New Companies House ID checks for directors from autumn 2025

From autumn 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity with Companies House.

This is a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, part of a wider series of reforms aimed at preventing criminals from misusing UK companies and improving transparency across the register.

Who needs to verify their identity?

The following individuals must complete ID verification:

• Company directors
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• Anyone forming a new company

The new ID requirement applies to all companies on the register, including dormant and non-trading companies.

If your company has multiple directors or PSCs, each person will need to complete the process individually.

When do the new ID rules apply?

Mandatory identity verification is expected to start in autumn 2025.

However, the registrar of companies, Companies House, is encouraging directors to verify early to avoid delays later, especially if:

• You’re based outside the UK
• Your company has several officers who all need to verify

Once you have been verified, you won’t need to do it again, and your identity will remain on record.

How to verify your ID

There are three main ways to complete the verification process:

• Online using GOV.UK One Login – you’ll need a UK passport, driving licence or similar official ID
• In person at selected UK Post Offices – available only to UK residents (check if you’re eligible first)
• Via an authorised agent, such as your accountant, if they are registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Once you have been verified, you’ll receive a personal code, which you’ll need to link to your company records from autumn 2025.

What happens if you don’t verify?

If you don’t complete your verification in time, Companies House says there will be serious consequences:

If you or another officer doesn’t comply:

• You won’t be able to file your confirmation statement or other company filings
• You may be committing a criminal offence
• You could face financial penalties or be barred from forming a new company

What you need to do now

If you’re a company director, here are some steps you ought to take:

Check your details on the Companies House register
Make sure your name, date of birth and other personal information match your identity documents. You won’t be able to verify if they don’t.

Start the verification process early
Go to the official Companies House guidance to begin verifying your identity.

Speak to your accountant if you’re using an agent
Many accountants and company formation agents are applying to become ACSPs and can handle the process for you. Clearly, this is the most hassle-free method, but not all accountants will relish the extra admin.