Identity verification: Are you prepared?
Companies House will require identity verification for anyone involved in running or filing on behalf of a company
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), which became law in October 2023, has created a raft of new measures affecting companies and their directors.
Identity Verification is a new legal requirement under the ECCTA. This means that Companies House will require formal identity verification for anyone involved in running or filing on behalf of a company.
In the first of a series of articles we look at what the implications are for business owners and directors.
By law you will need to verify your identity if you are:
• a director
• the equivalent of a director – for example, a managing officer
• A PSC (Person of Significant Control) – someone who owns or controls a company
• Someone who files for a company, such as a company secretary
When you need to verify varies depending on your role. Directors are required to provide their personal verification code in the company’s next confirmation statement after November 18, 2025.
A PSC, who is not a director, will need to verify within 14 days from the start of their birth month.
Individuals can verify their identity through several different means, including through accountancy and law firms registered as ACSPs – however, we cannot do this without co-operation from the individuals concerned.
One way is by using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service, which uses a Gov.uk One login to verify the identity across all UK government services online or through the Gov.uk One app available on Apple and Google.
There are some simple questions to find the best way to verify the user’s identity. Depending on the answers, ID can be verified using the app, by answering security questions online, or by entering details from a photo ID online and getting verification in person at a participating Post Office.
It will be an offence not to comply with the new ID verification requirement. Penalties could be charged for non-compliance once the system is up and running.
As an indication, the penalty for failure to file accounts on time ranges from £150 to £750 depending on company size.
If the ID procedures are not completed, companies will not be able to file their confirmation statements leaving them open to penalties and further action by Companies House.
It is understood that no documents will be filed at Companies House if the identification procedures for all directors and PSC’s have not been completed.
How to verify your ID
You can complete the ID verification yourself via GOV.UK, Verify your identity for Companies House, or in person at some Post Offices.
When you have completed the process, you will need to provide WNJ with your identity verification code to enable us to continue filing for your company.
Please email this to us at acsp@wnj.co.uk, giving details of the company/companies with which you are involved.
• If you have any questions, please contact us by email acsp@wnj.co.uk or call the office on 01772 430000 and ask to speak to the company secretarial team.
