The Registrar (Identity Verification and Authorised Corporate Service Providers) Regulations 2025 mark a significant milestone in the UK’s corporate governance landscape. Introduced as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), these regulations aim to strengthen corporate transparency, prevent fraud, and enhance the role of Companies House identity verification in tackling economic crime.
For decades, Companies House relied on a good-faith system where individuals could register as directors or Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) without verification. This approach created vulnerabilities, allowing fraudulent entities to manipulate corporate structures for illicit purposes. The new Companies House identity verification rules are designed to eliminate these risks by ensuring that all individuals associated with UK-registered companies undergo mandatory identity verification.
Identity verification for individuals involved in UK companies is now a legal requirement, effective from 18 November 2025. This date is not a deadline but marks the start of a 12-month transition period, allowing companies time to ensure that all relevant directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) verify their identities by their respective due dates.
This guide offers a detailed overview of the regulations, explaining the verification process, compliance requirements, and the role of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
Major Highlights of the Companies House Identity Verification Process
Do You Know
7 million individuals (existing directors and PSCs) will go through these checks. The identity verification will happen as part of the annual confirmation statement filing.
Purpose: The Regulations aim to enhance corporate transparency in the UK by ensuring individuals involved in company operations are properly verified to prevent economic crime, such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
Legal Foundation: Established under the Companies Act 2006 and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the Regulations provide a clear framework for identity verification in business transactions.
Company House Identity Verification Requirement: All individuals, including directors, officers, and shareholders, must undergo identity verification to confirm their identity before being involved in company activities.
Verification and Re-verification:
- Initial Verification: Involves submitting personal information (e.g., full name, date of birth, proof of address).
- Re-verification: Individuals must comply with a Reverification Notice within 42 days if their information is questioned, or they lose their verified status.
Role of ACSPs: Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are authorised to carry out identity verification checks on behalf of individuals, ensuring consistency and reliability.
Unique Identifiers: Upon successful verification, individuals and ACSPs receive unique identifiers, also known as Companies House Personal code, which must be used for future interactions with the Companies House to maintain accurate records.
Documentary Evidence: Additional documentary evidence, such as passports or government-issued IDs, may be required for verification. In some cases, third-party confirmation may be necessary.
Record-Keeping: ACSPs are required to retain all verification records for seven years, ensuring a proper audit trail for compliance and potential future investigations.
Compliance Obligations: ACSPs must comply with stringent requirements, including providing information to the Companies House upon request and notifying the Companies House of any significant changes in their business operations.
Continuous Review: The Regulations are subject to review every five years, ensuring they remain effective and adaptable to emerging threats in the corporate landscape.
Background and Need for Companies House Identity Verification
Prior to the implementation of these regulations, corporate registrations in the UK were largely unregulated in terms of Companies House identity verification. Companies House operated on a "good faith" basis, meaning that individuals could register as directors or PSCs without formal verification. This led to a significant rise in fraudulent activities, including identity theft, money laundering, and financial fraud. Criminal organisations took advantage of the lack of oversight, creating shell companies to launder illicit funds and avoid detection. Additionally, many corporate agents who formed and managed companies on behalf of clients failed to conduct due diligence.
The introduction of the Registrar (Identity Verification and Authorised Corporate Service Providers) Regulations 2025 marks a turning point in the UK’s fight against corporate fraud. By requiring all directors, PSCs, and relevant officers to verify their identity before assuming their roles, the government aims to increase transparency and restore trust in corporate entities.
The new regulations address these issues by:
- Requiring all new and existing directors, PSCs, individual agents, and presenters filing documents with Companies House to complete Companies House identity verification.
- Implementing unique identifiers to track individuals across multiple directorships.
- Introducing a regime for suspending or de-authorising non-compliant corporate service providers.
Without these regulations, Companies House would lack the necessary authority to enforce Companies House identity verification, limiting its ability to combat fraud and economic crime.
Who Must Verify Their Identity for Companies House Verification?
The new regulations require mandatory Companies House identity verification for the following individuals:
- Directors of UK-registered companies
- Natural person directors of corporate directors
- General partners of Limited Partnerships (LPs), including Scottish Limited Partnerships (SLPs)
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) and officers of Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)
- Directors of overseas companies registered in the UK
- Community Interest Company (CIC) directors
- Individuals filing documents on behalf of companies who are not registered ACSPs
This requirement applies to both existing and newly appointed individuals, with a strict timeline for compliance.
Do You Know
Several business registries globally already require identity verification, these include Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Companies House Identity Verification Process
A central feature of the Regulations is the stringent set of procedures for Companies House identity verification of individuals involved in company registrations and ongoing corporate activities.
Individuals required to verify their identity can do so through one of two methods:
Direct Verification through Companies House Identity Verification
Under this method, individuals submit identification documents—such as a passport or driving licence—directly to Companies House. The authority uses biometric matching technology to confirm the identity of the applicant. Once the process is completed, the individual receives a Unique Identifier (UID), which must be used for all future interactions with Companies House identity verification.
Indirect Verification via an ACSP
Alternatively, individuals may choose to verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). These are professional service providers, such as accountants and legal advisors, who are registered under the Money Laundering Regulations. The ACSP performs Companies House identity verification checks on behalf of the individual and submits a verification statement to Companies House.
Note
A director or PSC (the individual) is considered verified once they complete the identity verification process. Confirmation of verification substantiates that those holding these appointments have verified their identity and match them with their identity.
Example
An individual may be a PSC and director for company A, and a director in company B. They will only be required to verify their identity once, but this information would need to be provided for each appointment.
Check out our service page regarding Identity Verification for Company Director & PSCs.
Required Documents to Perform Companies House Identity Verification Through ACSP
When an ACSP performs identity verification checks on behalf of someone else, Companies House offers two options that the ACSP can choose from. The type of documents required for the verification process will depend on which option is selected. Each option has specific requirements and determines the acceptable forms of identification and supporting evidence needed to complete the Companies House identity verification in compliance with official standards.
Option 1
Option 1 must only be chosen if the identity verification is done through identification document validation technology which can validate the cryptographic features present in the document.
Cryptographic features of identity documentation are security elements that help verify the authenticity of the person or organization that issued the document. To meet identity verification requirements, individuals must provide one of the accepted forms of identification. These include a biometric or machine-readable passport, or an Irish passport card, which may be up to six months expired if the cryptographic features can still be validated by identity-checking technology. Other acceptable documents include a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional); an identity card containing biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein; a UK biometric residence permit (which can be up to 18 months expired); a UK biometric residence card; or a UK Frontier Worker permit.
Option 2
Option 2 is used when the documents are checked by a person either remotely or in person. If ACSP opts for this option, they require only 2 documents in total to be kept as evidence. The person being verified must provide either two documents from group A or 1 document each from group A and group B.
If the person being verified is non-UK resident, ACSP must request the person to provide at least one document issued by the government.
Group A documents are listed below which often requires document reference number, expiry date, and country of issue:
- A passport or Irish passport card (can be up to 18 months expired)
- An identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
- A UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (can be up to 18 months expired)
- A UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- A UK-accredited PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) card
- A UK or EU driver digital tachograph card
- A UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- A UK HM Forces ID card
- A UK HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
- A UK Frontier Worker permit
- A government-issued photographic work permit
- A government-issued photographic immigration document
- A photographic visa
- A UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man firearms licence
- Any other type of photographic ID listed on PRADO (such as a National Identity Card from Pakistan, a crew member certificate from South Africa, or a U.S. Permanent Resident Card)
Group B documents are listed below which do not require a document reference number, expiry date, or country of issue:
- Birth certificate or adoption certificate
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Non-photographic immigration document
- Non-photographic visa
- Non-photographic work permit
- Bank or building society statement
- UK local authority or social housing rental agreement (must be for the person's current address)
- Mortgage statement (must be for the person's current address)
- UK council tax statement (must be for the person's current address)
- Utility bill (must be for the person's current address)
Reverification of Companies House Identity Verification
If the Companies House doubts the accuracy or validity of previously supplied information, they may issue a Reverification Notice. The individual in question then has 42 days to comply and provide updated or additional evidence. Failure to comply can result in the suspension or removal of verified status.
If an individual does not comply with a Reverification Notice within 42 days, they lose their verified status. The Companies House must inform the individual that their verification status has ended, and they will no longer be recognised as verified until they complete a new application process.
Harder to Verify Officers
A small group of individuals may face challenges in completing Companies House identity verification who are categorised as “Harder to Verify” officers which typically include:
- Overseas residents holding non-biometric or specific biometric passports.
- Individuals with unverified nationalities or residency statuses.
The main options to verify the Harder to verify Officers would be:
- Digital verification
- In Person verification
As harder to verify officers would typically fail to pass the digital verification the in-person verification is the viable path. A typical example of the In Person verification would be providing documentation to a notary and attending an interview.
However, foreign nationals with passports that are not accepted, may be deterred from completing the verification process and may eventually end taking their business out of the UK.
Unique Identifiers (UIDs) and Their Importance
Once an individual successfully completes Companies House identity verification, they receive a Unique Identifier (UID), also known as the Companies House Personal code. This number is essential for tracking directorships and linking individuals across multiple appointments.
- The UID ensures transparency by preventing individuals from assuming multiple identities
- If an individual loses their verified status, the UID is deactivated
- Companies House will publicly display UID status, allowing stakeholders to check verification compliance
Directors or persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must use Companies House Personal code to link their verified identity to the official records for each role they hold.
Directors
Directors will be required to provide the personal code in the below cases:
The directors who have not yet verified their identity need to get verified before filing the company’s next confirmation statement. Directors of an overseas company need to verify their identity by the anniversary of the UK establishment’s registration.
PSCs and Their Role in Companies House Identity Verification
PSCs must provide their Companies House personal code and a verification statement using the dedicated ‘Provide identity verification details for a PSC’ service. Every PSC has a 14-day period during which these details must be provided.
The timing of this 14-day period depends on the PSC's situation:
Scenario | Action Required | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
PSCs who are also directors of the same company | Provide personal code separately for each role (director and PSC) | |
PSCs that are not directors of the same company | Provide personal code within the first 14 days of your birth month. | For example, if your birthday is on 22 January, your verification period will start on 1 January, and you must submit your personal code by 14 January. |
PSCs added after 18 November 2025 | Provide personal code when added to Companies House register or within 14 days of being added. | 14-day period starts from the date of addition to the register. |
Note
You can check the exact dates of your 14-day period on the Companies House register. If your company submits its confirmation statement early, the 14-day period for submitting your personal code will remain unchanged.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The penalties of non-compliance with the identity verification requirements will depend on circumstances. If an individual who was under the requirement to verify their identity with the Registrar, and failed to comply with it, could be subject to criminal proceeding, civil penalties issued by the Registrar of Companies, incorporation or registration of a new company being rejected, being unable to file statutory filings and the public register being annotated to show the individual’s status as “unverified”.
A director will not be able to act as a director until their identity has been verified and failure to verify could result in being prohibited from acting as a director.
All the existing directors and PSCs will have to comply with the new requirement within a transaction period. Those that do not comply by the end of the period may face criminal sanctions or civil penalties.
An individual’s identity should be verified well ahead of their appointment to the board for new appointments. For existing- as soon as the provision are in force, definitely in the time as filing the company’s first confirmation statement.
Role of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
ACSPs play a vital role in supporting Companies House identity verification process by acting as intermediaries between individuals and Companies House. ACSPs play a central role in supporting the Companies House duties, acting as intermediaries to streamline identity checks and ensure that companies meet their obligations. Agents forming companies must register as ACSPs and comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. To become an ACSP, a firm must:
- Be a regulated professional service provider (e.g., accountants, solicitors, company formation agents)
- Register under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017
- Submit verification statements confirming compliance with Companies House regulations
- Maintain identity verification records for seven years
Suspension and Penalties for ACSPs
Companies House has the power to suspend or remove an ACSP’s authorised status if:
- The ACSP breaches the Regulations (e.g., fails to maintain adequate AML controls).
- The ACSP is deemed no longer “fit” to carry out verification responsibilities.
Companies House must notify the ACSP in writing, stating the reasons for suspension and providing a 28-day window for the ACSP to object or make representations.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the new verification rules can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines of up to £10,000
- Criminal charges, including imprisonment of up to two years
- Public register annotations, marking unverified individuals
- Rejection of statutory filings, leading to potential company dissolution
Businesses and individuals must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Companies House will publish a note against the non-compliant individual’s name on the public register. Non-compliance will prevent an individual from being appointed as a new director to an existing company, registering a new company or entity, or registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
If directors or PSCs continue in their roles after the deadline without verifying, they, the company, and potentially all directors, may be committing an offence.
Practical Implications of Companies House Identity Verification for Stakeholders
The main stakeholders surrounding the regulations would be directors, officers and shareholders.
Directors, Officers and Shareholders
Individuals seeking to incorporate a company or assume a directorial role in the UK must adhere to more rigorous identity checks. Failing to respond promptly to reverification requests can jeopardise corporate appointments or official filings.
Existing Corporate Service Providers
Current service providers may need to apply or reapply for authorised status as ACSPs under the new framework.
They must invest in training and systems to ensure they can meet the required standards for verification, record-keeping, and reporting.
General Business Community
The Regulations aim to foster trust in the UK’s corporate ecosystem by deterring fraudulent actors. Companies and investors benefit from heightened assurance about the legitimacy of corporate officers and business partners.
Conclusion
The Registrar (Identity Verification and Authorised Corporate Service Providers) Regulations 2025 represent a significant step forward in corporate governance. By introducing mandatory identity verification, the UK government aims to strengthen corporate transparency, combat financial crime, and enhance trust in business transactions.
Directors, PSCs, and corporate service providers must prepare for these changes well in advance. Early compliance with Companies House identity verification mitigates risks, prevent penalties, and ensure seamless business operations. Compliance with the new rules is paramount for all corporate stakeholders—directors, shareholders, professional service providers, and ACSPs. With the requirement for periodic review, the Regulations also include a built-in mechanism for continuous improvement, ensuring that the UK’s framework remains agile and effective in addressing evolving threats in the corporate landscape.
For expert guidance, UK Property Accountants offers tailored services to help businesses meet these new legal requirements. Get in touch today for professional assistance in identity verification and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new identity verification check implemented in the UK helps in verification of individuals Involved in company operations such as directors, officers or person with significant control (PSCs). It will also attract individuals or organisations filing information commonly known as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
Shareholders with a controlling interest in companies will be required to verify their identity as a PSC. All other shareholders who are not PSCs are not required to comply with the verification checks.
Directors, officers, shareholders are the ones most impacted by the regulations. Directors and officers must comply with stricter identity verification checks, and failing to respond promptly to reverification requests can affect their ability to serve or file official documents.
The following individuals fall into the categories of directors (and equivalents), PSCs and individuals delivering documents to Companies House who will be required to verify their identity.
- Directors of companies
- Natural person directors of corporate directors
- Non-ACSP presenters
- General partners of limited Partnerships (LPs) including Scottish limited partnerships
- Limited liability partnership (LLP) Members
- Individual PSCs and relevant officers of Relevant Legal Entities
- Natural person member/ partner/ director or managing officer of LLP corporate members
- Natural person member/ partner/ director or managing officer of LP Corporate general partners
- Director of an overseas company
- Community Interest Company (CIC) directors
It Involves submission of personal data, such as full legal name, date of birth, and additional information like proof of address.
You will get a unique identifier after completing the identity verification checks. The Companies House may allocate a new unique identifier to the individual to prevent identity theft and confusion.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are authorised to conduct identity checks on behalf of individuals. They can help you to navigate smoothly through the verification checks.
We have a team of experts dealing in the identity verification and due diligence for your help.
You must submit updated or additional evidence within 42 days. Please note that failure to comply results in the suspension of verified status.
Identity verification will also apply to members of a limited liability partnership (LLP). Hence, they will also need to verify their identity.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are individuals or organisations that engage in anti-money laundering (AML) regulated activities, including:
- Company formation agents
- Solicitors
- Accountants
- Chartered secretaries and governance professionals
Firms and sole traders that are supervised under anti-money laundering regulations and can apply to become ACSPs. These ACSPs will also be referred to as Companies House authorised agents.
Any company employees permitted to file on behalf of their company are referred as ‘non-ACSP presenters.’
Previously, there were no requirements for individuals appointed as company directors, notified as PSCs, or submitting information to the Companies House to undergo identity verification. This left the company registration system vulnerable to misuse, as it was easy for companies or others to falsely register someone as a director or create fictitious identities for directors or PSCs.
Additionally, there were no restrictions on third parties filing documents or forming companies on behalf of others. While most of these third parties, such as accountants and legal advisors, were legitimate businesses, there was evidence suggesting they were at significant risk of being exploited in money laundering schemes.
Identity verification of PSCs & directors is compulsory. If a PSC or director do not complete the verification checks, it will be flagged on the public register whether or not a PSC has been verified.
A director or PSC (the individual) is considered verified once they complete the identity verification process. Confirmation of verification substantiates that those holding these appointments have verified their identity and match them with their identity.
For Example,
An individual may be a PSC and director for company A, and a director in company B. They will only be required to verify their identity once, but this information would need to be provided for each appointment.
The route for digital verification is as under:
Direct Verification through Government Platform
- ‘Standard digital’ verifications through GOV.UK OneLogin platform (online and app)
- ‘Assisted digital’ verifications provided by GOV.UK OneLogin (attending a Post Office to assist individuals to verify themselves)
Indirect Verification through ACSPs
ACPs will help in the verification process of individual directors and PSCs.
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