INTRODUCTION: WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?
From Autumn 2025 anyone who is setting up, running or owning a company in the UK will need to verify their identity with Companies House to prove they are who they say they are. The new mandatory Companies House identification verification (IDV) regime is being introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) to bring reliability and greater transparency to company registration in an effort to counteract illegal activity.
Come Autumn 2025 all new company directors, persons of significant control (PSCs) and registered agents filing on behalf of a company will have to verify their identity. Existing directors, PSCs and other registered agents will need to have verified their ID before the final date of submission of their company’s confirmation statement (CS01) as it falls in the 12 months following the Autumn 2025 date (exact Autumn 2025 date yet to be announced by Companies House).
WHAT IS THE LAW?
The ECCTA provided Companies House with greater transparency powers last year. From March 2024 company name and registered office address requirements became more stringent, and companies now require a registered email address. You might recall Companies House fees were increased to accommodate these and future changes.
Under the ECCTA, the phased IDV regime which began this spring, will be in place by the end of 2026 when compliance action will be available to Companies House to legally enforce mandatory IDV.
WHO NEEDS TO VERIFY THEIR IDENTITY?
- Company directors, designated members of LLPs and other officers formally registered with Companies House;
- a person of significant control (PSC) (usually someone who holds more than 25% shares in the company, 25% of voting rights in the company, or the authority to appoint or remove the majority of the board of directors);
- an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) (being an individual or organisation such as a law firm, that is regulated by an anti-money laundering body); or
- a company secretary and anyone who makes filings on behalf of a company at Companies House.
HOW DO I VERIFY MY IDENTITY?
Verification is quickest and easiest online using this link: Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK. You’ll need:
- Companies House account (GOV.UK One Login)
- Biometric photo ID (e.g. UK passport or non-UK passport with biometric chip, UK photocard driving licence)
Alternatively, a registered ACSP might be able to complete the IDV process for you if online verification is not available to you.
I HAVE A COMPANY, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?
- Identify those in your company who will need to complete Companies House IDV.
- Voluntary IDV is now open, meaning current directors, PSCs, owners and secretaries can verify their identity now. These changes are coming, so we recommend getting ahead and completing IDV as soon as possible, so that you can focus on the needs of your business, knowing that you and your company are ready. The IDV process is quick and easy, using this link: Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
HOW CAN MURRELLS HELP?
Our friendly business team will be on hand to give you focused advice and fuss-free guidance as these changes are brought in over the next few months.
Murrell Associates LLP is a registered ACSP with Companies House, meaning we are able to complete the IDV process on behalf of clients who are unable to verify their identity online. This service will be offered on case-by-case basis and available on request, with fees charged at our normal hourly rates.
Please contact a member of the corporate team if you want to find out more or to enquire about other corporate secretarial services we offer.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Autumn 2025 – mandatory IDV for all new officers and PSCs
Autumn 2025 to Autumn 2026 – all existing officers and PSCs have 12-months (depending on the date of company’s confirmation statement) to comply with Companies House IDV regime
End of 2026 – IDV is mandatory. Transition period ends and compliance action can be taken
Get in touch
If you have any queries regarding Companies House identification verification or other matters related to corporate secretarial services, please contact Henry Maples (Partner) or Emily Eastburn-Pentreath (Trainee Solicitor). You can reach Henry on 07539278903 or you can email him at henry.maples@murrellslaw.com. You can contact Emily on 07873614900 or you can email her at emily.eastburn-pentreath@murrellslaw.com.
Alternatively, you can send us a message.
