Big changes are coming to Companies House, and they’re set to impact almost everyone involved with UK companies and LLPs. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”), a new, mandatory identity verification process is being introduced. This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a significant shift designed to enhance transparency and combat economic crime.
When are These Changes Happening?
The new measures are planned to come into effect from autumn 2025. For those already involved with companies – existing directors, Persons of Significant Control (“PSCs”), and LLP members – there will be a 12-month transition period from autumn 2025 to complete your identity verification. There’s also good news: an opportunity to voluntarily verify your identity will be available even before the mandatory date.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
The reach of these new rules is extensive. You will likely need to verify your identity if you are:
- All new and existing company directors, including those considered “shadow directors”.
- All new and existing Persons of Significant Control (PSCs).
- All members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
- Partners of limited partnerships.
- Anyone incorporating a company or filing information at Companies House, whether on your own behalf or for a company or LLP.
How Will Identity Verification Work?
Companies House offers two main pathways for identity verification:
- Directly with the Government via GOV.UK One Login: This involves using your GOV.UK One Login account. You’ll need to provide details of your current address and an ID document, such as a passport or driving licence. For those in the UK, options also include face-to-face verification at a post office or answering security questions online.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (“ACSP”): These will be organisations – like solicitors and accountants (such as Taxlab!) – that are authorised by Companies House to file on behalf of clients and are also registered with a supervised UK body for anti-money laundering purposes. This means your trusted professional advisors will be able to help you navigate this process.
Once your identity is successfully verified, you’ll be given a unique identifier. This identifier is personal to you and will link your verified identity to your Companies House record for every role you hold. In most cases, this will be a one-time verification.
Crucial Timelines to Remember
Understanding the specific deadlines is key to avoiding issues:
- Existing Directors, PSCs, and LLP Members: As mentioned, you’ll have a 12-month transitional period from autumn 2025. Existing directors will need to provide their Unique Identifier as part of the company’s next confirmation statement after this period.
- New Directors: This is critical! New directors will need to verify their identity prior to acting as a director. Companies will be responsible for ensuring an individual does not act as a director until their identity is verified.
- New PSCs: You will have a 14-day period to verify your identity, starting from the date the company notifies Companies House of your status as a PSC.
- New Relevant Legal Entities (“RLEs”): These entities will have a 28-day period to confirm a director with a verified identity, measured from the date the company notifies Companies House of the RLE.
- Individuals Filing Information (from spring 2026): If you’re filing documents with Companies House on behalf of a company, LLP, or yourself, you must be verified before you can submit a document. The only exceptions are if you are an ACSP or an employee/officer of an ACSP. Furthermore, if filing for a company, you’ll need to confirm you are an officer or employee of that specific company. This means, for example, a group Company Secretary might not be able to file for another group entity unless they are also an officer or employee of that specific company and have verified their identity.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Once these new measures are in force, non-compliance will be considered an offence. Officers found guilty in England and Wales could face a fine. Beyond penalties, an individual who hasn’t verified their identity will be unable to make any filings, incorporate a company, or even register as an ACSP.
Get Ready for the Change!
While autumn 2025 may seem far off, the breadth of these changes means it’s wise to start thinking about them now. The option for voluntary verification before the mandatory period could be a good way to get ahead.
Please note: This blog post is for guidance only. The information provided has been paraphrased or précised from the source material and should not be taken as legal advice. We strongly recommend that you do not act on this information without first seeking professional advice tailored to your specific situation.
We at Taxlab will continue to monitor the latest updates from Companies House and provide further guidance as it becomes available. If you have any concerns or questions about how these changes might impact you or your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.