Companies House to Introduce Mandatory Identity Verification on 18 November 2025

Companies House will require digital identity verification for many individuals working for UK companies and LLPs starting on November 18, 2025. It’s a major change. Until now, verification was optional. In order to improve the standard of the UK company register and prevent fraud, the new system is being implemented under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). 

The majority of people will only have to verify once, but each time they take on specific roles or submit specific documents, they will still need to provide their verification (through a “personal code”).

By mid-November 2026, approximately 6–7 million people are anticipated to be impacted by new mandatory digital identity verification (IDV) rules from Companies House.

Why Companies House Is Introducing Verification

Companies House has been criticized for years for not verifying the identities of those behind registered businesses. Currently, anyone can quickly create a UK company online without ID. This ease has made the UK a simple place to start a business, but it has also made the system open to abuse and fraud.

Criminals and dishonest operators have taken advantage of these loopholes by:

• Using fake names or stolen IDs to register fake directors or shareholders.
• Creating shell companies to hide illegal acts or move money anonymously.
• Hiding the real owners using complex structures which makes it hard to see who controls the company.

Who Will Need to Verify Their Identity

Many individuals associated with UK companies and limited liability partnerships will be subject to the new identity verification service rules:

• Company Directors: If you’re chosen as a director, you’ll have to prove who you are before your appointment is official. If you skip this step, your appointment won’t be legal, and Companies House won’t register it.

• People with Significant Control (PSCs): Individuals who own or control over 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights, or those who have a notable say in the company, need to prove their identity to be recognized as people with control.

• LLP Members: If you’re part of a limited liability partnership, all members (both designated and non-designated) need to get verified.

• Anyone Filing Information with Companies House: This covers company secretaries, accountants, formation agents, or really anyone who sends documents for a company.

In summary, this new system will require you to provide digital identity verification if you are involved in the formation, management, ownership, or representation of a UK company or limited liability partnership.

How Identity Verification Service Will Work

Companies House has launched a new identity verification service with the goal of improving the security, transparency, and dependability of the UK company register. Anyone involved in creating, running, or filing for a company or limited liability partnership will have to use this new digital identity verification process starting on November 18, 2025.

The system is being developed to help stop fraudulent company registrations and the use of false identities while remaining simple for legitimate business owners.

1. Verifying Directly with Companies House:

Individuals will be able to use the official Companies House identity verification service to complete the process online. This will involve:

• Uploading a legitimate photo ID, like a UK driver’s licence or passport.
• Taking a live photo or short video to match your ID in real time.
• Verifying personal information like your name, birthdate, and address.

After your digital identity has been validated, you will be given a unique personal verification code. This code will demonstrate that you are able to legally perform your duties and have successfully completed the Companies House verification process.

2. Verifying Through an Authorised Agent

Firms will also be able to finish the process by using an authorised agent, like a lawyer, accountant, or company formation agent.

• This service will be available only to agents who are supervised by the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

• Using authorised technology, these agents will complete the necessary digital identity verification checks and send the confirmation straight to Companies House.

• To ensure complete accountability, each verification can be linked back to the agent who carried it out.

With this method, companies that currently use expert service providers can easily incorporate verification into their regular compliance procedures.