Company Directors Must Verify ID with Companies House by 2026
Big changes are coming to Companies House, and if you’re a company director, you need to be aware. Starting in Autumn 2025, all company directors, Persons of Significant Control (PSC), and new company incorporations will be required to verify their identity with Companies House. This is part of a wider effort to improve transparency and crack down on financial crime.
What’s Changing?
From Autumn 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for:
- All new company incorporations – Directors and PSCs will need to verify their identity before a company can be registered.
- Newly appointed directors and PSCs – Anyone taking on one of these roles must complete identity verification.
- Existing directors and PSCs – A 12-month transition period will begin, meaning over seven million individuals will need to verify their ID by Autumn 2026.
Why Is This Happening?
These reforms are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), which aims to prevent fraud and improve corporate transparency by ensuring all directors and PSCs are properly identified. The goal is to:✅ Tackle fraudulent company formations✅ Increase trust in the Companies House register✅ Prevent financial crime by ensuring all directors and PSCs are who they say they are
How Will Directors Verify Their Identity?
There will be two main options:
- Direct verification with Companies House – Individuals will provide ID documents through a secure online system.
- Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – Accountants, solicitors, and other regulated professionals can verify identities on behalf of their clients.
What If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to verify your identity by Autumn 2026 could result in serious consequences, including:❌ Inability to act as a director❌ Companies being unable to file key documents❌ Potential fines or enforcement action
What Should You Do Now?
- Stay informed – Keep up to date with Companies House announcements.
- Check your details – Ensure your company information is accurate and up to date.
- Speak to your accountant – If you work with an accountant or service provider, ask about the verification process.
This is one of the biggest changes to Companies House in decades, and while it may seem like more admin, it’s designed to make the UK business environment more secure. If you’re a director, make sure you’re ready to verify your ID before the Autumn 2026 deadline!
Need help navigating these changes? Get in touch – we’re here to help! 🚀
