Companies House ID Verification: What Businesses Need to Know
- New Companies House rules introduce identity verification for company officers.
- Directors and PSCs must verify their identity before acting for UK companies.
- Verification can be completed directly with Companies House or via an ACSP.
- RÖDL UK is a registered ACSP authorised to carry out verification.
The UK government has introduced a series of reforms to Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a mandatory identity verification regime for individuals involved in UK companies.
The aim of these reforms is to strengthen corporate transparency and prevent the misuse of UK companies for fraud, money laundering and other forms of economic crime. By requiring individuals connected to companies to verify their identity, Companies House will be able to maintain more reliable and trustworthy information on the public register.
Who will need to verify their identity?
Under the new regime, identity verification will be required for several key roles associated with UK companies. This includes:
- Directors of UK companies
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Individuals filing information at Companies House on behalf of a company
Identity verification will become a prerequisite for carrying out certain activities, such as being appointed as a director or submitting filings to Companies House. Existing directors and PSCs will also be required to complete identity verification during the transition period once the regime becomes fully operational.
How identity verification works
Individuals will have two options for verifying their identity:
Verification directly with Companies House
Individuals may verify their identity directly with Companies House through the government’s online verification system. This typically involves submitting identification documents and completing a digital identity check.
Verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Alternatively, identity verification can be completed through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
ACSPs are professional firms that are registered with Companies House and authorised to carry out identity verification checks on behalf of their clients. These providers must be supervised for anti-money laundering purposes and must meet specific regulatory requirements.
RÖDL UK is a registered ACSP, meaning we are authorised to verify the identity of individuals connected with UK companies and submit the verification to Companies House.
Why these changes are important
The introduction of identity verification represents a significant shift in how Companies House operates. Historically, the UK company register has relied largely on self-reported information. The new regime introduces stronger controls designed to ensure that individuals associated with companies are genuine and identifiable.
For businesses, this means that corporate governance processes will need to adapt to the new requirements. Companies should ensure that directors and PSCs understand the verification obligations and complete the process within the required timeframe.
Failure to comply with identity verification requirements may prevent individuals from acting as company directors or from submitting filings to Companies House.
Preparing for the new regime
Although implementation will occur in stages, companies should begin preparing now. Practical steps include:
- Identifying all directors and PSCs who will need to complete identity verification
- Ensuring internal records match the information held at Companies House
- Considering whether to complete verification directly or through an ACSP
- Updating internal compliance processes for future appointments of directors or PSCs
Using an ACSP can often simplify the process, particularly for companies with international directors or complex corporate structures.
How RÖDL UK can help
As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), RÖDL UK can carry out identity verification checks on behalf of directors, PSCs and other individuals associated with UK companies.
We can assist with:
- Identity verification for company officers and PSCs
- Submitting verification confirmations to Companies House
- Advising on compliance with the ECCTA reforms
- Supporting companies with ongoing corporate governance requirements
Key takeaway
The Companies House identity verification regime is a major development in UK corporate transparency. Directors, PSCs and those filing with Companies House will soon be required to verify their identity before performing certain functions.
Businesses should begin preparing for these changes now to ensure compliance and avoid disruption once the new rules are fully implemented. If you require assistance with identity verification or would like to understand how the new regime affects your company, the RÖDL UK team would be pleased to assist.