Under new rules from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House will soon require identity verification for all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). These changes are designed to help combat fraud and improve transparency—and they will apply to all UK companies and LLPs.
If you’re a company director, here’s what you need to know (and do).
What’s Changing?
✅ From autumn 2025:
– All new directors and PSCs must verify their identity before appointment.
✅ By autumn 2026:
– All existing directors and PSCs must be verified—usually during your annual confirmation statement (CS01).
✅ From spring 2026:
– Only verified individuals or authorised agents will be allowed to file documents at Companies House.
If you’re not verified, your company won’t be able to submit key filings like accounts or confirmation statements.
How Can You Get Verified?
You’ll only need to verify your identity once, and there are four options to choose from:
Option 1: Free Online Verification via Companies House
Best for: Anyone with a biometric passport or UK photocard driving licence.
– Set up a GOV.UK One Login
– Use the Companies House app to scan your ID and complete a facial scan
– Once verified, share your unique verification ID with us
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house
✅ Recommended: It’s free, straightforward, and we’ve tested it successfully with clients.
Option 2: Let Us Handle It (Authorised Agent Verification)
Best for: Those who prefer support or don’t want to use the app.
– We’ll guide you through the process
– Includes a short walkthrough or demo
– Admin fee: £75 + VAT per person
💡 Ideal if you’re not confident using the Companies House system yourself.
Option 3: In-Person at the Post Office
Best for: Anyone without a biometric ID.
– Visit a participating Post Office with acceptable ID (e.g. passport, BRP, UK driving licence—even expired by up to 18 months)
– A list of accepted documents is available via the PRADO database
*Note: We may offer this service in-house in the future for an additional fee.*
Option 4: Financial Data Verification (Limited Use)
Best for: Some UK residents who may qualify to use their bank/building society account.
– Eligibility is checked through the Companies House portal
– May not be available to all
What to Do Now
Here’s how to get ahead:
1. ✅ Check that all directors and PSCs of your company have valid photo ID — ideally a biometric passport or UK driving licence.
2. ✅ Consider removing inactive or unreachable directors who might not complete verification.
3. ✅ Plan ahead for upcoming filings — from autumn 2025, Companies House will reject filings made by unverified individuals.
4. ✅ Let us know your preferred verification method, and we’ll support you through it.
5. ✅ Once verified, we’ll store your verification ID securely as part of your company’s records.
In Summary
– ID checks are becoming mandatory for directors and PSCs.
– The process starts in autumn 2025 and will fully apply by autumn 2026.
– Choose between free, guided, or in-person verification methods.
– We’re here to help — whatever route you choose.
Questions?
Need help deciding the best method? Just get in touch — we’ll walk you through it.
