Major changes are coming to UK company administration. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification for the people who run, own and file information for UK companies. This marks one of the biggest shifts in corporate compliance in decades, and many businesses are now asking what this means for them—especially where a company acts as a corporate secretary.
This post explains what the new regime requires, how identity verification works, and crucially, how a corporate secretary that is itself a company complies.
Understanding the New Identity Verification Rules
From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes compulsory for:
- Directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Anyone who files information at Companies House, including company secretaries
- Individuals working for Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) who verify others’ identities
There is a 12-month window for everyone to become verified, although voluntary verification opened in April 2025.
The purpose of the reform is clear: to increase transparency, prevent fraudulent company use, and strengthen the UK’s corporate register.
Does a Corporate Secretary Company Have to Verify Its Identity?
A common misconception is that the corporate secretary company itself needs to verify its corporate identity.
It doesn’t work that way.
Only natural persons (individuals) can undergo identity verification under Companies House rules.
When a company acts as a corporate secretary:
- The company itself does not complete an identity check.
- Instead, the individuals within that company—typically its directors or authorised filing staff—must each verify their personal identity.
These individuals then receive their Companies House personal verification codes, which they use when filing on behalf of clients.
How Individuals Within a Corporate Secretary Company Verify Their Identity
There are two approved routes:
1. Verify via GOV.UK One Login
This is the direct route for individuals. They can verify using:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Face-matching technology via the One Login app
- Or in-person at participating Post Offices
Once verified, they receive a personal Companies House verification code.
2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
If the corporate secretary company is also registered as an ACSP, it can verify the identities of its own staff internally.
To be an ACSP, the company must:
- Be registered with Companies House
- Be supervised under UK anti-money laundering (AML) regulations
- Maintain compliant identity-verification processes
The ACSP then confirms the verification directly to Companies House.
What the Personal Verification Code Is Used For
Once an individual is verified, Companies House issues a personal code. This code:
- Links the person to their roles (director, PSC, filer, etc.)
- Is used when submitting filings (confirmation statements, accounts, etc.)
- Stays with the person for life, even if they change roles or companies
It is not a company code and should not be shared widely—only with trusted individuals responsible for filings.
If the Corporate Secretary Files Information for Clients
If a corporate secretary company prepares and submits filings on behalf of another company, someone within the corporate secretary business must:
- Be fully identity-verified
- Use their personal code for filing
- Be authorised to act for the client company
If the corporate secretary company is an ACSP, it can also verify the identities of the client’s directors and PSCs.
Compliance Risks
Not verifying identity when required can lead to:
- Restrictions on filing
- Notices or penalties
- Difficulty maintaining statutory roles
- For directors, possible disqualification (in serious cases)
Corporate secretary businesses should ensure their teams complete verification well in advance of filing deadlines.
Practical Steps for Corporate Secretary Companies
To comply smoothly:
- Identify all individuals who file information, or who are officers of the secretary company.
- Ensure they complete identity verification through One Login or an ACSP.
- Securely store their personal verification codes.
- If acting as an ACSP, ensure AML registration and proper record-keeping.
- Update internal workflows so verified individuals’ codes are used for all Companies House filings.
These steps help ensure your business is ready when the new rules fully take effect.
Conclusion
The new Companies House identity-verification regime strengthens trust and transparency across the UK corporate landscape. While the rules may seem complex, the process for a corporate secretary company is straightforward: it’s the individuals within the company—not the company itself—who must verify their identities.
By preparing early and understanding the responsibilities, corporate secretary businesses can maintain seamless compliance and continue supporting their clients confidently.
If you need help preparing for identity verification or registering as an ACSP, feel free to get in touch.