A new service has been launched by the UK Government which allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login.
The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the legislation which gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth.
People will also be able to verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
The move is set to provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK.
There will be the same level of assurance whether individuals are verifying their identity directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.
“Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register,” said Louise Smyth CBE, Companies House CEO.
“To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window. We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025.
“To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.”
AI and Digital Government Minister, Feryal Clark MP, added: “Ensuring trust and transparency in the digital age is vital and today marks an important step forward.
“Identity verification at Companies House through our GOV.UK One Login service will make it easier to do business with confidence – protecting entrepreneurs, consumers, and the UK economy from fraud and financial crime.
“By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system. This is a win for businesses, a win for transparency, and a win for economic growth – a key driver for our Plan for Change.