Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification (IDV) for individuals involved in corporate filings. The aim: deter fraud, improve register integrity, and enhance transparency in business activities.
📅 Timeline & Key Dates
| Phase | Start Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary IDV | 8 April 2025 | Anyone (directors, PSCs, filing agents) can verify via GOV.UK, Post Office, or ACSP. |
| ACSP Registration Begins | 18 March 2025 | Agents (e.g., accountants, solicitors) can apply to become Authorised Corporate Service Providers. |
| Mandatory IDV for New Roles | Autumn 2025 | All new directors and PSCs must be ID-verified before appointment or incorporation. |
| Transition Deadline | By Autumn 2026 | Existing directors and PSCs must complete IDV through annual confirmation statements. |
Who Must Verify
-
Company Directors (including executive, non-exec, alternates)
-
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) – those holding >25% of shares/voting rights
-
Members of LLPs and similar roles
-
Filing Agents / Secretaries – anyone filing documents on behalf of a company
🛠 How To Verify Your Identity
✅ Online via GOV.UK One Login
-
Use biometric passports, UK photo driving licences, BRP/BRC, or Frontier Worker Permit
-
UK residents lacking photo ID can verify via bank/building society details
-
Online process usually completes within minutes
🇬🇧 In-Person at a Post Office
-
For those unable to verify online
-
Free of charge; requires appointment via One Login
🤝 Through an ACSP
-
Firms supervised for AML (e.g., accountants, solicitors) can verify on behalf of individuals
-
Charges may apply; ID docs required
👥 Get your Id-Verification done
As non-UK resident director, PSC or Agent, getting online ID verification is not possible and for that purpose we have Companies House Authorised ACSP to help you with your identity verification.
⚠️ Non-Compliance & Penalties
-
Failing to verify when required is a criminal offence
-
Penalties include unlimited fines, prosecutions, and director disqualification
-
Companies House can refuse filings, strike off companies, or annotate registers for non-compliance
💡 Practical Guidance for Businesses
✅ Encourage early verification during voluntary phase to avoid bottlenecks
✅ Prepare documentation—passports, licences, bank details in advance
✅ Register as an ACSP if you’re an adviser or agent
✅ Track who’s verified and who’s not to meet confirmation statement deadlines
✅ Plan your systems to request and store personal codes securely
🧠 Global Context: Beneficial Ownership & ID Verification
Transparency around beneficial ownership is a global trend. For example:
-
UK maintains a public PSC Register (IDV required)
-
Singapore keeps a private Register of Registrable Controllers for regulators
-
Hong Kong uses an internal Significant Controllers Register accessible to authorities
These differences emphasise the UK’s commitment to public accountability—even the PSC Register is visible online.
📝 Summary: Key Takeaways
- Voluntary IDV began 8 April 2025.
- Mandatory IDV starts Autumn 2025 for all new directors, PSCs, and filings.
- A 12-month transition period ends Autumn 2026 for existing roles.
- Verification methods: Online, Post Office, or via ACSP.
- Personal codes issued upon verification link all filings.
- Penalties for non-compliance are severe, including fines and disqualification.
Setup a Free Consultation
Final Thoughts
The UK’s shift to compulsory ID verification is a landmark step in combating corporate fraud and enhancing transparency. Although global variations exist in how beneficial ownership is tracked, the UK’s public approach sets a high bar. As the mandatory deadline draws near, businesses and advisers should act now to ensure compliance—and confidence.
🔍 References
-
Companies House press release (8 April 2025) srz.com
-
Expert guidance (May–June 2025 timeline)
-
Timeline & penalties details marketingstockport.co.uk