Big changes are coming for how Companies House checks who’s who in UK companies. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Happening?
Companies House is introducing a new identity verification (IDV) system under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. It’s designed to make sure directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing on a company’s behalf are properly verified.
When Does It Start?
The rollout is happening in stages:
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Voluntary ID checks open from 8 April 2025.
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Mandatory checks start by autumn 2025 for all new companies, directors, and PSCs.
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Existing directors and PSCs will have 12 months to verify their identity when they file their next annual confirmation statement.
How Do You Get Verified?
There are two ways to verify your identity:
- Directly with Companies House – it’s free and works best if you have a biometric passport.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – these are approved firms that can complete the ID checks for you.
Good news! Seagrave French is working on a solution to offer this service to our clients, making the process smoother and saving you the hassle of dealing with it yourself.
Note: The direct option may not work well for some non-UK directors and PSCs.
