Upcoming Companies House ID Verification Reforms: What You Need to Know

Introduction

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As part of the government’s continued push for transparency and accuracy in UK business records, identity verification requirements are being rolled out under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These changes aren’t just admin tweaks—they affect millions and are part of a much broader effort to crack down on fraud and improve trust in the corporate system.

Whether you're a director, an accountant, or someone submitting information on behalf of a business, here’s what you need to know about the timeline, responsibilities, and how to stay compliant.

What’s Changing with Companies House?

Starting 8 April 2025, identity checks will be introduced on a voluntary basis for company directors and individuals with significant control. But come autumn 2025, things get serious—ID verification becomes mandatory for new company formations and appointments. From that point, there’s a 12-month window for existing directors and PSCs to get verified, ending in autumn 2026.

These requirements will impact around 7.4 million existing officers currently listed with Companies House. So, if you’re on that register, ID verification will soon be on your to-do list.

The updates come as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). This legislation gives Companies House stronger powers to verify identities, clean up the register, and make sure the information they hold is trustworthy and legally sound.

Why These Reforms Matter

Under the new rules, anyone submitting information to the public register—including third parties acting on behalf of businesses—will need to be verified. This includes accountants, legal professionals, and company formation agents.

By tightening up who can file information and making them verify their identity, Companies House aims to:

• Cut down on misuse and fraudulent filings.
• Make it easier to identify suspicious or unlawful actors.
• Boost the accuracy of UK company data.

To help with this, Companies House will introduce a new role: the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): What Are They?

If your business files documents or verifies identities for clients (like an accountant or company formation agent), you’ll need to register as an ACSP before you can continue doing so.

From 18 March 2025, third-party agents can begin registering. To qualify, your business must:

• Be subject to UK Money Laundering Regulations.
• Be supervised by an official AML body, such as ICAEW.
• Have someone in a senior role (e.g., director, general partner) complete the application process.

Sole traders can also register but will need to provide more personal details, including their date of birth and full legal name.

How ACSP Registration Works

When applying to become an ACSP, the senior applicant will need to:

1. Verify their identity through Companies House’s system.
2. Provide up-to-date business information.
3. Set up a digital account and receive a unique ID number.

Once registered, the account holder can add staff members who’ll help with filings or ID checks. Those staff don’t need to undergo ID verification themselves but will operate under the ACSP’s authority.

ACSP Legal Responsibilities

After registering, an ACSP must:

• Stay compliant with their AML supervisory body.
• Notify Companies House of any changes to their business details.
• Keep adequate records and provide them upon request.

Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in enforcement action or loss of status.

Identity Verification: The Process

When verifying someone’s ID, ACSPs must:

• Collect full legal name, DOB, and current address.
• Review and validate ID documents (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
• Use biometric checks and/or ID document validation technology (IDVT)‍
• Ensure the ID truly belongs to the individual by cross-referencing data.

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Updated Timeline: Key Dates toNote

• 18  March 2025: Registration opens for third-party  providers to become ACSPs.
• 8  April 2025: Voluntary identity verification begins.
• Autumn 2025: Mandatory ID checks start for new directors and PSCs.‍
• Autumn 2026: Deadline for existing directors and PSCs to be verified.

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Originally, registration was set to begin in February 2025, and voluntary ID checks in March. However, the government pushed both dates back slightly in a March 12 announcement, giving firms a bit more breathing room to get ready.

Conclusion: What Should You Do Now?

These changes might feel technical, but they’re hugely important. If you’re involved in UK company operations—either as a director, PSC, or service provider—start preparing now.

• Directors and PSCs: Get ready for ID checks by autumn 2025.
• Accountants and agents: Make sure you’re set to register as an ACSP by March 2025.
• ‍Everyone: Stay on top of updates from Companies House to avoid non-compliance and last-minute panic.

By acting early, you’ll not only stay compliant—you’ll also position your firm as one that takes governance and trust seriously.