Identity verification with Companies House - what you need to know

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduces identity verification requirements for directors, people with significant control, and individuals filing on behalf of UK companies. From 8 April 2025, individuals will be able to voluntarily verify their identity with Companies House. 

ECCTA and IDV

ECCTA significantly changes the information required and processes involved in incorporating and operating a company in the UK. To combat corruption, money laundering, and fraud, the ECCTA will make identity verification (IDV) compulsory for certain individuals associated with UK companies, such as company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). The IDV regime aims to enhance corporate transparency and the accuracy of information on the Companies House register.

Who needs identity verification? 

The IDV regime covers a range of individuals associated with UK businesses, including:

• Company directors
• Individuals in equivalent roles to directors in incorporated entities (eg LLP members, general partners, managing officers)
• PSCs
• Anyone making Companies House filings on behalf of a company (eg company secretaries)

From voluntary to compulsory

Identity verification is currently voluntary. Existing directors and PSCs can voluntarily verify their identity with Companies House free of charge starting from 8 April 2025. The Companies House transition plan for ECCTA indicates that by Autumn 2025, IDV will become a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors and PSCs.

From Autumn 2025, Companies House is aiming to begin the 12-month transition phase to require more than 7 million existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity as part of the annual confirmation statement filing.

Once IDV becomes compulsory, you will not be able to make filings or incorporate new entities without having your identity verified. Non-compliance will be an offence, potentially resulting in financial penalties. Plus you’ll be shown as “Unverified” on the Companies House register.

How to apply for IDV

There are three routes for you to apply directly via Companies House for IDV using the GOV.UK One Login:

• ID Check app: You must have a suitable smart phone with a working camera
• Web service
• Face to face service: You must complete the 'Verify your identity for Companies House' service first, then attend a Post Office with the required photo ID

To apply directly to Companies House for IDV, you must have access to the internet and be a registered user of Companies House services. The online service is new and we expect that there may be some technical problems with the service if a large number of users seek to apply for IDV when the service first opens. So watch out for any notifications to this effect and follow any instructions provided online.

You will need to provide the following required information:

• Personal information including your:
  • Name (and any former names)
  • Date of birth
  • Home address (and any previous address if you have been resident at your current address for less than 12 months)

• Suitable email address that has not previously been used for IDV purposes by any person
• Evidence to support your application (eg biometric passport, UK photo driving licence, UK biometric residence permit/card, UK Frontier Worker permit), specifications of which will depend on the method of verification that you have chosen

IDV through an authorised agent

Professional service providers like solicitors and accountants may choose to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) under ECCTA so that they can provide IDV services and make filings on behalf of their clients. The registration service for ACSPs went live on 18 March 2025, and registered ACSPs can undertake identity verification from 8 April 2025.

However, it remains to be seen how many firms will choose to offer IDV services to their clients or how long it will take for Companies House to process an ACSP registration application.  

After verification

Once verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code, which is unique and can be used across different company roles. When IDV becomes compulsory, this code must be provided to Companies House for certain filings.

In most cases, your identity will only need to be verified once. This means that you will only require one IDV check even if you are a director of multiple companies.

What do I need to do next?

1. Determine whether you need your identity verified
2. If you are a company director, consider which other individuals will need IDV for their involvement in the company (including PSCs)
3. If your identity needs to be verified, set up a GOV.UK One Login
4. From 8 April 2025, apply to Companies House for IDV, or appoint an ACSP to verify your identity. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your usual contact at Mills & Reeve or alternatively refer to the Government website which sets out information on the identity verification process

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