Companies House Identity Verification: New Rules for Directors and PSCs
- Murat Gabin
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
Introduction
The UK government has introduced major reforms to improve corporate transparency and reduce economic crime through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
One of the most important changes is the introduction of mandatory identity verification for company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
This means that individuals involved in UK companies will soon be required to verify their identity with Companies House before they can act as a director or submit filings on behalf of a company.
These new measures aim to make the UK company register more reliable and prevent the misuse of companies for fraud and illegal activities.
What Is Companies House Identity Verification?
Identity verification is a new compliance requirement that confirms that individuals associated with UK companies are real and identifiable persons.
The verification process ensures that only authorised individuals can control or manage a UK company.
Under the new rules, identity verification will apply to:
Company directors
Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
Individuals filing information at Companies House
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
This measure strengthens the integrity of the Companies House register.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new rules will apply to both UK-based and overseas individuals connected with UK companies.
This includes:
Existing directors of UK companies
Newly appointed directors
Persons with Significant Control (shareholders with significant ownership)
Individuals submitting company filings
If identity verification is not completed, individuals may not be allowed to act as a director or make filings at Companies House.
How the Verification Process Works
There are two main ways to complete identity verification.
1. Direct Verification with Companies House
Individuals may verify their identity directly through the Companies House digital verification system.
This process typically involves confirming personal identity using official identification documents.
2. Verification Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Alternatively, individuals can complete the process through an Authorised Corporate
Service Provider (ACSP).
ACSPs include regulated professionals such as:
Accountants
Solicitors
Corporate service providers
Using an ACSP can simplify the process and ensure that verification is completed correctly.
This is particularly useful for:
Overseas directors
Business owners unfamiliar with Companies House procedures
Companies with multiple directors or complex structures
How Gabin Accounting Services Ltd Can Help
At Gabin Accounting Services Ltd, we provide ACSP identity verification services to support directors and companies with the new Companies House requirements.
Our services include:
✔ Director identity verification
✔ Digital verification for UK and overseas directors
✔ Dormant accounts preparation and submission
✔ Companies House compliance support
Our process is designed to be:
Fast
Secure
Fully digital
We support UK businesses as well as international directors who operate UK companies.
Why These Changes Are Important
The new identity verification requirements are part of the government's effort to:
Improve transparency in the UK corporate register
Reduce fraud and financial crime
Increase trust in UK companies
Strengthen the reliability of Companies House data
For directors and business owners, this means new compliance responsibilities that should be addressed early.
Get Support with Companies House Identity Verification
If you need assistance with director identity verification or Companies House compliance,
Gabin Accounting Services Ltd can help guide you through the process.
We support businesses and directors worldwide.
Comments