From autumn 2025, Companies House will mandate identity verification for company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and LLP members. This is a major step toward enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and ensuring accurate public records.
Why the Change?
Under new rules introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is evolving from a passive registry into a proactive regulator with stronger powers to review and remove inaccurate or fraudulent data.
Who Needs to Verify — and When?
As of April 2025, identity verification became available on a voluntary basis. From autumn 2025, it becomes mandatory, with a 12‑month window for existing directors and PSCs to comply.
This includes:
- Company directors
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) – individuals who own more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or who otherwise influence or control the company
- LLP members
How to Verify Your Identity
Verification can be completed either:
- Directly through Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system, or
- Through an Authorised Service Provider
For existing directors, verification will be linked to your annual confirmation statement, making it easier to maintain compliance.
What It Means for You
- Fraud prevention: Helps stop false company registrations
- Greater oversight: Companies House will be reviewing filings more carefully, including accounts
- Digital-first: Most filings will need to be submitted online, including small company accounts
Conclusion
For business owners, this shift means greater responsibility in maintaining up-to-date records and ensuring that all relevant individuals complete verification in time. Failure to comply could result in delays to company filings or even restrictions on your ability to act as a director. Staying ahead of these changes can help avoid disruption and demonstrate your commitment to corporate transparency.
This shift marks a significant step in improving corporate transparency in the UK. If you’re a director, PSC, or LLP member, now is the time to prepare.
Need help preparing for identity verification?
Our expert team is here to guide you through the new Companies House requirements. Whether you’re a director, PSC, or business owner, we’ll make sure you’re fully compliant.
For full details on the upcoming legal requirements, learn more on the official Companies House guidance page.
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