Companies House Identity Verification: What UK Businesses Need To Know

If you run a UK company, there's a good chance you'll soon need to verify your identity with Companies House.

It's one of the biggest changes introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and forms part of wider reforms designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register and tackle company fraud. The rollout began in November 2025 and is being phased in over a 12-month transition period.

While the process itself is relatively straightforward, it's important to understand whether the new requirements apply to you. Failing to comply could lead to delays, restrictions on certain company activities and, in some cases, enforcement action.

Here's what UK businesses need to know.

Why Is Companies House Introducing Identity Verification?

For many years, Companies House accepted information submitted to it with only limited powers to verify whether it was accurate. While it maintained the UK's public register of companies, it couldn't always confirm that the people setting up, running or controlling those companies were who they claimed to be. As a result, false identities and misleading information could sometimes find their way onto the register.

To address this, the UK Government introduced the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Among other reforms, the Act gives Companies House stronger powers to verify identities, challenge suspicious filings and improve the accuracy of company records.

Mandatory identity verification is one of the most significant changes introduced under the Act. By requiring certain individuals connected with UK companies to verify who they are, the reforms are designed to reduce fraud, improve transparency and increase confidence in the Companies House register.

Who Needs To Verify Their Identity?

Not everyone connected with a company will need to verify their identity. The new requirements apply to certain individuals who own, control or manage a UK company, as well as some people who file information with Companies House on a company's behalf.

This includes:

• company directors
• people with significant control (PSCs)
• members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
• individuals filing information directly with Companies House.

A person with significant control (PSC) is someone who owns or controls a company. This will often be because they hold more than 25% of the company's shares or voting rights, have the right to appoint or remove most of its directors, or otherwise exercise significant influence or control over the business.

If you're unsure whether you or someone else in your business needs to verify their identity, it's worth reviewing your company's structure and the roles each individual performs. This can help ensure the right people complete the process and avoid unnecessary delays when dealing with Companies House.

How Does The Identity Verification Process Work?

The identity verification process is designed to be relatively simple and, for most people, can be completed online in just a few steps.

There are two ways to verify your identity. You can complete the process directly through Companies House using its online identity verification service, or you can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a solicitor, accountant or company formation agent authorised to carry out identity checks on behalf of clients.

In most cases, you'll need a form of government-issued identification, such as a valid passport or UK driving licence. Depending on the verification method you choose, you may also be asked to provide additional information or complete a biometric check, such as taking a photograph of yourself to confirm your identity.

Once your identity has been verified, you generally won't need to repeat the process every time you make a filing with Companies House. However, if your details change, it's important to ensure your company records remain accurate and up to date.

When Do Businesses Need To Comply?

Identity verification began rolling out on 18 November 2025.

From that date, individuals appointed as new company directors or registered as new people with significant control (PSCs) have generally been required to verify their identity as part of the appointment process. Existing directors and PSCs are also required to verify their identity during a 12-month transition period, giving businesses time to meet the new requirements.

If you haven't verified your identity yet, now is a good time to check whether the requirements apply to you. Completing the process early can help avoid delays when appointing directors, making company filings or managing other Companies House obligations.

What Happens If You Don't Verify?

If you're required to verify your identity but don't do so, there can be consequences for both you and your company.

An individual who hasn't completed identity verification may be unable to carry out certain roles or activities under the new regime, and companies may experience delays when making filings or updating information with Companies House if the relevant individuals haven't been verified.

In more serious cases, failing to comply with the identity verification requirements may amount to an offence under the legislation and could result in financial penalties or other enforcement action.

The easiest way to avoid these issues is to understand who in your business needs to verify their identity and ensure the process is completed as required.

Practical Steps Businesses Can Take Now

While identity verification introduces a new compliance requirement, preparing early can make the process straightforward.

Start by identifying everyone in your business who needs to verify their identity, such as company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). It's also a good opportunity to check that your company's details on the Companies House register are accurate and up to date.

If you're planning to appoint a new director or make changes to your company's structure, factor identity verification into the process to help avoid unnecessary delays. You'll also need to decide whether to complete verification directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a solicitor or accountant.

Finally, keep an eye on the latest guidance from Companies House as the reforms continue to roll out. Understanding your obligations now and completing identity verification in good time can help your business avoid unnecessary disruption and continue meeting its compliance obligations with confidence.

If you're unsure how the new identity verification requirements apply to your business, our team can help. You can reach us at 08081347754 or team@sprintlaw.co.uk for a free, no-obligations chat.