New Requirement: Identity Checks Now Being Introduced at Companies House
Companies House is introducing mandatory ID checks for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and agents — with more roles to follow soon.
This change is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which became law in October 2023. It’s designed to prevent fraud, increase transparency, and give Companies House stronger powers to tackle misuse of UK company structures.
🔍 Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
Eventually, all individuals involved in forming, managing, or owning a UK company will need to verify their ID, including:
- Directors
- People with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Anyone incorporating a new company
👥 What’s Happening Now?
- Since 18 March 2025, Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) — firms or individuals supervised for anti-money laundering (AML) — must verify their own ID to register as authorised agents with Companies House.
- From 8 April 2025, those registered ACSPs can verify their clients’ identities and are the only ones permitted to submit filings on behalf of others.
- Directors and PSCs can now verify their ID voluntarily. This will soon become a mandatory step in company formation and appointments.
- ID checks for individuals submitting filings to Companies House (who aren’t directors or PSCs) will also become compulsory in the near future.
⚠️ What This Means for You
If you’re a company director, PSC, or file with Companies House, you will soon be required by law to prove your identity. It’s essential to stay informed and prepare for this new compliance step.
We’ll be keeping our clients updated and supporting you through these changes — whether it’s verifying your ID or handling your company filings.
