New identity verification regime
If you are a company director there are changes, soon to be implemented, at Companies House which will impact you. Companies House recently announced that 18 November 2025 is D-Day for mandatory identity verification for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). This new regime marks a significant administrative change for all UK companies and is one of the key reforms set out in Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 meant to improve the quality and reliability of information on companies maintained at Companies House.
What’s happening?
Implementation of the identity verification is being managed in stages; voluntary identity verification was introduced in April 2025, providing Companies House with the opportunity to stress test its processes, and from 18 November, identity verification will be compulsory for:
- directors;
- PSCs; and
- any individuals filing documents at Companies House on behalf of a company.
This means from 18 November, for new directors and PSCs, identity verification will be part of the incorporation process and for existing directors and PSCs there will be a 12-month transition period during which their identities must be verified before the company files its next confirmation statement.
How can you verify identity?
Individuals can verify their identity:
- via the Companies House online identity verification service accessed through GOV.UK One Login using either the app or web service. This is free and a straightforward process for anyone with a biometric passport or photocard driving licence;
- in person using One Login at a designated Post Office; or
- by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). An ACSP is a third-party agent approved by Companies House to provide identity verification services. To qualify as an ACSP the agent must be based in the UK and be supervised by one of the authorised anti-money laundering supervisory bodies.
Once your identity has been verified, Companies House will issue you with a unique eleven-digit code which will be required whenever you file forms, resolutions, confirmation statements etc. at Companies House on behalf of the company. Consequently, failure to comply with identity verification process will have serious consequences both for the individual who may face fines or even disqualification as a director and for the company.
New rules for company registers
In addition to mandatory identity verification for directors and PSCs, Companies House has also announced the abolition of certain statutory registers. From 18 November 2025 companies will not be required to create or maintain:
- a register of directors;
- a register of directors’ residential addresses;
- a register of secretaries; or
- a register of persons with significant control.
Instead, companies must file the information they used to keep on such registers directly with Companies House.
The only internal register companies will still be required to create and maintain is the register of members; this must be kept up to date and be available for public inspection at the registered office (or single alternative inspection location). However, from a good housekeeping perspective, maintaining internal registers on a voluntary basis may still be best practice.
