What Accountants Must Know about Companies House Identity Verification Changes in 2025

What do accountants need to know about the changes to identity verification for Companies House filings?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) was introduced to improve the quality of business conduct and ensure compliance with filing guidelines. As a result, Companies House now has expanded powers to verify and challenge any information filed.

Alongside this, Companies House is more actively supervising which third parties can act on behalf of other businesses. To undertake valid identity checks for clients and register the results with Companies House, accountants will need to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

From spring 2026, accountants will also need to have attained ACSP registration to file with Companies House to perform identity verification activities, ACSP registration is already required.

For those aiming to become ACSPs, verifying identities becomes a key responsibility. To do this effectively, accountants need to understand the recent changes, the options available and the identity verification process.

We’ve compiled answers to frequently asked questions to help accountants prepare for their new roles and responsibilities.

What is identity verification at Companies House?

Companies House intends to verify that anyone involved in the management or control of a UK company is who they claim to be. Next year, this will extend to anyone filing on behalf of a company. This aims to crack down on economic crime by making fraudulent filings much harder to submit. While this adds some paperwork for legitimate businesses, it significantly increases filing integrity.

When does identity verification become important?

Since 8 April 2025, Companies House has offered a voluntary identity verification service. This voluntary phase allows anyone to verify their identity early. However, from autumn 2025, it will be mandatory for all new directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity at the time of appointment or incorporation (including those joining existing companies).

Existing directors and PSCs will need to verify their identity as part of a transitional year from 18 November 2026 onwards. This will largely be completed as part of each company’s first annual confirmation statement from that date.

From spring 2026, identity verification will also become compulsory for anyone filing on behalf of a company, meaning accountants and other filers must be registered ACSPs to continue filing services.

Who needs to verify their identity, and when should they do it?

• Anyone can verify their identity during the voluntary phase starting April 2025 and should strongly consider doing so.

• From 18 November 2025, all new directors and PSCs (including those of existing companies) must verify their identity immediately upon appointment or incorporation.

• Existing directors and PSCs must verify as part of their first confirmation statement (or other timetable provided by Companies House to PSCs) from 18 November 2025.

• From spring 2026, anyone filing on a company’s behalf must be registered as an ACSP and verify identity accordingly.

What role do accountants play in verifying identities?

Accountants who want to continue assisting businesses with Companies House filings will need to register as ACSPs to undertake identity verification checks and to submit verification details to Companies House. While accountants can still file on behalf of clients without ACSP registration during the transitional period, only registered ACSPs will be able to verify identity and file from spring 2026 onward.

What documents does Companies House accept?

Acceptable photo ID documents include:

• Biometric passports from any country

• UK full or provisional photo driving licences

• UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC)

• UK Frontier Worker Permits

Additionally, proof of your client’s current address and the year they moved in may be required to verify occupancy in the UK.

What evidence standards apply to ACSPs?

ACSPs must adhere to the Companies House identity verification standard to maintain their status. This involves collecting:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Current and previous addresses (last 12 months)

They are also required to review original documents to authenticate identities and maintain records of all identity checks for seven years.

How long does identity verification last?

Once completed, identity verification typically remains valid indefinitely, even if the verified person changes their name or address. Companies House has not explicitly stated a requirement to re-verify, but we expect this will be only in cases of suspected fraud or the original verification being recognised as unsatisfactory..unsatisfactory.

If a verified person leaves a company, the next appointment requiring verification will need to be confirmed by the new director or PSC. This is primarily relevant to identity verification requirements for directors/PSCs rather than ACSPs.

What happens if my client does not get their identity verified?

Failure to verify identity when required means that the individual cannot legally act as a director, PSC, or filer. Anyone acting without appropriately having their identity verified will be committing an offence. This may put the business and individuals at risk of non-compliance and possible penalties. Accountants should guide clients through the verification process to avoid such issues.

Is there a fee?

Verifying your own identity directly with Companies House is free of charge. However, ACSPs may charge fees for providing identity verification services to clients.

Why does this matter?

Identity verification helps prevent fraud by ensuring that only legitimate individuals can be registered as managing or controlling companies and file information with Companies House. Fake or “joke” directors and PSCs will be rejected because identity verification cannot be completed for fraudulent identities.

If you experience difficulties or uncertainties regarding these changes, seek professional advice to ensure compliance.

Is there anything that can help accountants with identity verification?

Inform Direct, Bright’s market-leading company secretarial product, can assist accountants acting as ACSPs to fulfil their responsibilities efficiently. It streamlines filing, mitigates errors by automatically flagging potential issues, and includes helpful automated reminders to keep track of outstanding actions.

Data is securely stored in the cloud, reducing risks of data loss and maintaining strong client relationships. The software was designed with accountants’ needs in mind and is supported by an expert team ready to help with complex filings.

Don’t miss out on being a vital part of business compliance. Find out how Inform Direct can help you by speaking to our team today.

This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.