Companies House Identity Verification: What’s Changing and How We Can Help

From 18 November 2025, mandatory identify verification with Companies House for all company directors and persons of significant control (PSCs) on incorporation and appointment will be legally required. This forms part of new anti-fraud legislation introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), aimed at improving corporate transparency and reducing financial crime.

The 18 November 2025 marks the start of a 12-month transition period where the requirement to comply with mandatory identity verification is tied to the date of your next confirmation statement following this date.  

Companies House is strongly encouraging early action particularly for companies with multiple directors or overseas officers, to avoid delays or potential penalties once enforcement begins.

Ward Williams has registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This means we can continue to file on your behalf and provide guidance on how to meet the new identity verification requirements.

IMPORTANT: If you are a Ward Williams client, once you have verified your identity with Companies House it is imperative that you provide us with your Personal Identifier Number in order that we can carry on filing documents on your behalf.

What you need to do

All company directors and PSCs will need to verify their identity using one of the following official routes:

• Online via GOV.UK using One Login
• In person at selected UK Post Office branches
  >> Post Office identity verification info

If you have any questions or would like guidance on how this applies to your company, please contact Cathy Dilena in our Company Secretarial team:
01932 830664 | enquiries@wardwilliams.co.uk