Important update: Companies House identity verification
Attention all companies: Companies House is making a change that you need to be aware of.
Identity verification requirements will be introduced in autumn 2025, affecting all companies, including charitable companies and academy trusts.
Carla Boaks, solicitor in our charities and education team, explores the incoming changes and how you can get ahead of the game.
What does the change involve?
The forthcoming change to Companies House will mean that directors, persons with significant control (PSCs) and anyone who completes filings on behalf of your company, such as your company secretary, must verify their identity.
This will become a legal requirement for directors and PSCs from autumn 2025. Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12-month grace period to verify their identity. Identity verification will become compulsory for anyone else who completes filings on behalf of your company in spring 2026.
The duty to complete identity verification is on the individual themselves - you cannot simply rely on the company to take action.
Why is it happening?
The identity verification process is being implemented to improve transparency, combat fraud, and increase security around company ownership.
This process is anticipated to prevent the use of companies for illegal purposes and ensure the accuracy of information provided on the Register of Companies.
How to complete the identity verification
The identity verification process can be completed free of charge online through creating a GOV.UK One Login. Once signed in, each user will need their photo ID, current address, and the year they moved into this address in order to complete the identity check.
Follow this link and select “verify your identity” highlighted green to complete the identity verification.
Alternatively, the identity verification process can be completed through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or lawyer.
What happens once identity verification is complete?
Each user will receive a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code.
Current directors and PSCs will need to provide their personal code as part of the company’s next confirmation statement filing.
Any directors and PSCs appointed after autumn 2025 will need to provide their personal code as part of their appointment filing.
Identity verification is intended to be a one-time requirement and, therefore, you should not need to repeat the process unless notified by Companies House.
What happens if identity verification is not completed in time?
Any existing directors who continue to act without verifying their identity may be committing an offence, may incur a fine and could even be disqualified. The company and all directors may also be deemed to be committing an offence.
A PSC who continues to act without verifying after it becomes a legal requirement may be committing an offence.
A person whose identity has not been verified will also no longer be able to make any filings with Companies House.
How to get ahead?
It is possible to complete the identity verification requirements now in preparation for this becoming mandatory later in the year.
Therefore, we recommend that you ask all directors, PSCs and any other users who meet the criteria to complete the identity verification as soon as possible.
If you have any problems completing identity verification requirements, Muckle is here to help.
For further information on Companies House identity verification requirements, contact Carla using [email protected] or 0191 211 7825.