Company ID Verification Requirements: What You Need to Know

As part of the ongoing measures introduced under the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, Companies House will require identity verification (IDV) for certain individuals to improve transparency and prevent the misuse of companies for illegal purposes. These requirements take effect from 18 November 2025.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

Identity verification will be required for individuals in the following roles in relation to a company or LLP registered in England and Wales:

• Directors

• Persons with significant control (PSCs)

• Individuals filing documents at Companies House on behalf of the company

• LLP members

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties, including fines or being prohibited from acting as a director.

When Does ID Verification Need to Be Completed?

The timing for verification varies depending on your role and the date the company was incorporated:

• Director (Company incorporated before 18 Nov 2025): When filing the company’s next confirmation statement (after 18 Nov 2025)

• Director (Company incorporated on or after 18 Nov 2025): When applying to register the company

• PSC who is also a director (Company incorporated before 18 Nov 2025): Within 14 days of the next confirmation statement (after 18 Nov 2025)

• PSC who is also a director (Company incorporated on or after 18 Nov 2025): Within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register

• PSC who is NOT a director (Company incorporated before 18 Nov 2025): No later than the 14th day of your birth month

• PSC who is NOT a director (Company incorporated on or after 18 Nov 2025): Within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register

• Person filing documents on behalf of the company: Requirement to be introduced in the future

How to Verify Your Identity

There are two main ways to complete ID verification:

1. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

• ACSPs are registered with Companies House to assist clients with ID verification.

• OCZO can act as your ACSP and guide you through the process directly.

2. Using GOV.UK One Login

• Individuals can create a GOV.UK One Login, upload identification documents, and submit any additional information requested.

Once verification is successful, Companies House will issue a unique identifier, which must be submitted with the relevant filings as outlined above.

Conclusion

Non-compliance with the IDV rules is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines and disqualification from acting as a director. OCZO strongly advises completing verification as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.

If you have questions about the new IDV requirements or would like guidance on compliance, please contact our team using the form below.

This article is provided for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal advice.