Companies House Director ID Verification: What Every UK Director Needs to Know in 2025
- Strength in Numbers
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
A major shake-up is underway in UK company law, and if you're a company director, you must prepare for mandatory identity verification. These reforms, part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), mark the biggest transformation of Companies House in its 180-year history.
This blog provides a complete guide to the new Director Identification requirements, what’s changing, key dates, and what actions you should take now.
Why These Changes Are Happening
Companies House is transitioning from a passive record-keeper to a more active gatekeeper of corporate integrity. The goal is to tackle:
Fraudulent directorships
Fake company formations
Use of UK companies in money laundering
False or misleading information on the register
These issues undermine trust in the UK as a global business hub. With these new powers, Companies House will act more like a regulator, able to challenge, investigate, and penalise where appropriate.
Summary of Key Changes Under ECCTA
Feature | Previous System | New Rules |
Director identity checks | Not required | Mandatory verification for new and existing directors |
Filing information | Any person could submit | Only verified individuals or agents may file |
Companies House powers | Passive acceptance | Powers to query, reject, remove or flag filings |
Role of agents | Basic role | Must register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) |
What Is Identity Verification?
Identity verification means proving that you are who you say you are. It applies to:
All company directors
People with Significant Control (PSCs)
Anyone submitting documents on a company’s behalf
You’ll be issued a unique Verified Account ID that links to your Companies House record and is required for all future actions.
Timeline to Implementation
Already in place:
Companies House has new powers to query and reject suspicious or inconsistent information.
March 2025:
Companies House opens registration for Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
April 2025:
Identity verification becomes available voluntarily
Autumn 2025:
Identity verification becomes mandatory for:
All new directors and PSCs
Any new company formations
Anyone submitting filings
Autumn 2025 – Autumn 2026:
12-month transition period: All existing directors and PSCs must verify during this window or face penalties.
How Identity Verification Works
Option 1: Direct with Companies House
You’ll use the Companies House online portal to:
Upload ID (passport or driving licence)
Take a real-time selfie/video for facial matching
Link your Verified Account ID to your roles
Option 2: Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An accountant or company formation agent can verify your ID on your behalf
They must be AML-supervised and registered with Companies House
Useful for bulk director verification or ongoing support
What You Should Do Now
Here's a director’s action plan:
1. Audit Your Company’s Register
Check that all directors and PSCs are correctly listed and their details are up to date.
2. Gather Your ID
Ensure your passport or driving licence is valid and accessible.
3. Ask Your Accountant
Are they registering as an ACSP?
Can they help you and your team verify your identities?
4. Update Your Contact Details
Companies House will contact you for ID verification. Ensure your registered email and address are correct.
5. Watch the Clock
Keep an eye on Companies House updates and prepare for the transition period starting autumn 2025.
What If You Don’t Comply?
Directors or PSCs who don’t complete verification:
May be barred from acting in their role
Could be removed from the register
Risk company filings being rejected or blocked
Could face financial penalties or enforcement action
Common Misconceptions
“I’m already a director, so this doesn’t affect me.”
Wrong. Even existing directors must verify by the deadline or risk removal.
“This is just for large companies.”
False. This applies to all companies—big or small, including micro-entities, LLPs, and dormant companies.
“My accountant can just file for me.”
Only if they’re an ACSP. Your accountant or agent must be properly registered to file on your behalf.
Who Else Is Affected?
These changes don’t stop at directors. Identity verification will also be required for:
LLP Members
PSCs (including indirect control or voting rights)
Company secretaries (if they’re individuals and act as PSCs)
Anyone delivering documents to Companies House
Further Resources
Need Help?
Navigating these changes can be confusing, but you don’t need to do it alone. At Strength in Numbers Limited, we:
Help directors prepare for ID verification
Offer ACSP support for clients
Ensure your filings stay compliant and up to date
Comments