Companies House is to introduce identity verification to ensure all information filed is accurate and not being used for fraudulent purposes.
A core principle of The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act is improving the quality of data on the public register and identity verification plays a significant part in achieving this. The act requires Companies House to verify the identity of anyone submitting information to the public register, this includes those acting on behalf of a company such as accountants and solicitors.
What are the changes?
From Autumn 2025, the following will be required to complete identity verification:
- All new directors and people with significant control (PSCs); and
- Members of a limited liability partnership (LLP).
Existing companies, directors and PSCs will have a 12-month transition period, starting from Autumn 2025, to verify their identity with Companies House.
From Spring 2026:
- Anyone acting on behalf of a company will also need to verify their identity before they can file information.
Verifying your identity
Your identity can be verified through Companies House, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
If verifying directly through Companies House, you will be able to use your GOV.UK One Login and use ID documents such as a passport.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers
An ACSP includes individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering supervised activity, including company formation agents; solicitors; accountants; and chartered secretaries and governance professionals.
Software providers, filing information on behalf of a company or third-party provider, will also need to register as an ACSP.
Anti-money laundering supervised firms and sole traders will be able to apply to become ACSPs from Spring 2025. Once registered as an ACSP, you will receive a new digital account and unique identity number to enable you to file information and complete identity checks for clients.
We will detail further guidance for ACSPs, including when the new registration will launch, when it is made available by Companies House.
How M+A Partners can help
For any queries on filing information with Companies House or the new identity verification requirements, please get in touch with your usual M+A Partners’ contact or email enquiries@mapartners.co.uk