As part of reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all directors of UK companies will soon be required to verify their identity with Companies House. This is part of the government’s wider effort to improve corporate transparency and prevent fraud.

What You Need to Know

Who is affected? All company directors (including shadow directors), persons with significant control (PSCs), and anyone who files documents at Companies House on a company’s behalf.

What will you have to do? Verify your identity using a new digital service from Companies House (or via a professional agent such as an accountant or company secretary). This is likely to involve uploading a copy of your passport or other ID and completing an online check.

When will this happen?

The identity verification system is already happening on a voluntary basis.

Mandatory Requirements - From Autumn 2025 New incorporations and new directors/PSCs must have ID verification from autumn 2025

A 12-month transition period will follow, meaning existing directors and PSCs must complete verification by around autumn 2026.
 

What happens if you don’t comply?

• You may not be able to act as a director or be appointed to a new directorship.
• Your company could be blocked from filing certain information.
• Civil or criminal penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Please don’t ignore this change. It will become a legal obligation - and Companies House will be given new powers to enforce compliance.

The government guidance on ID verification can be found here.

If you have any questions or need further assistance please contact us at contact@impactlawyers.co.uk
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