04.09.25 Strictly Boardroom

The deadline for compulsory identity verification for Companies House is fast approaching

From 18 November 2025, anyone setting up, running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity for Companies House - to prove they are who they claim to be. This is a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, with strict deadlines and penalties.

You may well have received emails from Companies House about this already and be wondering what you need to do. Companies House has been publishing guidance on this since April 2025 and links to their current guidance notes are below:

These guidance notes contain a step-by-step guide on when and how to verify your identity for Companies House to ensure you are compliant with this new requirement.

Should you run into any issues with the process, or your organisation would like to streamline this process for those affected, you will see reference in the guidance notes to the use of an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (‘ACSP’) who offer identity verification services at a cost. Please note that direct identity verification with Companies House is free of charge.

Like most law firms and accountancy firms, O’Connors will not be registering as an ACSP, but we can put you in touch with certain providers that are registered as ACSPs and who may be able to assist. 

For further information, please email Michael McKenna or call 0151 906 1000.