New Companies House Identity Verification Rules – What You Need to Know
Companies House has now rolled out mandatory identity verification requirements for Company Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at improving the integrity of the UK’s corporate register and reducing fraud. We want to ensure that you are prepared for these changes, and this article outlines what has changed, who is affected, and what steps you need to take to remain compliant.
What is changing?
Companies House now requires mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in company management and ownership. This includes:
- New and existing company directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
New directors must verify their identity before incorporation or appointment. Existing directors are required to verify their identity when filing their next annual confirmation statement, within a 12-month transition period. New PSCs need to verify their identity within 14 days of registration and existing PSCs are required to verify their identity when filing their next annual confirmation statement.
What are the verification methods?
There are two main routes available for completing identity verification:
1. Direct verification via GOV.UK One Login
Individuals can verify their identity directly using the GOV.UK One Login system. This is a secure, government-managed platform that allows users to confirm their identity online using official documents such as a passport or driving licence.
Once verified, they will receive a Companies House Personal Code, which is needed when acting in any company role. This code links the verified identity to the individual’s Companies House profile and ensures that filings are accepted.
This method is free and suitable for individuals who are comfortable using online systems and have access to the required documentation.
2. Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
As an approved ACSP, Greaves West & Ayre is authorised to carry out identity verification on your behalf. This option may be preferable if:
- you would like assistance with the process
- you are unable to use the GOV.UK One Login
system - you have complex circumstances or require
additional support.
To complete the verification process we can use one of the following options:
1. Physical verification of specific identify documents, such as a passport, driving licence and bank statements.
2. Identification document validation technology (IDVT) that validates cryptographic features on biometric passports and driving licences.
Once verified, individuals will receive a personal code from Companies House, which must be used when confirming appointments or filing company documents.
What you need to do
To prepare for these changes, we recommend the following steps:
- review your company structure and identify all directors, PSCs, and LLP members who will need to verify their identity
- decide whether you want to verify independently via GOV.UK or through our firm
- please get in touch with us if you would like us to handle the verification procedure, so we can
explain the process in more detail and schedule your verification - whether verifying independently or through us, please ensure you have valid identification documents ready.
Support and Guidance
These reforms represent a significant step toward improving transparency and trust in UK corporate governance.
As your Accountants, we are here to help. If you have any questions about identity verification, need assistance with GOV.UK One Login, or wish to verify through us as an ACSP, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using our dedicated email address IDV@gwayre.co.uk
We are contacting those affected by these changes in advance of their filing deadlines, to make sure everything is in place when the personal codes are needed.
