Recent changes to UK company law contained under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), is aimed to provide greater transparency around who runs and controls UK Companies and to ptrevent the abuse of corporate structures.
As part of this, there are changes to filing with Companies House, including the requirement for ID verification. Those impacted by the changes may have already received an email from Companies House with details of the changes being implemented, and the below summarises what you need to know.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers
Under the new legislation, all third-party providers (including accountants) must register their business as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP).
This will give Companies House confidence on who is filing on the register and acting on behalf of companies.
ID Verification
Additionally, you may also be required to verify your identity. ID verification is for anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK.
Who needs to verify their identity ?
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
For new companies, all directors and PSCs will need to complete identity verification. For existing companies, all directors and PSCs will have a year transition period from Autumn 2025 to verify their identity with 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.
What are the deadlines for ID verification?
ID verification will not become mandatory until Autumn/Winter 2025 (the exact date is to be confirmed), but the voluntary window has now opened should you wish to verify early.
ID verification will be required when your annual confirmation statement falls due, starting from Autumn/Winter 2025
Ways to verify your identity
Verification can be completed in one of three ways:
• Using the GOV.UK mobile app – this is the fastest way to verify and the app can be deleted following verification. G
• Online without the mobile app – the individual will need to answer a few questions about themselves to confirm who they are
• In person – this would be done at a Post Office
The verification is free and you will need to have one of the following types of photo iD:
• Biometric or machine-readable passport
• Photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland and Leichtenstein
• UK biometric residence permit
• UK biometric residence card
• UK Frontier Work Permit
More information on how to verify your identity can be found here.https://www.sign-in.service.gov.uk/about/checking-users-identities/evidence-types
Personal authentication codes
Following verification, a personal authentication code will be issued to each individual (this code can be used for all appointments that the individual has in various companies, multiple codes will not be required).