Identity crisis – Companies House begins to verify identities

On 8 April 2025, Companies House introduced identity verification for those who make filings on behalf of a business.

It is currently a voluntary process, but will become mandatory for new businesses by the end of the year and mandatory for everyone within 12 months of their most recent filings.

Who needs to verify their identity, and how do they do it?

You will need to have your identity verified to ensure you can file with Companies House if you are any of the following:

• A director
• A Member
• A general partner
• A managing officer
• A person with significant control
• Or someone who files for the company, like a company secretary

As with most identity verification, the accepted forms of photo ID are:

• Biometric passports from any country
• UK full or provisional photo driving licences
• UK Biometric Residence Permits and Cards
• UK Frontier Worker Permits

You may also need your current address and the year that you moved in to verify your occupancy in the UK.

Verifying your identity is free when done directly with Companies House and will involve using your GOV.UK One Login and providing the relevant evidence.

Alternatively, you can have your identity verified by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Your accountant will likely be registered as an ACSP.

ACSPs have committed to upholding anti-money laundering regulations and can make filings on behalf of businesses, as well as verifying identities.

Those in limited partnerships must use an ACSP for identity verification and filings as of 2026.

Once an identity is verified, it will remain so until any significant details change, such as changes to your name or address.

To stay compliant with the Companies House changes, speak to our team today!