Companies House starts to verify identities
A new service that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House is up and running.
More than six million people will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year.
Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to prove they are who they claim to be.
The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
The landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth.
The government says identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK.
People can verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
The voluntary period for identity verification opened at the end of April. The government says taking a phased approach reduces the burden on companies.
Companies House chief executive Louise Smyth said: “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.
“To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.
“We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025. To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.”
AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark added: “Ensuring trust and transparency in the digital age is vital.
“Identity verification at Companies House through our GOV.UK One Login service will make it easier to do business with confidence – protecting entrepreneurs, consumers, and the UK economy from fraud and financial crime.
“By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system.”
The verification process will need to be carried out if you are:
• A director
• The equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners, and managing officers
• A Person with Significant Control
• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent
• Someone who files for a company, for example a company secretary
• To discuss any issues raised in this article please contact me on 01772 430000
