Mandatory Identity Verification for all Directors

From this Autumn, it will become mandatory for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity to prove who they are. This is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to help prevent people using companies for illegal purposes.

Taking action now will help you to avoid delays or complications. If your company has multiple officers, allow plenty of time for each one to verify their identity. Directors based outside of the UK may also need extra time if they plan to use an authorised agent, also known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify their identity.

You can verify:

online using GOV.UK One Login – if you have the identity documents or information required
in person at selected Post Offices – you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way
using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – for example, an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent (you’ll need to provide suitable identity documents)

What happens when you verify

Identity verification is a two-step process.

Step 1: Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you, not the company. Keep this information secure until you need to use it. You can view your personal code in the ‘manage account’ section of your Companies House account.

Step 2: From autumn 2025, link your verified identity to Companies House records. Information on how to do this has not yet been issued.

The Act gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth. Over time, the aims is that the measures will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on its registers.

There will also be new responsibilities for: