Following the announcement earlier in the year regarding upcoming changes to Companies House filing requirements, it has now been confirmed that identity verification measures will be introduced from 18 November 2025. From this date, compliance will be mandatory.
Benefits of the new legislation include more accurate and trustworthy register data and greater fraud protection.
Key points
Who needs to verify their identity?
Companies House identity verification is for anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK. You’ll need to verify your identity if you are:
- a director
- the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
- a person with significant control (PSC)
- an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent
- someone who files for a company – for example, a company secretary
- Companies House identity verification will also apply to other registration types. For example, any members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) will need to verify their identity.
Timings
- New directors will be required to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company
- Existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity when they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period
- Existing PSCs must verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of 18 November 2025