership transparency and meet new Companies House rules.

  • Agents

    Accountants, legal representatives, or formation agents acting on behalf of clients can complete verification through authorised channels (ACSPs).

  • Overseas

    Professionals or directors based outside the UK who manage UK entities or property must verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

  • Corporate Providers

    Company formation and compliance firms performing ID and AML checks as part of client onboarding or filings.

  • Secretaries

    Company secretaries who manage or submit official filings on behalf of the company must verify before gaining access to the filing system.

What You’ll Need

  • Passport or driving licence
  • Biometric residence card / permit
  • Frontier Worker Permit
  • GOV.UK One Login account

You’ll also need your home address and year of move-in for verification.

How Identity Verification Works

  1. Create a GOV.UK One Login
  2. Upload your photo ID
  3. Verify via GOV.UK ID Check App
  4. Receive your personal verification code (UIN)
  5. Use it for all future company filings

If You Don’t Have an Accepted Photo ID

If you cannot use the online verification with your ID, Companies House may offer alternatives:

  • For UK residents, you may verify in person at a Post Office after logging into Gov.UK One Login and entering your ID details.
  • Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify on your behalf.
  • Submit supplementary documents (e.g., bank statements, utility bills) to support address/history checks.

What Is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), also called a Companies House authorised agent, is a regulated intermediary (e.g. accountant, solicitor, company formation agent) that verifies individuals’ identity on behalf of Companies House.

To become an ACSP, you must:

  • Register with Companies House from 18 March 2025 onwards.
  • Be supervised under UK AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
  • Verify your own identity as part of the application. Once approved, an ACSP receives a digital agent account and unique identity number, enabling them to verify clients and file documents.

Responsibilities of an ACSP

  • Record-keeping (7 years)
  • AML supervision
  • Compliance reporting
  • Revocation risk

How to Meet the Verification Standard

Verifying via an ACSP Agent

If you cannot satisfy the requirements using the self-service route, you may ask an ACSP to verify your identity.

You will supply original or certified documents to the agent, who will validate them and submit the result to Companies House.

The agent may charge a fee for this service.

Once processed, the agent uses the “Tell us you’ve verified someone’s identity” service.

Risks & Consequences if You Do Not Verify

  • Rejected or delayed filings at Companies House
  • Inability to act as a director or PSC
  • Legal or regulatory action
  • Removal or annotation on public register

Moreover, filings made by unverified individuals may be invalid.

Can I use a non-UK passport for identity verification?

Yes — you can use a biometric passport from any country, provided it supports cryptographic / biometric verification (chip etc.).

However, some non-UK IDs may face additional checks or may not be accepted by all systems, depending on the route of verification (self-service vs ACSP).

What happens if I lose my ID later (e.g. passport expires or stolen)?

You will need to replace it with another valid identity document from the accepted list (passport, driving licence, biometric residence permit, etc.).

If your verification is expired or no longer valid, certain filings or appointments may be blocked until re-verification is done.

Always keep your documents up to date and notify any ACSPs or filing agents if your ID changes.

Can I reuse the same verification for multiple companies?

Yes — your identity verification (and the personal code / identifier you receive) is personal and not company-specific.

This means once you are verified, you can use that verification for multiple company filings (as director, PSC, etc.).

How long is the verification valid? / Do I need to re-verify?

The verification is considered valid indefinitely unless circumstances change (e.g. your identity documents expire, your personal details change, or Companies House revises rules).

However, you should keep documents current.

If major changes occur (name change, national identity, etc.), re-verification may be required.

What happens to my data and privacy?

Your identity data is handled under UK data protection laws (UK GDPR / Data Protection Act).

Only the minimum necessary information is collected, used for verification, and stored securely.

Companies House and ACSPs must have compliance and security measures in place.

Your identity code is unique and used only for filing/verification — it’s not linked publicly to every company you act with (i.e. your privacy is respected).

What if I don’t have any of the accepted photo ID documents?

You have alternative options:

  • In the UK: verify in person at a Post Office branch, after using the GOV.UK One Login interface.
  • Use bank / building society details (if you are a UK resident) with security questions, if supported.
  • Rely on an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to perform verification on your behalf, submitting alternate documents if necessary.

When does identity verification become required?

  • The service has been available on a voluntary basis since 8 April 2025.
  • From 18 November 2025, verification becomes mandatory for new directors and PSCs.
  • Existing directors and PSCs will have a transition period (12 months) to complete verification along with their confirmation statements.

Ready to Get Verified?

Start your identity verification today — go through GOV.UK One Login or engage a trusted ACSP. Don’t wait until deadlines to become compliant.