New Companies House identity verification 2025: what you need to know
Starting 18 November 2025, Companies House requires new identity verification. This change directly impacts how you serve your clients and manage company formations.
This initiative is designed to enhance corporate transparency and combat economic crime by mandating identity verification for individuals involved in UK company setup and management.
This article outlines what you need to know and what actions you should take now.
Who must verify their identity?
The identity verification requirement affects:
- Company directors
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- Members of LLPs
- Company secretaries and filing agents
- Authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs), including accountants and tax agents
If you or your clients fall into any of these categories, identity verification must be completed before filing documents or forming new companies.
How to complete identity verification
There are three main ways to verify identity, all of which are available now:
- Online via GOV.UK – Proving your identity: Individuals can use a UK passport, driving licence, or other approved ID for quick and convenient verification.
- In a Post Office: Companies House offers in-person verification at selected Post Office branches for those unable to verify online.
- Through an authorised agent (ACSP): If registered as an ACSP, you can verify clients’ identities. This requires AML supervision and applying to Companies House to become an authorised agent.
Upon completion, individuals will receive a Companies House personal code, which will become necessary for certain submissions to Companies House, including Confirmation Statements, company incorporations, and updates to PSC or Director details.
Existing companies must confirm completion of the identity verification requirements via their first confirmation statement after the implementation date. There are different processes for directors and PSCs, further information can be found at Verifying your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK.
Actions to take now
- Apply to become an ACSP: If you haven’t already, register with Companies House to verify identities for your clients, acting as a trusted intermediary in your client onboarding process. (ACSP) – GOV.UK
- Update your internal processes: Integrate identity verification into your client onboarding, train staff on new requirements, and ensure AML supervision is up to date.
- Communicate with your clients: Inform clients of the changes, offer verification services if you are an ACSP, and highlight non-compliance risks, including delays and penalties.
- Stay informed: Subscribe to official updates and review the latest information on GOV.UK to remain up to date with UK company law changes. Changes to UK company law
Consequences of non-compliance
Failure to verify identities when required results in significant consequences. Directors acting without verification, and companies permitting unverified directors to act both constitute a criminal offence. Make sure you are ready for Companies House identity verification in 2025.
Upcoming changes to Digita Company Secretarial
Later this year, updates will be released to record the Companies House Personal Code in Digita Company Secretarial, ensuring inclusion in the relevant submissions. While the scope of changes has been outlined to us by Companies House, there are further changes pending and we are working with them to implement these in our software. We will provide further updates when we have additional information to share. You should begin to verify your customer’s identities and maintain records of their personal codes to facilitate future submissions.
Explore how Digita Company Secretarial software can enhance your firm’s operations. Connect with our experts today for tailored insights and solutions. Contact Us – Thomson Reuters Software for Accountants.