You may have spotted headlines about Companies House getting tough.
Or even received an email telling you to “Verify your identity for Companies House now” – I got mine last week as the Director of JDA.
The big change is compulsory identity-verification (“IDV”) for every UK company director and anyone classed as a person with significant control (PSC).
Voluntary checks opened on 8 April 2025 but it will be mandatory from this Autumn. (As you’d expect, they haven’t set the exact date yet…but it’s definitely later this year.)
Why is this happening?
The Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is all about flushing out fake names (yes – “Darth Vader” really was on the register) and improving trust in UK companies. By linking every filing to a verified, real human, Companies House hopes to reduce fraud and money-laundering. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and even director disqualification.
Do I have to verify?
You’ll need to verify if you’re any of these:
- Company Director or equivalent, e.g. Managing Officer
- A person with significant control (PSC), i.e. you own > 25 % of shares/votes, or otherwise control the company
- Company secretary or anyone who files documents at Companies House
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent
When do I need to verify?
- Now – The Voluntary IDV service is open for everyone.
- Autumn 2025 (exact date TBC):
- New companies – proposed directors/PSCs must be verified before incorporation.
- Existing companies – 12-month transition starts. You’ll confirm everyone’s verified in your next confirmation statement.
- Spring 2026: Anyone filing on behalf of a company must be verified.
How do I verify?
- Online via GOV.UK One Login – free, takes minutes with a biometric passport, UK driving-licence or similar.
- In person at selected Post Offices – also free.
- Through an ACSP – for example, we can handle it for you alongside your usual compliance work.
Once verified you receive a Companies House personal code. Keep it safe – you’ll quote it whenever you’re appointed, file, or confirm statements.
What if I ignore it?
From autumn 2025:
- An unverified director must not act – doing so is a criminal offence.
- Companies that allow unverified directors to act can be fined.
- Unverified PSCs face offences and the registrar can refuse filings or strike the company off.
How we can help?
- ACSP registration – we are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, so we can verify you and your fellow directors/PSCs quickly.
- Health-check of your statutory registers – we’ll confirm your PSC information is correct and chase any gaps.
- Automated reminders – we’ll flag your transition deadline well before your next confirmation statement is due.
- One-stop filing – we can submit the confirmation statement (and any other filings) using our agent portal once everyone is verified.
Basically. you send us your ID docs once and we handle the rest.
If you have any questions, please email su*****@*********************co.uk or give us a ring on 0151 380 8084.
Many thanks
Jon