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From 18 November 2025, new regulations will come into force in the United Kingdom introducing mandatory identity verification at Companies House. This change will affect millions of business owners – particularly company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). The aim is to strengthen business transparency and security while reducing abuse within the company register.
What is identity verification at Companies House?
The new requirements stem from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
In practice, every UK company director, every PSC, and anyone submitting documents to Companies House will be required to confirm their identity.
This forms part of a wider package of reforms designed to improve the reliability of information held in the register and to limit the creation of companies under false identities.
Who must complete verification?
The obligation to verify identity will apply to:
- new directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs),
- existing directors,
- PSCs who do not act as directors,
- company secretaries.
The process will be phased in and is expected to cover as many as 6–7 million individuals in the first year of the new regime.
How will the verification process work?
There will be two ways to complete identity verification:
- Directly with Companies House – using the GOV.UK One Login system. This process is free of charge and available to all individuals subject to the requirement.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – a qualified intermediary who carries out verification on behalf of the client and ensures compliance with all formalities. This is a paid service – for example, J. Dauman & Co. offers identity verification as part of its comprehensive support for businesses.
Verification through an ACSP ensures formal accuracy, full compliance with legal requirements, and the reassurance of having experienced professionals handle the process.
Why is verification important?
Identity verification is not just a formality – it is a condition for the proper functioning of a company within the register. Under the new rules, individuals who fail to complete the process within the prescribed timeframe will not be permitted to act as directors or PSCs, nor will they be able to file documents at Companies House.
Why act early?
Although there will be a transitional period, completing verification early brings clear benefits. It provides peace of mind and predictability in meeting obligations, avoids the pressure of approaching deadlines, and ensures that all formalities are dealt with in good time, without disrupting day-to-day business operations. Acting proactively allows business owners to focus on growth while knowing that regulatory requirements are fully taken care of.
How J. Dauman & Co. can help
The new identity verification rules mark an important step towards greater transparency and security in the UK business environment. For entrepreneurs, they represent an additional administrative obligation but also an opportunity to streamline corporate governance and strengthen the credibility of their company.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), J. Dauman & Co. is licensed to carry out verification on behalf of clients. This ensures the process is clear and efficient, providing full compliance with Companies House requirements, expert support at every stage, and the confidence to continue operating in a secure and reliable manner.
Get in touch with us to complete the verification process smoothly and prepare your company for the new regulations in full compliance with Companies House.
From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and Persons with Significant Control must complete mandatory identity verification at Companies House. These new rules aim to increase transparency, improve security, and ensure companies operate in full compliance with the law.