Do You Need to Complete Identity Checks for Companies House?

16 July 2024 | Company Law

New Companies House Identity Verification Rules: What It Means for UK Directors and Company Owners

Significant changes to UK company law are now in motion, bringing new requirements around identity verification for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those filing information at Companies House. These reforms are designed to improve corporate transparency and tackle financial crime, but they also create new compliance responsibilities for businesses and individuals.

At ARK Accountants, we are fully equipped to support these changes as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — meaning we can carry out identity checks and verification on behalf of our clients. If you need help navigating these changes or require identity verification for yourself or your company officers, get in touch with our team for a quote.

The UK government is introducing the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which updates several aspects of UK company law. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory identity verification for:

• All company directors (existing and new)
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone filing information with Companies House (e.g. company secretaries or administrators)

This new verification process is being phased in, but companies should start preparing now to avoid delays or compliance risks.

Identity verification is the process of confirming that an individual is who they claim to be. Under the new rules, every individual involved in a UK company (as a director, PSC or authorised filer) will need to verify their identity either:

• Directly through a Companies House-approved route, or
• Through a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like ARK Accountants

Verification will involve matching official documents such as passports or driving licences with facial recognition checks and/or data validation from trusted sources.

The UK government aims to strengthen corporate governance and reduce the misuse of UK company structures for fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activities. The new identity verification process will help:

• Create a trusted company register
• Ensure that all UK companies are linked to real, verifiable individuals
• Improve the quality and accuracy of data at Companies House

As a registered ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider), ARK Accountants can:

• Verify identities of company directors, PSCs, and authorised filers on your behalf
• Submit verified filings directly to Companies House
• Manage new company incorporations with built-in ID verification
• Support ongoing compliance, including filing of confirmation statements, director changes, and other statutory submissions
• Advise on company secretarial responsibilities under the new regime

By working with us, you eliminate the need to manage these identity processes yourself, and ensure full compliance from day one.

In addition to identity checks, the reforms will introduce several other key changes:

• Tighter rules on registered office addresses – All companies must have an appropriate address where documents can be delivered and acknowledged. ARK Accountants can provide a verified address service to ensure your documents are securely delivered and acknowledged, helping you stay compliant with the latest Companies House identity verification rules. 
• Improved data accuracy requirements – Companies House will have more powers to question and reject incorrect or suspicious filings.
• Ban on PO Boxes as registered addresses – You must use a physical UK address for all registered offices.
• Greater scrutiny of company names – Names must not be misleading or associated with criminal activity.
• New civil and criminal penalties – Failure to comply with these rules could lead to fines, rejection of filings, or even prosecution.

These reforms apply to:

• All UK companies — including limited companies, LLPs, and partnerships
• Directors and shareholders, especially those with significant control
• Start-ups, who will need ID verification at incorporation
• Accountants and service providers managing submissions on behalf of clients
• Anyone filing updates or changes with Companies House

Whether you’re a sole director of a dormant company or the controller of a large group, these rules apply to you.

The transition period for these changes is already underway. Getting ahead now will help you avoid delays, rejected filings, or compliance issues when the identity verification requirement becomes mandatory.

Contact ARK Accountants today for expert support with:

• Identity verification as an ACSP
• Incorporation of new companies
• Confirmation statements and statutory filings
• Full company secretarial services
• Registered office address services
• Compliance health checks

We offer fixed-fee quotes, fast turnaround times, and ongoing compliance support, all under one roof.