Verifying your identity for Companies House

From 18^th November 2025, identity verification is now a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. It helps prevent fraud and ensures transparency in UK company records.

The UK government introduced these rules to tackle economic crime and improve trust in the business environment. By verifying the identity of those who manage or control companies, Companies House can ensure that company information is accurate as part of a wider effort to strengthen corporate transparency and protect businesses from fraud.

Who Must Verify Their Identity?

You need to verify if you are:

• A company director
• The equivalent of a director (e.g. LLP members, general partners, managing officers)
• A Person with Significant Control (PSC)
• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (such as accountants or solicitors acting as Companies House agents)
• Anyone who files on behalf of a company (e.g. company secretaries)

When Does This Apply?

• From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory.
• There’s a 12-month transition period, so companies have time to comply.
• New directors and PSCs must verify before appointment or incorporation.
• Existing directors and PSCs must verify by their due dates (shown on the Companies House register).

How to Verify

• Directly via GOV.UK One Login (free, online process using photo ID or security questions)
• Through an ACSP (your accountant, solicitor, or other AML-supervised professional)

What Happens After Verification?

• You’ll receive a personal code linked to your verified identity. This code is personal to you, not your company or a company you work for. You may need to share this code with people you trust to file on your behalf or for your company.
• This code must be kept secure and provided when filing certain documents (e.g., annual confirmation statements).

For full details and step-by-step guidance, visit the official page:
👉 Verifying your identity for Companies House - GOV.UK