New Companies House ID checks: What businesses need to know now

New Companies House ID checks: What businesses need to know now

Lydia Sevenoaks, Corporate

The Government is introducing new identity verification requirements at Companies House as part of wider reforms to tackle economic crime and improve corporate transparency.

These changes, brought in under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), will affect anyone involved in setting up, running or controlling a UK company and will change how businesses manage their filings going forward.

What’s changing?

Individuals involved in UK companies will need to verify their identity with Companies House.

The reforms are being introduced gradually, with a transition period running from November 2025 to November 2026. However, certain filings will trigger earlier requirements, so businesses should start preparing now.

Key changes for companies

Director appointments
Before a director can be appointed, they must first complete identity verification. Once verified, they will receive a personal code, which is required to submit the appointment to Companies House.

People with significant control (PSCs)
PSC filings can still be made without prior verification. However, Companies House will then contact the individual directly, requiring them to verify their identity within 14 days.

Confirmation statements
To file a confirmation statement, you will need the personal codes for all directors. This may require additional coordination within your business.

How identity verification works

Verification is completed through the GOV.UK system and requires:

• A valid passport or driving licence
• Proof of address
• The year you moved to your current address

You will also need a GOV.UK One Login account.

Once verified, you will receive a personal code, which will be used for future Companies House filings.

Changes for professional advisers (ACSP regime)

Many businesses rely on solicitors, accountants or company secretarial providers to manage Companies House filings.

Under the new regime, these providers must register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) if they wish to continue acting on behalf of clients.

Key points include:

• Only organisations supervised by a UK anti-money laundering (AML) body can register
• From November 2026, ACSP registration will be required for anyone filing on behalf of clients
• A senior individual (such as a director or partner) must complete the registration process

Once registered, the ACSP can:

• File documents on behalf of clients
• Carry out identity verification checks
• Authorise team members to act under the organisation’s account

ACSPs will also be subject to ongoing compliance obligations. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties or loss of registration.

Why this matters

Companies House records are publicly accessible and widely relied upon by:

• Lenders and investors
• Potential buyers
• Regulators
• Commercial counterparties

Inaccurate or outdated records can lead to:

• Delays in transactions
• Complications in financing or investment
• Reputational risk
• Issues during a sale or due diligence process

These reforms reinforce the importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date company records.

What should businesses do now?

We recommend that businesses take early steps to prepare:

• Ensure directors and PSCs are ready to complete identity verification
• Plan ahead for filings that will require personal codes
• Speak to your advisers about ACSP registration requirements
• Review your Companies House records for accuracy

Early preparation will help avoid delays and ensure your business can continue to meet its filing obligations smoothly.

How we can help

If you would like to discuss any corporate matters, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lydia Sevenoaks.