The rules at Companies House are changing. These changes aim to crack down on fraud and will affect how company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and third parties who file information on a company’s behalf, verify their identity with Companies House.
You may already have received emails about ID verification for Companies House – don’t dismiss them as a scam, very real action is required over the coming months to comply.
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about these reforms, highlighting the actions you need to take and when. Key points to note, are:
- The changes to identity verification for Companies House will be mandatory from Autumn 2025
- There are two ways to complete verification, by yourself or by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
- Using an ACSP can make the process simpler and more convenient for many businesses, especially those with many Directors or non-UK Directors
What are the changes?
As part of these reforms, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification for company directors, PSCs, and anyone submitting filings on a company’s behalf. The aim is to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, helping to tackle fraud and strengthen corporate transparency.
To meet the new requirements, individuals will need to verify their identity either directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This will apply to both newly appointed and existing roles, with firm deadlines in place for compliance.
Once the mandatory compliance comes into effect, failure to comply will result in serious consequences, including criminal liability, or prohibition from taking up directorship.
Timeline for Implementation
To help businesses prepare, the changes have been introduced in phases:
- 8 April 2025: Voluntary identity verification began, enabling directors and PSCs to comply before the rules are mandatory
- Autumn 2025: Mandatory identity verification comes into effect for new company incorporations and appointments
- Autumn 2025–Autumn 2026: A 12-month transition period starts for all existing directors and PSCs to complete their verification
How does the verification process work?
There are two ways to verify your identity under the new system:
Direct verification via Companies House
Companies House has a free verification service, accessed through the GOV.UK One Login. The process includes submission of biometric details electronically, such as a passport scan, or attending an appointment at a designated post office.
Verification through an ACSP
Businesses can also choose to verify identities via an ACSP. ACSPs are organisations such as ourselves, who are supervised under UK anti-money laundering regulations
ACSPs can perform identity checks on behalf of businesses and their directors, ensuring compliance with all Companies House guidelines.
Once verified, individuals will receive a unique identifier code from Companies House, which will be required (and simplify the process) for any future filings.
Why Should You Use An ACSP?
ACSPs make the job of navigating compliance easier and more convenient by offering the following:
- Expert knowledge of compliance: ACSPs are trained to handle ID verification requirements with precision and care
- Time and resource savings: outsourcing verifications to an ACSP reduces administrative burdens on your team
- Suitability for complex cases: for businesses with non-UK directors or PSCs without biometric passports, ACSPs will handle verification in a suitable manner
How Foxley Kingham can support you
We are in the process of registering as an ACSP and by Autumn, we’ll be able to conduct identity verification checks for our clients’ directors and PSCs, helping businesses meet the new Companies House requirements with minimal disruption.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the upcoming changes, call us directly or fill out our contact form to arrange a no-obligation consultation.