If you are a business owner or director of a UK-registered company, you will soon need to complete a digital verification check.
That’s because the check will be a legal requirement as Companies House implement their Identity Verification (IDV) service and introduce a system which aligns with their plans to improve accuracy and reliability of information available.
Business owners and directors can access the new IDV service after the voluntary window opened earlier this year but that will be changing with digital ID checks becoming mandatory from 18 November 2025.
These changes affect not only business owners but also other key individuals within your organisation. It’s important to identify who within your company must complete the ID check and ensure everything is in order well ahead of the deadline.
Why have Companies House changed their laws?
This initiative forms part of the Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at addressing financial crimes and tackling organisations, owners and businesses involved in criminal activity.
Digital ID verifications are part of a broader push to increase transparency and improve the accuracy of information held at Companies House.
By implementing these identity checks, Companies House will have access to more reliable data, helping them act on issues such as fraud and money laundering and report any suspicious concerns to the relevant authorities.
The overarching goal is to strengthen the integrity of the companies register and take appropriate action where necessary to uphold trust in UK business.
Who does the new laws apply to?
The new legal requirements apply to business owners, directors, and persons with significant control (PSCs) of UK-registered companies.
It will be mandatory for all newly appointed directors and PSCs to complete an identity verification check from 18 November 2025. This also extends to limited liability partnerships (LLPs), where relevant individuals will need to complete the check.
However, existing company directors, owners and PSCs have slightly longer with Companies House giving them a 12-month window to complete their verification check. The deadline for them is 18 November 2026.
Any company director, owner or PSC that fails to complete an ID check will be breaching the laws in place and could face a large fine or be denied the opportunity to register new businesses with Companies House in the future.
Currently, the focus is on directors and PSCs, but there are proposals to widen these requirements to include additional roles.
Individuals who are filing on behalf of companies, members of LLPs, officers of corporate PSCs, limited partnerships, and corporate directors will soon need to complete a check.
Although, at this stage Companies House haven’t confirmed when those measures would come into place.
What can I use to complete a digital ID check?
The process is straightforward but if you do need support or are unsure, speak with legal and finance experts who can help.
You can validate your information through two different avenues, directly through Companies House or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
ACSPs are professionals or businesses who are required to follow anti-money laundering (AML) regulations set by their relevant authority bodies. These include accountants, solicitors, chartered secretaries, and certain government officials.
An ACSP can carry out the digital verification on your behalf and confirm the outcome with Companies House. They will submit the information and notify Companies House that you have completed a check.
Alternatively, you can confirm your information directly with Companies House but for this, you will need to log in using your Gov.uk One Login.
If you don’t have a login, you can create one before completing your check. You will need your passport, a driving or provisional license and documents that prove your current address.
Your passport contains the biometric chip which needs to be scanned during the checking process. This chip helps validate your information and provides more reliable and accurate results for Companies House.
Proof of address documents you can use include HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) letters, bank statements or utility bills.
When should I complete my ID check?
You are encouraged to carry out your ID check as soon as possible, especially while the voluntary window remains open.
If you are unsure about the process or why these new measures are being introduced, you should consult legal or financial professionals.
They can explain the rationale behind the changes, assist with the verification, and ensure your business remains compliant with Companies House regulations.