As a part time finance director we will keep our clients and contacts aware of changes in their business that need to be addressed.

From Autumn 2025, Companies House will begin enforcing mandatory identity verification for anyone involved in setting up, running, owning or controlling a UK company. This is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to deter fraud and improve trust and transparency in UK businesses by verifying the identities of individuals associated with companies.

If your company has directors, people with significant control (PSCs) or anyone who submits documents to Companies House, these changes will apply to you. Our part-time Finance Director can help you in this new process.

What’s Changing?

Identity Verification Becomes Compulsory and more scientific

All directors, PSCs and anyone filing on behalf of a company or LLP must verify their identity with Companies House. This can be done:

• Online via GOV.UK One Login

• In person at a participating Post Office

• Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

What is to be submitted ?

There is a long list of acceptable documents but most people supply a copy of their passport and recent utility bill/driving licence. In addition a self-certified photograph.

What needs to be checked.

• the documents confirm the person’s name and date of birth

• the cryptographic features on the document match the information provided by the person, if you’re using IDVT to check the document

• the person physically matches the photo that is on, or goes with the document

• they are a real person, if you’re verifying them remotely – you’ll need to clearly see their face to compare it with the photo that is on the identity document

Role of ACSPs

ACSPs are registered professionals such as accountants or legal advisers authorised to carry out identity checks and submit documents on behalf of companies. This is especially useful for directors based outside the UK or those needing additional support.

Key Dates

• April 2025 – Identity verification became available on a voluntary basis

• Autumn 2025 – Verification will be mandatory for all new directors and PSCs on incorporation or appointment

• 12-month window from Autumn 2025 – It is expected that existing directors and PSCs must verify their identity by the time of their next confirmation statement

• Autumn 2026 – Final deadline for identity verification

Why It Matters

Failure to comply may result in:

• Inability to submit filings to Companies House

• Delays or rejections in company incorporations

• Financial penalties

• Risk of disqualification as a director

• Potential criminal or civil enforcement for submitting false or unverified information

These changes follow a significant increase in company related fraud and aim to strengthen the integrity of the UK’s corporate register.

How We Can Support You

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we are fully equipped to manage this process. We offer:

• Identity verification for directors and PSCs

• Full support with Companies House filings

• Deadline tracking based on your company’s confirmation statement date

• Access to secure, government-compliant digital verification systems

We also partner with trusted verification platforms that use biometric checks, digital document validation and maintain full audit trails, as required by law.

Act Now to Stay Compliant

We recommend acting early, especially if your company’s next confirmation statement is due soon after these changes take effect. Voluntary verification is already available and can help avoid last-minute disruption.

Existing clients

We will be in contact to start this process with you.

If not a client get in touch with us today at [email protected] or call us on 01628 623444 to start the process and ensure your company remains fully compliant.