We wanted to make you aware of important new identity verification requirements coming into effect on 18 November 2025. These changes mean that all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) will need to complete new identification checks to comply with updated Companies House regulations.
As your trusted advisor, we’re here to make this process as smooth and straightforward as possible for you.
What’s Changing
From 18 November 2025, all company directors, PSCs, and anyone filing on behalf of a company will be required to complete identity verification in line with the new Companies House rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
The aim is to improve transparency, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy of company information held by Companies House.
For existing companies, there will be a 12-month transition period for current directors and PSCs, meaning verification must be completed by Autumn 2026, when the company’s next confirmation statement is due.
Anyone appointed or registered after 18 November 2025 will need to complete verification before their appointment or registration can be accepted.
How We Can Help
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we are fully registered to complete ID verification on your behalf.
Here’s how it will work if you choose to use our service:
1. We’ll securely review your existing ID information (we already hold valid ID for many clients).
2. If the ID we hold is still valid and meets the new verification standards, we’ll be able to
3. If we need any updated documents, we’ll contact you to provide these via a secure link.
4. We’ll then complete all required checks and verification steps through our approved ACSP platform and confirm your verified status with Companies House.
We will carry out this process for a fixed fee of £60 + VAT per individual (applicable to each director and PSC).
If your existing ID already meets the new requirements, your verification can usually be completed quickly without any additional input from you.
If You Prefer to Complete It Yourself
If you’d like to handle the verification personally, you can do so directly with Companies House through their online service once it goes live on 18 November 2025.
You will need to:
• Create or log in to your Companies House account
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete ID verification
• Upload valid photographic ID (such as a passport or driving licence)
Once verified, Companies House will issue you a unique personal ID (sometimes referred to as a Verified ID Number).
If you choose to verify your ID yourself, you must provide us with this unique ID — without it, we will be unable to file any company documents, accounts, or updates on your behalf in future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a director of more than one company – do I have to verify for each one?
A: No. You only need to verify your identity once. Once verified, your Companies House profile will show your verified status for all companies you’re associated with.
Q: Do PSCs also need to verify their ID?
A: Yes. Anyone listed as a Person with Significant Control will need to complete verification under the new rules, whether they act as a director or not.
Q: Do I need to send new ID if you already hold mine?
A: Not necessarily. We already hold valid ID for many of our clients. If your ID is current and meets the new standards, we can complete the verification automatically without you needing to resend documents.
Q: What happens if I don’t complete verification?
A: You (or your company) will no longer be able to act or make filings at Companies House until verification is complete. Unverified directors or PSCs may also be removed from the public register.
Q: What if I do my own verification?
A: You’ll receive a unique Verified ID from Companies House. You’ll need to provide this to us so that we can continue to file on your behalf.
Next Steps
We’ll be in touch again closer to the date with step-by-step instructions for clients using our ACSP service.
In the meantime, please let us know if you would like us to complete the verification for you, or if you plan to do it yourself.
If you have any questions or would like to register your interest in our verification service, please reply to this email or contact your account manager.
Thank you for your continued trust in our firm. We’re here to help you stay compliant and make this transition as seamless as possible.
