Companies House ID Verification: UK Reform Explained

The Companies House ID verification process has officially started. From April 2025, directors, PSCs, and third-party agents can begin verifying their identity. This post breaks down the reform, how it affects multinational companies, and what steps to take before deadlines hit.

What was the process before?

Until recently, Companies House had no obligation to check the identity of individuals forming companies or submitting information. Directors and PSCs could be appointed without undergoing formal ID verification. Likewise, agents could act on behalf of businesses without disclosing their own identity or being vetted.

As a result, the UK’s company register became vulnerable. Fraud, shell companies, and unreliable records proliferated because Companies House lacked the tools to verify whether the people behind filings were real or acting in good faith.

What’s changed under the new law?

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House has new powers. These include the legal authority to verify identities for anyone managing, owning, or filing for a UK company.

These new rules apply to:

• Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Individuals filing on behalf of companies
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

There are two verification methods available:

1. Directly through GOV.UK One Login and Companies House
2. Indirectly via an ACSP authorised to verify identities on behalf of clients

Both options deliver the same verification standards. Therefore, companies can select whichever route fits their workflow best.

What does Companies House ID verification require?

The identity check confirms that individuals involved with a company’s filings or operations are who they claim to be. These individuals must present biometric data or submit official documents, either through Companies House or an ACSP.

This new layer of control intends to increase ownership transparency, reduce economic crime, and ensure that only authorised individuals can make or alter filings.

What’s the timeline for compliance?

The timeline for compliance is structured in stages:

• 18 March 2025 – Agents can register as ACSPs
• 8 April 2025 – Voluntary Companies House ID verification begins
• Autumn 2025 – ID checks become mandatory for new appointments
• Autumn 2026 – Deadline for all existing directors and PSCs to verify

Although the deadlines may seem distant, companies should act now to avoid future complications.

What is an ACSP and how does it operate?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is an intermediary—such as a solicitor, accountant, or company formation agent, approved to carry out identity checks for clients.

To become an ACSP, the applicant must:

• Hold a senior role in the firm (e.g. director or general partner)
• Be supervised under the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations
• Complete personal identity verification themselves

Once approved, the ACSP receives a digital account and unique ID number. This allows them to file on behalf of clients and verify identities. Staff may be added to the account and can perform filings without separate identity checks, provided the business remains compliant.

What are the legal duties of ACSPs?

ACSPs must meet strict compliance standards. They are required to:

• Stay supervised under a UK AML body
• Inform Companies House of any changes to their business details
• Keep records and supply information on request

To verify someone’s identity, an ACSP must:

• Collect full personal data (name, address, DOB)
• Validate identity documents using either technology or manual checks
• Confirm the person’s identity through biometric or cross-referenced data

This process introduces a robust compliance layer to all corporate filings submitted via agents.

How should multinationals prepare for Companies House ID verification?

Over 7 million individuals and agents will be affected. Therefore, multinational companies must begin preparations early. Key steps include:

• Reviewing officers and PSCs across all UK entities
• Deciding whether to verify identities directly or through an ACSP
• Partnering with AML-supervised agents who are registering as ACSPs
• Ensuring that anyone submitting filings is verified
• Setting up internal systems to track verification progress and deadlines

By acting now, companies reduce the risk of filing disruptions and compliance failures later.

What happens if companies miss the deadline?

Failure to meet verification deadlines could lead to serious consequences. For example, Companies House may reject filings, revoke ACSP status, or launch formal investigations. Therefore, proactive planning is critical. It protects not only a company’s filing capacity but also its regulatory reputation.

What’s next?

Managing an ID verification process requires detailed planning and full legal awareness. For more insights into processes in other jurisdictions, explore our article, Dividend Distribution in UK Companies: Getting It Right the First Time.

Klea transforms entity management by offering centralised governance, automated compliance, and secure collaboration tools. For this reason, businesses looking for an efficient, scalable solution can take the following actions:

Request a Demo – See Klea in action for your organisation.
Start a Trial – Experience firsthand how automation reduces workload and improves efficiency.
Talk to Our Experts – Get tailored recommendations based on your entity management needs.

Company secretarial software solutions play a crucial role in modern businesses that require structured governance, consistent compliance, and accurate legal entity management. With Klea, organisations can ensure corporate governance remains efficient, transparent, and risk-free.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on Klea’s website is made available “as is” for informational purposes only. Klea does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice and is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on the content found on this website. In no event shall Klea be liable for any loss or damages arising from reliance on the information contained herein.

For specific legal or compliance support tailored to your business needs, please contact Klea directly. Our team provides personalised guidance and expert solutions. Any reliance on general content without direct consultation does not establish any legal responsibility or liability on Klea’s part.