Companies House ID Verification – What You Need to Know as a UK Resident
We have been receiving a high volume of queries of questions from our customers about the upcoming identity verification changes being introduced by Companies House. These changes are part of the UK Government’s broader effort to improve corporate transparency and reduce fraud. In this article, we'll explain what ID verification is, who it will apply to, how we can help, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
What Is Companies House ID Verification?
From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This requirement is part of wider reforms to help prevent the misuse of UK companies. This means that anyone who registers or controls a company will need to verify their identity before they can act in those roles.
Who Will Need to Verify Their Identity?
The identity verification requirement will apply to the following roles:
- Company directors
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Individuals filing directly with Companies House on behalf of a company
If you fall into one of these categories, you will not be able to carry out certain activities until your identity has been verified.
How Will ID Verification Work?
There will be two main ways to complete ID verification:
Directly with Companies House – You will submit your identity documents through a secure online system being developed by Companies House. This will likely include uploading a photo ID and possibly a live selfie video.
Through an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) – You can choose to verify your identity through a formation agent or intermediary – like 1st Formations – provided they are registered and supervised for anti-money laundering purposes. Please note – this service is not yet available. We will share further details as soon as it is launched. Rest assured, it will be ready within the required timeframe.
Once verified, your Companies House record will reflect that you have passed the ID check. You will not need to repeat the process unless your circumstances change significantly.
When Is ID Verification Being Introduced?
Companies House has announced that ID Verification will become a requirement on 18 November 2025. However, we recommend regularly checking the Companies House website to stay informed of any updates.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify Your Identity?
If you are required to verify your identity and fail to do so within the set timeframe, you will not be allowed to act in your role. For example, if you are a proposed director who has not been verified, Companies House will not accept your appointment.
There may also be penalties for non-compliance, as failing to comply with the verification process will be considered a breach of company law.
How 1st Formations Can Help
As an authorised agent, 1st Formations will be supporting the ID verification process once the new rules take effect. We are working closely with Companies House to ensure we can securely verify identities on behalf of our customers.
We will provide updates, notifications, and guidance to our clients as soon as key milestones are announced – so you’ll always know exactly what to do.
Final Thoughts
These changes represent a significant step forward in making UK business more transparent and secure. While they will require some additional steps from company directors and officers, they ultimately benefit everyone by reducing the risk of fraud.
If you have any questions or need help preparing for Companies House ID verification, please get in touch with us at 1st Formations – we're here to help.