Companies House Identity Verification: What UK Companies Need to Know

Overview

As part of wider reforms to improve transparency and tackle economic crime, Companies House has introduced mandatory identity verification requirements for certain individuals associated with UK companies. These changes form part of the ongoing transformation of the UK company register and will have practical implications for directors, persons with significant control (PSCs) and those responsible for statutory filings.

This article explains what the new requirements mean, who is affected, and how businesses can prepare to remain compliant.

1. What Is Identity Verification?

Identity verification is a new requirement introduced by Companies House to ensure that individuals linked to UK companies are who they claim to be. The aim is to enhance the accuracy, reliability and integrity of information held on the public register.

Once in force for an individual, Companies House will not accept certain statutory filings unless the relevant identity verification has been successfully completed.

2. Who Needs to Complete Identity Verification?

Under the updated regulations, identity verification applies to:

• Company directors
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Individuals who file information on behalf of a company (including those submitting confirmation statements)

This applies to both newly appointed individuals and existing office holders, with transitional arrangements expected to apply depending on role and timing.

3. Why Has This Been Introduced?

The changes are designed to:

• Improve trust in the Companies House register
• Reduce fraud and misuse of UK corporate structures
• Strengthen the UK’s response to economic crime
• Increase transparency around company ownership and control

These reforms give Companies House enhanced powers to query, reject or remove information where requirements are not met.

4. Impact on Confirmation Statements and Filings

A key practical consequence is that companies will be unable to file their Confirmation Statement if the required identity verification has not been completed.

If verification is outstanding:

• The Confirmation Statement will be rejected
• Statutory deadlines may be missed
• Late filing penalties and compliance issues may arise

It is therefore essential that affected individuals complete verification well in advance of filing deadlines.

5. How the Verification Process Works

Identity verification can be completed through:

• Companies House’s own digital verification routes, or
• An authorised intermediary acting on behalf of the individual

The process typically involves providing personal details and approved identification documents to confirm identity securely.

6. What Companies Should Be Doing Now

To avoid disruption, companies should:

• Identify which directors, PSCs and filing officers are affected
• Confirm whether identity verification has already been completed
• Schedule verification ahead of upcoming Confirmation Statement deadlines
• Update internal compliance procedures and governance documentation

Early action will reduce the risk of last-minute delays and rejected filings.

7. How Professional Advisers Can Help

Professional advisers can support companies by:

• Explaining who needs to be verified and when
• Assisting with the identity verification process
• Coordinating submissions to Companies House
• Ensuring statutory filings remain compliant and on time

This can be particularly valuable for groups with multiple directors or complex ownership structures.

8. Reckoner Audit Perspective

The introduction of identity verification marks a significant shift in the UK’s company compliance landscape. While the process itself is straightforward, the consequences of non-compliance can be disruptive.

At Reckoner Audit Limited, we help clients navigate regulatory change by providing clear guidance, practical support and proactive compliance planning. Ensuring identity verification is completed early is a simple step that can prevent avoidable filing issues later.