23
July
2025

Companies House introduces mandatory identity verification under the ECCTA reforms

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has been introduced to reform the role of Companies House and improve transparency over UK entities. As part of this, the ECCTA is introducing the requirement for certain individuals to verify their identity on Companies House.

 

Why this is happening

The two key reasons as to why this requirement is being introduced is:

  1. to improve the accessibility and transparency of corporate information on Companies House; and
  2. reform the law on attribution of corporate criminal liability for economic crimes.

 

Who must verify their identity

  • Company directors;
  • the equivalent of a director (this includes members, general partners and managing officers); and
  • Persons of significant control (PSCs).

It is worth noting that someone who files for a company, such as, a company secretary or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) will be required to verify their identity in the future.

 

Key Deadlines You Need to Know:

  • Immediate: Voluntary verification is already available (started 8 April 2025)
  • Autumn 2025: Mandatory verification begins for all new appointments and incorporations
  • Spring 2026: No longer able to make filings until your verification is complete
  • Autumn 2025 – 2026: 12 Month transition period for all existing officers to complete verification

 

How to self-verify

There are three main ways in which individuals may self-certify:

  • Using the GOV.UK One Login ID Check app (the “App”) – by uploading your photo ID;
  • Using the GOV.UK One Login web service – by uploading your ID and answering security questions; or
  • Using the GOV.UK One Login face to face service at the Post Office.

 

Valid forms of identification

We have outlined below the identification documents that are valid forms to use in accordance with each self-verification method:

Using the GOV.UK One Login ID Check app Using the GOV.UK One Login web service Using the GOV.UK One Login face to face service
Passport with a biometric chip, not expired UK passport, up to 6 months expired Passport with a biometric chip, up to 18 months expired
UK photocard driving licence, full or provisional UK photocard driving licence, full or provisional Passport without biometric chip, supported countries only, up to 18 months expired
UK biometric residence permit, up to 18 months expired UK bank account supported by a UK National Insurance Number UK and EU photocard driving licence, full or provisional
UK biometric residence card UK biometric residence permit, up to 18 months expired
UK Frontier Worker permit National identity photocard from an EEA country, standardised chipped biometric cards only

 

It is worth noting that individuals can approach an ACSP to verify their identity but details of this are not included in this guide.

For further guidance, please visit the Companies House website has a useful guide which summarises the changes made to company law by the ECCTA at Identity verification – Changes to UK company law.

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