Government Introduces New Identity Verification Requirement to Protect Businesses from Impersonation
It’s hoped that this additional security will deter people intending to use companies for illegal purposes, reducing the risk of fraud and improving transparency, trust and accuracy of information on the Companies House register.
More than six million individuals will need to prove their identity in the 12 months after identity verification becomes mandatory, which is expected to be in the autumn.
However, a voluntary period has begun where individuals running businesses can verify their identity with Companies House. This will reduce strain on the system once verification becomes mandatory, and introduce protections sooner.
Individuals can verify their identity by supplying the evidence requested via their GOV.UK One Login, a local Post Office, or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Who Needs to Verify?
- Directors
- The equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
- A person with significant control
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - also known as a Companies House authorised agent
- Someone who files for a company - for example, a company secretary
How to Verify Online
You can verify online if you have the identity documents or information required. This route uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity and is free of charge.
You’ll need one of the following types of photo ID:
- biometric passport from any country
- UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
For more information about other ways to verify your identity, visit this government webpage.
When you have successfully verified, you’ll get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. The code is personal to you, not your company or a company you work for.
From autumn 2025, you’ll need it for various reasons such as:
- When you file your confirmation statement
- If you are appointed as a director
- If you become a person with significant control (PSC)