Under the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House has the power to play a more significant role in tackling economic crime and supporting economic growth. Over time, the measures will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on their registers.  

From spring 2025, there will be a phased introduction of identity verification – anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity.

Who needs to verify their identity 

There are new responsibilities for: 

• all new and existing company directors 
• people with significant control of a company (PSCs) 
• anyone who files on behalf of a company 

From autumn 2025, all new directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to complete identity verification.  

Identity verification will also apply to other registration types. For example, any members of a limited liability partnership (LLP) will also need to verify their identity. 

For existing companies, all directors (or equivalent) and PSCs will have a 12-month transition period to verify their identity with Companies House.  The transition period will start from autumn 2025. 

Verifying your identity directly with Companies House

You’ll be able to use GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity using ID documents, such as a passport. There will be a range of support and services available to help you complete this process.  

Verifying your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (such as Argents Accountants)

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activity, such as:  

• company formation agents  
• solicitors  
• accountants 
• chartered secretaries and governance professionals

Therefore from spring 2025, Argents Accountants will apply to become ACSP to enable us to continue our services as your agent and support our clients through this transition period.