Companies House have changed the way they do things which includes new requirements on identification of directors.  The new changes are a result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 becoming law and which gives Companies House greater powers to help improve corporate transparency and tackle economic crime.

Information Checks:

Companies House have had enhanced powers since 4 March 2024 to query information and require differences/ errors to be resolved, reject documents and even remove inaccurate information from the register or annotate it. This is to be an ongoing task that Companies House estimates will continue well into 2027 with information being corrected or removed in priority order. Where any of our clients receive such requests we are in a position to help and have done so where required on a number of instances already.

ID Requirements:

New identity verification requirements have been implemented.  Currently, the requirement is voluntary at this point, the system is live and they have invited Directors, LLP members and PSCs to register their ID.

All directors and PSCs for new incorporations are required to verify their identity using the new system from Autum 2025 when they set up their new company or when appointed to an existing entity for the first time.

There is a transitional period (currently planned to be up to 12 months) for existing companies which will be required to provide identity verification credentials for all directors and PSCs when their confirmation statements become due.

Who is required to verify identity?

The following will be affected:

• Directors
• LLP members
• PSCs
• Relevant officers of relevant legal entities
• General partners of limited partnerships
• An individual who is an ACSP
• Anyone filing at Companies House

Identity verification is an individual requirement so you only need to verify your identity once even if you hold multiple directorships (unless re-verification is required by Companies House). You will only have one unique identifier code. Once verified, Companies House will make a note that your identity has been verified on the public register.

How to verify your identity

You can verify your identity online using GOV.UK One Login service. This service is free of charge. You will need to have one of the following types of photo ID:

• Biometric or machine readable passport
• Photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
• UK biometric residence permit
• UK biometric residence card, or
• UK Frontier Work permit.

GOV.UK One Login will then walk you through the verification process. You can either use the app (which you can download and will require a camera for facial ID) or the web browser. You will also need an e-mail address, your current residential address, proof of name changes and address history for the last 12 months.

If you cannot verify online and you live in the UK then you can verify in person using One Login at a designated Post Office or through an ACSP.

If you do not live in the UK and do not hold a biometric passport then you may need to use an ACSP to verify your identity.

Once verified successfully, you will be allocated a unique identifier code also known as a Companies House personal code. This will be used to connect the various roles you hold to your verified identity.

Important dates to be aware of:

Autumn 2025: Mandatory identity verification for all Directors and PSCs on appointment and for any new entities being incorporated

Autumn 2026: ALL existing directors and PSCs will have to have complied with the new requirements and verified their IDs with companies house.

If TWP complete the filing of your company’s Confirmation Statement we will only be able to file this when all the directors and PSCs have had their identities verified. Please provide us with your Companies House Personal Code as soon as possible, as this is essential for us to file on your behalf.

TWP can manage this process on your behalf, please note that a charge will be incurred.

We recommend taking steps now during the voluntary phase to avoid any delay.

If you’d like to talk more about the new identify verification requirements or would like to discuss the implications of this legislation, please contact your usual TWP contact.