On 8 April, Companies House launched a new service allowing individuals to voluntarily verify their identity. It’s set to become a mandatory requirement from Autumn 2025.
This is part of the phased rollout of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) affecting all UK-registered companies.
The ECCTA reforms Companies House to enhance transparency, combat economic crime and support national security while modernising UK company law. We have more information about the ECCTA here.
What’s changing and who’s affected?
At this stage, identity verification (IDV) is voluntary. However, it is due to become a legal requirement later this year.
Under the current timetable, from Autumn 2025, IDV will become mandatory for:
- Newly appointed directors, persons of significant control (PSCs) and LLP members at incorporation
- Any individual incorporating a new company, and all directors and PSCs, during the company formation process
From Autumn 2025, there will be a 12-month transition period for existing company officers to verify their identity. IDV will form part of the annual confirmation statement filing.
From Spring 2026, IDV will become mandatory for any individual or third-party agent submitting filings to Companies House. Agents acting on behalf of a company will need to complete the individual verification process or register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Companies House’s ECCTA timetable is subject to change, with exact dates to be confirmed later this year.
How individuals can verify their identity
- Directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login – this uses official ID documents such as passports or driving licences
- Through an ACSP – these include company formation agents, solicitors, accountants and chartered secretaries
Once an individual’s identity has been verified, Companies House will allocate a Unique Identifier Number (UIN). This means that the individual won’t be required to verify their identity more than once.
What IDV means for businesses
- Compliance obligations: all relevant individuals in your business must complete IDV within the specified timelines to remain compliant with the new regulations
- Impact on company formations and appointments: The mandatory IDV steps may extend the time required for the incorporation process and the appointment of new officers. Your business will need to plan ahead to avoid potential delays
- Use of third-party agents: If your business relies on third-party agents for filing purposes, you’ll need to ensure that these agents comply with the new requirements, either by completing individual verification or registering as ACSPs
How we can help
Our company secretarial and corporate governance specialists can help you to understand your new filing and IDV requirements, ensuring that your team are fully prepared for updates to your processes.
With tailored support from our company secretarial team, you can ease your administrative burden and enjoy more freedom to focus on running your business.
Company secretarial is just one of the comprehensive range of services available from our Advance Business Services (ABS) team. From day-to-day financial accounting processes like bookkeeping and payroll, through to year-end reviews, strategies for growth and managing business challenges, we’ll make sure you meet every challenge of growing your business with confidence.
Get in touch today for a chat about IDV, our other company secretarial services, or our broader ABS support.