Companies House now requires ID verification for directors & PSCs

On 4 March 2024 Companies House introduced a set of changes to UK company law. These new reforms, introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), will help to improve transparency, tackle economic crime, and support GDP growth. 

These changes to UK company law apply to all limited companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs), and Scottish limited partnerships (SLPs) registered in the UK. 

Mandatory identity verification requirement 

One of the major changes to company law is the introduction of identity verification. Currently the verification process is voluntary; however, from September 2025 identity verification will be mandatory for: 

• directors and owners of companies incorporated in the UK 

• directors and owners of overseas companies registered with Companies House (i.e. foreign companies with UK branches) 

• both existing companies and newly incorporated companies 

• members/partners of LLPs and limited partnerships; and 

• anyone else making filings at Companies House (such as lawyers or company secretarial service providers). 

Individuals are required to verify their identity directly via Companies House. Alternatively, they can choose indirect verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (e.g. company formation agent, accountant, legal advisor). 

How do I verify my ID?

Here is a step-by-step verification process directly with Companies House. 

• Create your GOV.UK One Login account 

• Enter your email address when prompted 

• You will receive 6-digit code sent to confirm your email 

• Create your account password 

• Choose a two-factor authentication using an authentication app or phone number 

• Sign up to companies house using the same email used for One Login 

• Download the GOV.UK ID Check app 

• Take a photo of your ID (passport or driving licence) using the app 

• Use the app to scan your face with your phone camera 

• Enter your current address, and when you started living there 

• A final confirmation code will be sent to your email 

After you complete the process Companies House will review the information and if successful it will send 11 character unique verified ID. 

How should I prepare?

How to prepare? 

Companies House is sending notifications to everyone that needs to have identity verification.  

If you have not yet received a formal notice, make sure to take some time and steps to get prepared: 

• Review your company’s current details at Companies House for accuracy 

• Confirm who in your business will need to be verified (e.g. directors, PSCs, filing agents) 

• Choose how you want to complete verification – either directly with Companies House or through your accountant 

• Ensure your registered office address is appropriate under the new rules (see below for more details)