Companies House has introduced a new identity verification process to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes.
Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK must verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.
Who needs to verify their identity
From 18 November 2025, identity verification becomes a legal requirement. This date is not a deadline. It marks the start of a 12-month transition period, giving your company time to make sure all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have verified their identity by their due dates. Read guidance on when to verify your identity for Companies House.
Identity verification is required for:
- new directors and PSCs
- existing directors and PSCs
- members of a limited liability partnership (LLP)
We’ll introduce identity verification at a later date for:
- people who file at Companies House
- limited partnerships
- corporate directors of companies
- corporate members of LLPs
- officers of corporate PSCs
You can verify directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Verifying your identity directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login
You can use GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity using ID documents, such as a passport.
Verifying your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activity, such as:
- company formation agents
- solicitors
- accountants
- chartered secretaries and governance professionals
Anti-money laundering supervised firms and sole traders can apply to become ACSPs. ACSPs are also known as authorised agents.
Identity verification checks carried out by ACSPs must meet the same level of assurance as those who verify directly with Companies House.
If you do not comply with identity verification requirements on time, you’ll be committing an offence. There will be a range of consequences, including a financial penalty. You will not be able to make any filings for your company or start a new company.