Starting in late 2025, Companies House changed how it manages company registrations and directors. Every UK company director and person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity before taking office or continuing in their role.
This change is not just a formality. It aims to fight fraud, shell companies, and economic crime, and it directly impacts UK business owners and directors.
At Clarkwell & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants in London, we know the new Companies House ID rules can be confusing and time-sensitive, especially for busy directors and business owners. That’s why our Company House Identity Verification Services in London are popular among UK firms wanting to comply without stress. We offer everything from initial guidance to complete verification support, helping clients from small business owners to multi-director firms meet this new legal requirement smoothly.
Whether you’re starting a new business, have years of experience, or are an accountant helping a client, this guide will simplify the ID verification process and share insights from professionals who have already gone through it.
Why Companies House Is Enforcing ID Checks Now
UK director ID verification aims to stop the misuse of the company formation system. Until now, fraudsters could create companies with fake names or stolen identities and run scams without facing consequences.
The new Companies House rules in 2025 will close this loophole. By verifying individuals registering or controlling companies, the government aims to increase transparency, reduce shell companies, and protect the business economy.
This initiative is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which strengthens Companies House’s ability to check suspicious activities. For businesses that rely on trust, like those in construction and R&D, this change could enhance their reputation in the long run.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
If you fall into any of the following categories, the new Companies House regulations apply to you:
- Company Directors (both existing and newly appointed).
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
- Designated Members of LLPs.
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company in certain capacities.
All individuals in these roles must complete identity verification as required by Companies House. This can be done through the government’s GOV.UK One Login system or by using an authorised intermediary.
If you hold multiple positions in different companies, you must verify your identity for each director role, but you only need to do this once. After completing the process, you’ll receive a unique verification code that you can use for all roles.
For companies with several directors or PSCs, it’s important to inform everyone involved and start preparing for compliance. Our accountants in Ruislip can guide you through each step.
How to Verify Your Identity with Companies House
There are two official pathways to completing your Companies House ID checks efficiently:
A. GOV.UK One Login (Free Option)
This is the preferred route for most UK residents. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the GOV.UK One Login portal.
- Create or access your account.
- Provide an approved form of ID (passport, UK driving licence, or biometric residence card).
- Complete a short facial recognition or security step.
- Receive your personal verification code via email.
This method is simple, safe, and free, making it perfect for most people managing UK companies.
B. Companies House ACSP Verification (Paid Option)
If you want to let experts handle it, you can choose an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), like a licensed accountant, lawyer, or company formation agent.
The ACSP will verify your information with Companies House, submit all necessary documents, and remind you about future filings.
At Clarkwell & Co., our UK Construction & Trades Accountants are authorised to help with this process. We offer complete verification and compliance support for busy businesses.
What Is a PSC and Why Are They Included?
A Person with Significant Control (PSC) refers to someone who:
- Owns more than 25% of the company’s shares.
- Holds more than 25% of the voting rights.
- Has the right to appoint or remove a majority of the company’s board of directors.
- Exercises significant influence or control in other ways.
If you identify with this, you are part of the PSC identity check required by Companies House. This initiative aims to eliminate anonymous company ownership, especially in high-risk areas like technology, pharmaceuticals, and R&D.
Our accountants for scientific, R&D, and pharma businesses in the UK are skilled at identifying PSCs and ensuring all verification and registration requirements are met efficiently.
When Must Verification Be Completed?
The ID verification deadline depends on your role and appointment date.
For New Directors and PSCs (Post-November 2025):
Verification must happen before a person is officially registered at Companies House. Companies cannot appoint new officers without proof of identity.
For Existing Directors and PSCs:
There is a 12-month transition period. During this time, everyone must verify their identity. Companies must also submit a verification code when filing their confirmation statement, following Companies House rules.
Companies should start reviewing their deadlines and plan their verification processes now. Delaying could lead to compliance issues, especially for those handling multiple filings.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Not completing the Companies House ID checks can lead to serious problems:
- Financial penalties: Starting in 2025, directors and PSCs may get fines for missing deadlines or giving false information.
- Legal referrals: Cases of non-compliance might be sent to the Insolvency Service or law enforcement, especially for fraud.
- Court action: In serious cases, directors could face criminal charges or be banned from running companies in the UK.
At Clarkwell & Co., we help UK company directors avoid fines. We make sure you meet Companies House requirements so you don’t face legal trouble.
How Verification Enhances Your Company’s Trustworthiness
Following the identity verification process at Companies House is important for more than just avoiding fines. It shows that your business is real, responsible, and safe.
Clients, investors, and regulators are more likely to trust verified companies. Completing these identity checks boosts your credibility, which can lead to:
- Easier access to credit and funding.
- Better supplier relationships.
- Improved staff retention and morale.
- Higher valuation in mergers or acquisitions.
Taking control of your business’s regulatory image today is an investment in its future stability.
The Role of Accountants in Identity Verification
Clarkwell & Co. is a reliable accountant and ACSP, ready to simplify compliance for you.
We help our clients:
- Complete GOV.UK or ACSP-based ID checks.
- Maintain updated company records.
- File timely confirmation statements.
- Organise PSC declarations.
- Conduct internal compliance reviews.
We provide tailored services for businesses in construction, R&D, or consulting in London. Our accountants in Ruislip assist local directors in managing the verification timeline, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises with complex ownership.
Real-World Example: How We Helped a Construction Client
A growing construction company in London had several directors, including two from abroad. They found the digital ID verification process in the UK overwhelming, and any delays might hurt their funding round.
Our Construction & Trades team stepped in as their ACSP and:
- Verified each director and PSC using accepted identity documents.
- Reviewed their company structure for hidden PSC issues.
- Filed updated confirmation statements on their behalf.
- Helped them develop an ongoing compliance calendar.
This support helped the business avoid delays, pass its audit, and keep strong investor confidence.
What You Should Do Today
If you haven’t started preparing for ID verification, the time to act is now:
- Check your company’s filing deadlines.
- Identify directors and PSCs who need to verify.
- Choose a verification method: GOV.UK or ACSP.
- Collect necessary ID documents.
- Start the process early to avoid last-minute issues.
Need help? Our Companies House Identity Verification Services in London are quick, safe, and tailored for your business.
Let Clarkwell & Co. assist you, keep your business compliant, and help you create a reliable, professional presence in the UK economy.
