What you need to know and how to prepare ahead of the Autumn 2025 changes

You may have recently received communication from Companies House outlining upcoming changes to identity verification requirements. These changes are part of a wider reform introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), and they’ll begin taking effect from Autumn 2025.

At its core, this reform is about strengthening corporate transparency and tackling economic crime. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for you and your business.

What’s Changing?

Starting in Autumn 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity before they can be registered with Companies House.For existing companies, there will be a 12-month transition period from Autumn 2025 to complete identity verification for all relevant individuals.From Spring 2026, anyone submitting information on behalf of a company — such as accountants, agents, or administrators — will also need to have verified their identity.

Why is Identity Verification Being Introduced?

These new requirements are designed to:

• Prevent fraudulent activity and misuse of UK companies
• Increase the integrity and accuracy of company data
• Align the UK with international standards for corporate transparency

Ultimately, the aim is to create a more trustworthy business environment for everyone.

Who Will Be Affected?

You’ll be affected by these changes if you are:

• A company director
• A person with significant control (PSC)
• A corporate agent, such as an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent
• A subscriber, involved in the initial formation of a company

How Will Identity Verification Work?

There will be two main ways to verify identity:

1. Direct Verification with Companies House

You can complete the process online, which will likely involve:

• Uploading ID documents like a passport or driving licence
• Completing a facial recognition step (such as a selfie or video check)
  

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

You may prefer to verify your identity via an ACSP — this could be your accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent, provided they are supervised for anti-money laundering purposes.

Manual options will also be available for those unable to use the digital route, including postal or in-person verification.

Key Dates to Note

• Autumn 2025: Identity verification begins for new and existing directors and PSCs
• 12-month transition period for current companies to comply
• Spring 2026: Anyone filing on behalf of a company must be verified

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to verify identity may lead to:

• Delays in company registration or updates
• Fines or penalties from Companies House
• Legal consequences for filing inaccurate or unauthorised information
  

This is why it’s important to start planning ahead and ensure the right processes are in place

Benefits of the New Rules

While these changes may seem like an administrative hurdle, they bring several advantages: 

✅ Improved business trust and credibility
✅ Better protection against fraud and misuse
✅ Stronger data accuracy for policy and regulation
✅ Alignment with international standards

How We Can Help

If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your business or would like help verifying through an ACSP, our team is here to guide you. We can also support keeping your company records up to date and compliant ahead of the deadlines.

Staying informed and proactive is the best way to avoid disruption — and we’re always happy to help you stay on the right track.