Identity verification is now rolling out for directors, PSCs, and agents, with more filing roles to be included soon under new anti-fraud rules.
Companies House is beginning to roll out mandatory identity verification. This is part of wider reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act that was granted Royal Assent in October 2023. This legislation strengthens Companies House’s authority to prevent the misuse of corporate structures and tackle economic crime.
A key feature of the Act is the requirement for identity checks for individuals involved in company formation, management, or ownership in the UK. Eventually, anyone incorporating a company or being appointed as a director or a person with significant control (PSC) will be legally required to complete identity verification.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
Since 18 March 2025, any ACSP that is defined as an individual or organisation conducting Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervised activities must verify their identity before they can register as an authorised agent with Companies House.
Since 8 April 2025, ACSPs that are registered as authorised agents are permitted to carry out identity verification on behalf of their clients. This means that only those registered as authorised agents will be allowed to submit filings on behalf of other businesses.
Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
Also, since 8 April 2025, directors and PSCs are able to verify their identity voluntarily. Over time, this step will move from optional to mandatory, forming a required part of compliance when forming or managing a company.
Individuals Filing with Companies House
At present, identity verification is not compulsory for individuals submitting filings to Companies House. However, this will also change in due course, with verification becoming a statutory obligation in the future.