By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
THE UK Companies House has launched a digital identity verification service for company directors and individuals with significant control.
The government will make the service mandatory in “autumn 2025”. From then, there will be a 12 month deadline to comply.
However, Companies House is urging people to act sooner. From this week, people can verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). The law aims to improve transparency and reduce fraud.
Louise Smyth, CEO of Companies House, said in a statement: “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.”
Companies House identity checks
The requirement will apply to directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing information or acting on a company’s behalf. “More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year,” the government said.
It said the “phased approach” will “reduce the burden on companies”.
To verify their identity online, individuals must submit a UK passport, driving license, residence permit, or Frontier Worker permit. Alternatively, they can go through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or lawyer, regulated for anti-money laundering purposes.
Smyth urged directors and PSCs to act now. “To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window,” she said. For existing directors, checks will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement process.
These identity checks are part of broader reforms under the ECCT Act. The law grants the Companies House stronger powers to fight economic crime and boost trust in the company register.
Smyth said the changes would help clarify “who is setting up, running, owning, and controlling companies in the UK.”
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