Companies House Identity Checks for Directors: What You Need to Know

Published by RJP LLP – Chartered Certified Accountants & Tax Advisers

As part of a sweeping reform of the UK’s company registration system, Companies House is introducing new identity verification requirements for company directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and those who file on behalf of companies.

These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at improving corporate transparency and tackling fraud. If you’re a director, company secretary, or an agent filing on behalf of a company, these new rules will affect you.

At RJP LLP, we’re helping clients prepare for the rollout to ensure smooth compliance.

What’s Changing at Companies House?

The most significant change is the introduction of mandatory identity verification for:

• All company directors
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone submitting filings on behalf of a company, such as accountants or agents

These new requirements will apply to new incorporations and existing companies — meaning even long-established businesses must comply.

How Will Identity Verification Work?

While the full rollout timeline is still to be confirmed, Companies House has outlined how the process will work:

• Individuals must verify their identity through a new digital portal provided by Companies House
• Verification will likely involve biometric checks (such as passport scans and selfies)
• Alternatively, verification can be completed via an authorised agent, such as an accountant or solicitor registered with Companies House

RJP LLP is already reviewing how these changes will apply to clients and how we can support clients as a verified intermediary.

When Will These Rules Come Into Effect?

The exact date for identity verification to become mandatory has not yet been announced, but it is expected to begin rolling out in autumn 2025.

Companies House has already started implementing related changes, including:

• Rejection of company names considered misleading
• New powers to scrutinise and reject documents
• Requirements for companies to have an “appropriate registered office address”

These are early steps in a broader plan to clean up the register and improve corporate accountability.

What Does This Mean for Company Directors and Business Owners?

If you’re a company director, you’ll soon need to:

• Verify your identity with Companies House or through your agent
• Ensure that all PSCs for your company do the same
• Use a registered office address that is not a PO Box or false address
• Keep your company’s records fully up to date and accurate

Failure to comply may result in filing delays, penalties, or being unable to act as a director.

How RJP LLP Can Help

At RJP, we’re monitoring these Companies House changes closely and advising clients on how to stay compliant. We expect that:

• Agents (like us) will be able to verify identities on your behalf
• Company secretarial services will become even more important
• There may be new risks around non-compliance or delays in filing if processes aren’t followed correctly

We’re already helping clients prepare for these changes and will offer identity verification support as soon as the system goes live.

Speak to Our Company Secretarial Team

Worried about how the new identity checks will affect your business? RJP LLP can guide you through the upcoming Companies House reforms and make sure your compliance processes are future-proof.

Contact us at partners@rjp.co.uk

Don’t let admin delays or compliance errors affect your company’s standing. Get prepared now. Our company secretarial services are there to support.

RJP LLP is a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants and Tax Advisers supporting owner-managed businesses and company directors with tax, compliance, and corporate governance.