ECCTA update: new Companies House requirements

In a previous article, we reported on the implementation of the new Companies House identity verification requirements as part of the expansive reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (the “ECCTA”).

The new identity verification requirements will commence on 18 November 2025 and will require all new and existing company directors, LLP members and persons with significant control (“PSC”) to complete mandatory identification verification at Companies House.

Failure to do so will mean that important filings cannot be made and individuals will not be able to file new company incorporations. Directors may be disqualified from acting if they continue to act as a director without verifying their identity and non-compliance with the requirements may result in the company and its officers being guilty of an offence under the ECCTA.

Ways to verify your identity

There are two routes to verification, as follows:

1. The ‘verify your identity for Companies House’ service

Individuals will be able to use their GOV.UK One Login to verify their identity, free of charge here Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, you will be able to use one of the following ways to verify:

• the ID Check app,
• online by answering security questions; or
• entering your details from your photographic ID into the GOV.UK One Login first, then visiting a participating Post Office that offers in branch verification.

2. Authorised Corporate Service Provider (“ACSP”)

Companies House authorised agents such as accountants, solicitors or company formation agents will be able to apply to become an ACSP. This means that an individual may apply to a registered ACSP to have their identity verified (for a fee which is determined by the ACSP). Largely the same information will need to be given to the ASCP as would be required for verification directly with Companies House.

ACSPs will be able to conduct identity verification for individuals as well as file documents at Companies House as a third-party agent on behalf a company.

After verification

Once an individual’s identity verification is complete, they will receive a Companies House personal code. Company directors and PSCs will need this code to form new companies and to make certain filings at Companies House for existing companies (i.e. confirmation statements). Crucially, individuals will need this personal code for each role they have within a company (or companies).

Companies House estimate that between 6 – 7 million individuals will need to have verified their identity by November 2026. It is imperative therefore that individuals do not delay and verify their identities now.

If you have any questions about the ECCTA, please get in touch with our expert corporate & commercial team.

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