The ECCTA introduced a wide range of reforms to the UK company law framework, aiming to improve transparency, reduce economic crime, and enhance the reliability of the Companies House register. Key changes include:
- Companies House Fee Increases: Effective 1 May 2024, Companies House increased the statutory fees for key services as shown in the sample below.
- Registered Office Address Requirement: Companies are now required to provide a complete physical address as their registered office. PO Boxes are no longer acceptable, ensuring greater traceability and accountability.
- Registration of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): From February 2025, any individual or organisation that undertakes anti-money laundering (AML) regulated activities on behalf of others, such as company formation agents or accountants, must register with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
- Transparency for Limited Partnerships: Limited Partnerships must now meet enhanced reporting obligations, intended to bring them closer to limited company compliance requirements including:
- Filing a confirmation statement
- Providing a registered office address
- Disclosing partner details
- Statement of Lawful Purpose: All companies must now confirm that they are being formed for a lawful purpose at the point of incorporation. This is intended to deter misuse of company structures for illegal or misleading activities.
- Mandatory Identity Verification for Company Officers: Company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and individuals filing documents at Companies House must complete identity verification using a government-approved digital service.
- This will be mandatory from autumn 2025 for new appointments
- A voluntary phase began on 8 April 2025
- Existing officers have a 12-month transition window to comply by 2026
Who needs to verify their identity with Companies House?
All individuals running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK must verify their identity with Companies House to prove they are who they claim to be. Identity verification must be completed at the point of incorporation for newly registered companies. However, existing companies have a 12-month transitional period to comply with the new requirements.
The following individuals and entities must complete identity verification:
- Company Directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- LLP Members and Designated Partners
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company, including secretaries or administrative personnel
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) such as:
- Accountants
- Company formation agents
- Solicitors
- Governance professionals
- Other individuals conducting Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulated activities on behalf of clients
These requirements are part of the broader reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to improve the integrity of the Companies House register and prevent misuse of UK company structures.
Is verifying your identity directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login possible?
Yes, you can verify your identity directly with Companies House through the GOV.UK One Login system. To do this, you will need one of the following biometric documents:
- A biometric passport (from any country)
- A UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- A UK biometric residence card (BRC)
- A UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
The verification process is completed using the GOV.UK ID Check app uses facial recognition to match your photo with your identity document. Make sure your phone meets the minimum system requirements:
- iOS 14 or higher (for iPhone)
- Android 10 or higher
FAQ's
Can I verify my identity through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)?
What are the identity verification requirements?
To comply with Companies House rules, identity verification must follow a structured two-part process that involves both document checks and personal information validation:
- Provide identification documents and a live image: One must submit a valid photo ID (such as a passport or UK driving licence) and proof of their current residential address. These documents are uploaded digitally. The process also requires the individual to take a live selfie or short video, which is used to match their face against the photo on their ID.
- Submit key personal information: The individual must provide several personal details alongside the documents. This includes their full legal name (including any former names), date of birth, current home address, a 12-month address history, and a valid email address.
Once submitted, the system cross-references the facial image with the ID and validates the information provided. If everything matches and the documents meet the required standards, the identity verification is approved, and the individual is deemed compliant under Companies House rules.
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