Companies House launches new identity verification system for business owners and directors

Companies Houses has launched a new identity registration process for people setting up companies ahead of it becoming mandatory later this year.

Those who set up, run, own or control a company in the UK can verify their identity with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. It can also be done through accountants, legal professionals, company formation agents and other firms that are authorised corporate service providers.

The changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which is designed to prevent organised criminals and fraud by giving Companies House enhanced powers.

Identity verification is currently voluntary but will it become a legal requirement in autumn 2025 for new directors and others, as well as more than seven million existing registered individuals who will have 12 months to comply.

Other changes already in place include a requirement to have an 'appropriate address' as a company's registered office at all times.

To pay for the enhancements, Companies House increased the cost of setting up a limited company and other fees last year.

Verifying identity with Companies House

New guidance published by the government says those who need to verify their identity are:

• a director

• the equivalent of a director, including members, general partners and managing officers

• a person with significant control (PSC)

• an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), also known as a Companies House authorised agent

• someone who files for a company such as a company secretary

Verification can be done online with one of the following 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)

Those who can't verify online may be able to do it in person at a Post Office if they live in the UK. An authorised corporate service provider can also verify an individual's identity on their behalf.

Justin Madders MP, minister for employment rights, competition and markets, said:

"In a time where economic crime has become too common, it is imperative that we bring in measures to prevent identities being stolen online and today marks a significant milestone in our plans to require identity verification for those setting up and running companies on the Companies House register later this year.

"This is good for business, lenders and transparency and will give companies, consumers and lenders more certainty about who they are doing business with."

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