What are the changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)?
Companies House has introduced a number of important changes as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). We want to make you aware of what these latest Companies House reforms mean for you, whether you’re a company director, LLP member, or person of significant control (PSC) — defined as someone who owns more than 25% of the share capital or has significant influence or control over a company.
In a move aimed at improving corporate transparency and ensuring more accurate and trusted information on the register, there will now be a requirement for identity verification of company directors, LLP members, and PSCs with Companies House.
All companies will be required to have verified the identity of all of the directors, members and PSC’s before the next Companies House filing requirement (see below), starting from Autumn 2025 (there is no set date yet).
Companies House Identity Verification Requirements
Companies House is already emailing companies (example below) about the upcoming mandatory identity verification requirements. The ID verification process officially launched on 8 April 2025, but it becomes compulsory from Autumn 2025.
From Autumn 2025, unless the identity of the relevant individuals has been verified, no submissions will be able to be made to Companies House. For example, accounts and confirmation statements will not be able to be filed without first completing ID verification . This also includes the formation of new companies.
As no confirmation statements will be able to be filed without the ID verification being completed, it is the aim of Companies House to have the ID verification for all companies to be completed by Autumn 2026 (each Company/LLP needing to file a confirmation statement annually).
Failure to comply with the identity verification requirements within the required timeframe may constitute an offence and could lead to financial penalties, sanctions, or disqualification from being a company director.
Who can complete the Companies House ID verification?
Company directors, LLP members, and PSCs can complete their identity verification themselves via the Companies House website. Based on our experience — and corroborated by clients — this is a simple and user-friendly process with a clear step-by-step guide.
Verify your identity for Companies House – and this can be done now (ahead of the implementation date) if you wish.
Alternatively, verification can be carried out via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This is an agent authorised to file documents with Companies House on behalf of clients (e.g. accountants or company formation agents). The ACSP will complete their own ID verification and will need to confirm with Companies House that this has been done to the same standard as carried out by Companies House.
We recommend clients attempt the Companies House verification themselves, as our research shows the process is relatively straightforward. Once completed, please inform your usual RRL contact and provide the 11-digit personal code (format XXX-XXXX-XXXX) issued by Companies House.
We as a firm are a registered ACSP and will be able to assist you, if required. However, as mentioned above, the Companies House verification process is simple and straightforward.
What documents are needed for ID verification?
If completing identity verification yourself via the Companies House online service, you’ll need:
- A UK photo driving licence or biometric passport
- Your current address and the year you moved in
- A GOV.UK One Login (you can sign in or create one during the process)
The process takes around 10 minutes if you have everything to hand.
As a registered ACSP, we use robust identity verification software. This requires access to the original document — copies cannot be accepted. We are in the process of introducing a document scanning system allowing you to complete a secure ‘selfie check’ from your location to verify your ID. More details on this will follow shortly.
Once your ID is verified, it will apply across all companies for which you are a member, director or PSC , you will not need to do this again.
Filing via ACSPs from 2026
From a future date in 2026 (specific timing yet to be announced), only Authorised Corporate Service Providers will be permitted to file documents at Companies House on behalf of clients. This includes accounts, confirmation statements, and company incorporations. We have therefore undergone the process of registering as an ACSP.
Companies House will hold the power to suspend or revoke ACSP status for failure to meet verification standards, so we are committed to upholding our responsibilities as an authorised agent.
Next steps: Get ahead with your verification
We have been advised by Companies House that it is sensible to carry out the ID verification as early as possible to avoid technical issues or bottlenecks later in the year. We recommend you begin looking at the process now, or contact us for further guidance in the coming weeks.
Companies House will have the power to suspend or revoke an ACSP’s status if they do not meet verification standards, so we will be taking our duties as an authorised agent and responsibilities very seriously.
We have been advised by Companies House that it is advisable to carry out the ID verification as soon as possible, to avoid any technical bottle necks towards the autumn, so we would recommend that you look at the process yourselves, or discuss this with us so that we can advise you further, in coming weeks. If you carry out the process yourselves, please provide us with the personal code that is issued upon completion of the verification process (format XXX-XXXX-XXXX).
We will be issuing further guidance to our clients over the coming months.