Companies-House-Verification-2025

Companies House Reform – Identity Verification & Filing Changes (October 2025 Update)

Mandatory identity verification (IDV) under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 starts from 18/11/2025 with a 12-month transition for existing officers. Key official guidance and timing are linked below.

Primary sources (live links)

• Gov.uk news (05/08/2025) – Identity verification rollout from 18 November 2025
• Companies House campaign hub – Identity verification
• Companies House blog (16/10/2025) – Making IDV simple, secure and trusted
• Companies House blog (08/10/2025) – Then and now: impact of the ECCTA
• Gov.uk – ECCTA outline transition plan

What changes and when

• From 18/11/2025: mandatory IDV for new directors and PSCs on appointment/incorporation; existing directors/PSCs verify within 12 months (typically alongside the confirmation statement). Members of LLPs are also in scope.
• Verification routes: verify directly with Companies House via GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Individuals generally verify once and receive a personal code for reuse across roles.
• Later phases: IDV for limited partnerships and certain corporate roles will commence later (date TBC).

What firms should do now

1. Map all entities, directors, PSCs and LLP members requiring IDV; diarise deadlines around confirmation statements.
2. Choose verification route (direct or ACSP) and prepare KYC documents; brief overseas officers early.
3. Update engagement letters and board procedures to capture IDV obligations, personal codes and verification statements.
4. Clean the register: ensure registered office and email address requirements are met; expect stronger query powers and rejection of filings.