Limited Companies: Identity Verification Has Begun
Companies House is implementing big changes impacting limited companies. These have been instigated by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
The changes start this year (2025) with identity verification becoming a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors and people with significant control (PSCs).
Companies House has begun a 12-month transition phase, requiring existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity. This impacts over seven million people. The identity verification will take place as part of the annual confirmation statement filing. This action aims to help prevent people from using companies for illegal purposes.
How to Verify Your Identity
Are you a limited company director or PSC? You may verify your identity online, in person at a Post Office or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Your ACSP can be an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent, for example.
To verify your identity online via the government website, you’ll need to:
- have your current address, and the year you moved in,
- sign in to or create a GOV.UK One Login, and
- have photo ID (such as a UK passport or driving licence).
The Verification Process
Three key stages are involved:
- Check the Companies House register to ensure your personal details are correct. If any information differs from the information used to verify your identity (such as address, date of birth), the process cannot be completed. Companies House records must be updated before progressing your identity verification.
- Verify your identity and receive your unique Companies House personal code. (This is for you as an individual and not the limited company.) This should be stored securely.
- Use your personal code and verification statement for each company role you hold at Companies House. (You need to complete the verification process for each role.)
Companies House is contacting all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity. This will become compulsory in autumn this year (2025).
Are you a limited company director or PSC? You’ll need to comply with the verification requirements. The team at Hargreaves Owen is here to help. Let’s talk.