Companies House introduces a new identity verification process
Posted on 28th April 2025
Companies House has just introduced a new identity verification process to stop people setting up companies illegally.
Now, anyone who wants to set-up, run, own or control a company in the UK must prove who they are.
Why you need to verify your identity
This new legal requirement will help deter people who want to use companies for illegal purposes. This will reduce the risk of fraud and improve the transparency and accuracy of information on the Companies House register.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act of 2023 introduced these and other important changes to UK company law. Companies House now has extra powers to prevent economic crime. The checks will help build confidence about who controls companies in the UK.
Who needs to verify their identity
Companies House started to phase in the new process from 8 April 2025, although you can also voluntarily verify your identity.
You can verify your identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, which replaces the Government Gateway. Alternatively, you can use a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). ACSPs are individuals or organisations taking part in anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activities, such as:
company formation agents
solicitors
accountants
chartered secretaries and governance professionals.
Also known as ‘authorised agents’, ACSPs can submit information and carry out identity verification checks for you. They must meet the same verification standards as Companies House.
Identity verification is now a requirement for:
new company directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
existing directors and PSCs
anyone acting on behalf of a company.
Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) must also verify their identity.
If you don’t meet the identity verification requests on time, it’s an offence and you might receive a financial penalty. If this happens you can’t start a new company or make any filings for an existing company.
Ways to verify your identity
If you have the documents or information needed, you can verify your identity for free online via One Login.
You’ll need one of these types of photo ID:
biometric passport from any country
UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP).
When you logon some simple questions will help you find the best way to verify your identity. You can then use the GOV.UK mobile phone app or your web browser to continue. Alternatively, you may need to provide bank or building society details instead.
You can also verify your identity in person, free of charge, at a Post Office. You’ll need to check in advance to make sure you can use your One Login to do this.
LEOBS will register as an ACSP with Companies House as soon as we can. To verify who you are we’ll ask you to provide documents from an approved list of evidence.
What happens next…
Once your identity verification is complete, you’ll receive a Companies House personal code. The code belongs to you rather than your company or employer.
From autumn 2025, you’ll need this code:
when you file your confirmation statement
when you become a director
if you become a person with significant control (PSC).
If you’re already a director or PSC, the personal code connects your verified identity across Companies House records. This confirms your identity and links to any roles you hold.
Please get in touch to find out more about the new Companies House identity verification requirements.
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