If you are a director or person with significant control (PSC) of a UK-registered company or a member or PSC of a limited liability partnership (LLP), you will soon need to complete a digital identity verification check.
That’s because the check will be a legal requirement as Companies House implement their Identity Verification (IDV) service and introduces a system which aligns with their plans to improve the accuracy and reliability of information available.
You can already access the new IDV service after the voluntary window opened earlier this year, but digital ID checks are becoming mandatory from 18 November 2025.
It’s important to identify who within your company must complete the ID checks and ensure everything is in order well ahead of the deadline.
This initiative forms part of the Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at addressing financial crimes and tackling organisations, owners and businesses involved in criminal activity.
Digital ID verification is part of a broader push to increase transparency and improve the accuracy of information held at Companies House.
By implementing these identity checks, Companies House will have access to more reliable data, helping them act on issues such as fraud and money laundering and report any suspicious concerns to the relevant authorities.
The overarching goal is to strengthen the integrity of the companies register and take appropriate action where necessary to uphold trust in UK business.
The new legal requirements apply to directors and PSCs of UK-registered companies.
It will be mandatory for all newly appointed directors and PSCs to complete an identity verification check from 18 November 2025. This also extends to LLPs, where members and PSCs will also need to complete the checks.
From 18 November 2025, existing company directors and PSCs, as well as members and PSCs of LLPs, will need to complete their ID verification checks prior to filing their company’s/LLPs annual Confirmation Statement. There will be a 12-month window before Companies House starts prosecuting companies and LLPs for non-compliance.
Any individual who fails to complete an ID check when required will be breaching the law, and they and their company/LLP could face a large fine or criminal prosecution or be denied the opportunity to register new entities with Companies House in the future.
Currently, the focus is on directors, members of LLPs and PSCs, but there are proposals to widen these requirements to include additional roles.
Individuals who are filing on behalf of companies, as well as the officers of corporate PSCs, limited partnerships, and corporate directors, will soon need to complete ID verification checks.
Although at this stage Companies House haven’t confirmed when these measures will come into place, it will likely be sometime in 2026.
The process is straightforward, but if you do need support or are unsure, speak with legal or finance experts who can help.
You can validate your information through two different avenues, directly through the Gov.uk One Login app or online account or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
ACSPs are professionals or businesses who are required to follow anti-money laundering (AML) regulations set by their relevant authorising bodies. These include accountants, solicitors, chartered secretaries, and certain government officials.
An ACSP can carry out the digital ID verification on your behalf and confirm the outcome with Companies House. They will submit the information and notify Companies House that you have completed a check.
If you use the Gov.uk One Login app, you will need to create an account and will then need your passport, a driving or provisional license and documents that prove your current address to complete the verification process.
If your passport contains a biometric chip, you can scan this as part of the process if you have a phone that meets the requirements. This chip helps validate your information and provides more reliable and accurate results for Companies House.
Proof of address documents you can use include bank statements or utility bills.
You are encouraged to carry out your ID verification check as soon as possible, especially while the voluntary window remains open.
If you are unsure about the process or why these new measures are being introduced, you should consult legal or financial professionals.
They can explain the rationale behind the changes, assist with verification, and ensure your business remains compliant with Companies House regulations.
Reach out to our team for more information and support.
