News
New Companies House ID check to crack down on fraud
Companies House has released timescales for the introduction of “a new identity verification process to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes.”
First published 31 Oct 2024
By Catherine Heinen, FCCA 1 min read
Self Employed
Individuals setting up, running, owning and controlling a UK company will need to verify their identity to reduce fraudulent information on company registers.
The phased approach will work as follows:
Autumn 2025
All new directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and members of a limited liability partnership will need to complete identity verification at the point of incorporation.
Directors and PSCs of existing companies will have a 12-month transition period to verify their identity. Identity verification will be required when the company’s confirmation statement deadline.
Spring 2026
Anyone acting on behalf of a company will need to verify their identity.
Identity verification can be completed directly with Companies House, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSPs). ACSPs can include company formation agents, solicitors and accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Companies House identity verification requirements come into place from 18th November 2025 to 18th November 2026. The date by which individual directors and PSCs need to have identity verification in place depends on personal and company circumstances.
Companies House are bringing in identity verification rules to help prevent criminals from filing fraudulent company documents and to ensure the public can trust the information on the register is accurate and reliable.
No, directors are not the only role affected by the new identity verification rules. PSCs must also have their identities verified for Companies House.
First published 31 Oct 2024
Catherine Heinen, FCCA
Catherine is a qualified accountant and technical content writer with experience working at mutliple accountancy practices in the UK top 50 accountancy firms according to Accountancy Age. Catherine has significant experience in accounts, tax returns and advising clients. Catherine ensures businesses, business owners and individuals are kept up to date and informed by providing concise and informative technical material.
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