Verifying your identity for Companies House
You may be aware Companies House has published guidance on the new identity verification (IDV) regime that is being introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 for directors and people with significant control (PSCs). The IDV regime is coming into effect in phases, with voluntary verification available from 8 April 2025. Mandatory verification is planned to be introduced by Autumn 2025 for the company incorporation process and all new directors and PSCs. There will be a 12-month transitional period for existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity as part of the annual confirmation statement filing.
There are two routes for an individual to verify their identity: directly, free of charge, through Companies House and indirectly through a third-party Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Most individuals with a biometric passport should be able to use the Companies House service, but this service may not be suitable for some non-UK directors and PSCs.
Who will need to have their identity verified?
Identity verification will become compulsory for the following individuals:
When does IDV need to be completed?
IDV must be completed depending on an individual’s role:
As a registered third party ACSP, we can complete the verification of your identity with Companies House on your behalf.
There are two routes for an individual to verify their identity: directly, free of charge, through Companies House and indirectly through a third-party Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Most individuals with a biometric passport should be able to use the Companies House service, but this service may not be suitable for some non-UK directors and PSCs.
Who will need to have their identity verified?
Identity verification will become compulsory for the following individuals:
- Directors, regardless of their nationality or country of residence;
- PSCs (including individual officers of a registrable relevant legal entity (RLE));
When does IDV need to be completed?
IDV must be completed depending on an individual’s role:
- By Autumn 2025, IDV will be mandatory for directors and PSCs on new company incorporations and for new directors and PSCs of existing companies.
- By Autumn 2025, a 12-month transitional period will begin, requiring existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity as part of the annual confirmation statement process.
As a registered third party ACSP, we can complete the verification of your identity with Companies House on your behalf.
This material is published for the information of clients. It provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date thereof, and are subject to change without notice. No action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material can be accepted by the authors or MIB or any of its associated businesses.