Companies House ID Checks: What You Need

The UK Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) implemented identity verification procedures for directors, members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), individuals with substantial influence, and those submitting on behalf of UK corporations.

We expect over seven million people will be required to undertake identification.

The actions you must take to adhere to these new rules will be described in this post.

For whom is identification verification necessary?

• Company directors
• Individuals in equivalent roles to directors in incorporated entities (LLP members, general partners)
• Persons of Significant Control (PSCs)
• Individuals making Companies House filings on behalf of a company / LL

Change from optional to required

Beginning on April 8, 2025, people can voluntarily confirm their identification with Companies House.

The Companies House transition plan for ECCTA states that mandatory enforcement for new directors, LLP members, PSC appointments, and business incorporations will start by late autumn 2025.

As part of the yearly Confirmation Statement filing, current directors, LLP members, and PSCs will have a 12-month transitional time to confirm their identities.

The repercussions of not verifying

Beginning in 2025–2026, directors, LLP members, PSCs, and the company will be criminally liable for failing to verify identity, which could result in fines.

Unverified individuals cannot appoint directors, LLP members, and PSCs, and those who have already failed to identify will be listed on the public registry as “Unverified.”

Following confirmation

After verification, people will be given a unique Companies House identifying code, which they can use for various corporate positions. Individuals who are PSCs and hold several directorships will often only need to undergo one identity verification check.

Next, what should you do?

• Assess if you require identification verification.( ECCTA guidance)
• If you are a firm director, consider who else, including PSCs, will want identification verification to participate in the business.
• If you require identity verification, apply directly to Companies House
• By starting the verification process now, you can prevent delays when necessary.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.