New Identity Verification Requirements for Company Directors: What You Need to Know 

Companies House has recently begun emailing directors and people with significant control (PSCs) about upcoming identity verification requirements, due to become mandatory from autumn 2025. The change is part of the wider reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at reducing fraud and increasing transparency in UK company ownership. 

While these emails are official and genuine, we want to clarify what they mean for you — and what action you do or don’t need to take right now. 

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity? 

All company directors and PSCs will be required to prove who they are by verifying their identity. This process will become a legal requirement and will be essential for maintaining your ability to file documents such as confirmation statements or any future company filings. 

If you do not verify your identity by the deadline, you may: 

• Be unable to complete required filings 

• Be prevented from forming new companies 

• Be subject to financial penalties or criminal sanctions 

How to Verify 

There are currently three ways to verify your identity: 

1. Online using GOV.UK One Login – the most efficient method, available now. 

1. In person at selected Post Offices – only available to UK residents, and you must use the GOV.UK service first to see if you’re eligible. 

1. Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – such as an accountant or solicitor registered with Companies House. 

Can Exchange Verify My Identity? 

We’ve had a number of clients reach out to us after receiving these emails, asking if we can verify their identities as their accountant. 

At Exchange Accountants: 

• We are registered as an ACSP with Companies House. 

• However, the functionality to verify client identities as an ACSP is not yet active. 

• Companies House has not provided a confirmed date or detailed instructions on how or when this process will begin for agents. 

This means we currently cannot verify identities on your behalf, even though many directors have already received emails encouraging them to act. 

Our Advice for Now 

Until the ACSP route is fully operational, we recommend that: 

• You try to verify using the GOV.UK One Login, if possible. 

• If that doesn’t work for you, the in-person Post Office route may be your best option (if eligible). 

• Double-check your personal details at Companies House (especially your date of birth), as inconsistencies will prevent successful verification. 

We Understand the Confusion 

We completely understand how frustrating this situation is. Companies House is encouraging early action, yet hasn’t rolled out the full tools required — and continues to send these emails daily. 

We’re in regular contact with Companies House to seek clarification and will update you as soon as we’re able to verify identities for our clients. 

What Happens Next? 

We expect more information to be released over the coming months. In the meantime, we’ll continue to: 

• Monitor developments 

• Update our clients through email and social media 

• Provide clear, actionable guidance when available 

Final Thoughts 

This is an important change to UK company law, and it’s essential to get it right. While the official deadline is “autumn 2025”, no precise date has yet been announced — and the systems are still being put in place. 

As always, Exchange Accountants is here to support you. If you have any questions or are unsure about what to do next, please get in touch with your usual contact or email our team.