Companies House Emails Directors for Identity Verification Under New Rules

You might have received an email regarding verifying your identity for Companies House. This might have been concerning, but there's no need to worry. It is just the UK government’s way to combat economic crime and improve the integrity of the company register. They want the list to be more accurate and to remove all fake and dormant companies, which also includes company officers, directors, and People with Significant Control (PSCs). So, they began by sending emails to everyone concerned. If I were to use a technical term, I would say they want to lift the corporate veil of incorporation.

This development is a direct result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The area that is brought to special attention, aiming to strengthen the UK’s reputation as a safe and transparent place to do business. It introduces one of the most significant overhauls to UK company law in recent years. The primary message they want to convey is that individuals who have significant influence or control over companies should be identifiable and their influence or power should be verifiable.

This article outlines what these emails mean, why identity verification is being introduced, how the process will work, and what steps company officers should take to prepare.

Why Are You Receiving Identity Verification Emails?

Companies House aims to raise awareness among all company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) regarding ID verification, as it will soon become a compulsory requirement from Autumn 2025. They have found this easy method of reaching you through your registered emails in the Companies House. Therefore, everyone who has registered their email address when incorporating their company with Companies House is receiving this email. The registered email address could belong to a company director or a third-party agent who has received this email on behalf of a company. If so, the message should be forwarded to the company directors as soon as possible.

Ensure you received the email from a legitimate domain (e.g., companieshouse.gov.uk) and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Who Will Be Required to Verify Their Identity?

Once implemented, identity verification will apply to:

• All company directors
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone delivering filings to Companies House on behalf of a company, such as agents or company secretaries

Both new and existing companies will be subject to these requirements. Newly appointed directors will need to verify their identity before their company can be registered.

How Will Identity Verification Work?

There will be two primary routes:

• Direct Verification with Companies House
  Involving a secure digital upload of photo ID and facial recognition.
• Verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as UK Property Accountants
  In this case, your accountant or agent, who is registered as an ACSP, will handle the verification process and confirm your identity to Companies House.

Verified individuals will receive a personal code, and their status will be visible on the public register from Autumn 2025.

What Is the Timeline?

The system is expected to be revealed in phases, starting in 2025, but no specific dates have been announced yet. Companies House is currently:

• Upgrading its systems to support secure identity checks
• Coordinating with agents and regulators to implement the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) framework
• Informing directors and PSCs about the current happenings

You can also take a further look at our article related to How Long Does ID Verification Take with Companies House?

What Happens If You Do Not Comply?

Once the new rules are in place, failure to complete identity verification could lead to:

• Inability to register as a director
• Restrictions on filing documents
• Potential criminal or civil penalties
• Removal from the Companies House register

For existing officers, a transition window will be provided to complete the process. Failure to act within this period may result in enforcement action.

What Should You Do Now?

While verification is not yet mandatory, company officers are advised to prepare by:

• Ensuring Companies House has your up-to-date email address
• Reviewing your company’s details on the register for accuracy
• Speaking with your accountant or corporate agent about how verification will be handled
• Watching for official updates from Companies House or GOV.UK

Key Takeaway

The introduction of identity verification marks a major step toward improving corporate accountability in the UK. While it adds a layer of compliance, it also strengthens the legitimacy of the business environment.

Preparing early and working with a trusted advisor will ensure you remain compliant and avoid disruptions. At UK Property Accountants, we are here to support you at every stage of the process.