Companies House starts to verify identities

The voluntary period for identity verification (IDV) is open for business. More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after IDV becomes a legal requirement later this year. This phased approach reduces the burden on companies.  

Last week, (8 April 2025) saw the launch of a new service that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. People can also verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth.

IDV will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. There will be the same level of assurance whether individuals are verifying their identity directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.

Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said: 

• “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.
• “To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.
• “We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025.
• “To reduce the burden on business, the IDV requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.”

Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets Justin Madders MP 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.”

AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark MP said: 

• “Ensuring trust and transparency in the digital age is vital and today marks an important step forward. Identity verification at Companies House through our GOV.UK One Login service will make it easier to do business with confidence—protecting entrepreneurs, consumers, and the UK economy from fraud and financial crime.
• “By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system. This is a win for businesses, a win for transparency, and a win for economic growth – a key driver for our Plan for Change.”