Companies House have started contacting Directors about the changes to ID Verification. They haven’t been completely clear that these new requirements are currently voluntary, so we are advising our clients to remain calm as there is plenty of time to get yourself prepared.
There are a number of changes being introduced by Companies House in relation to Director ID Verification (IDV). The changes will be rolled out in stages, and while the exact dates are not yet confirmed, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the new requirements and ensure you are prepared in advance to avoid any issues when the changes become mandatory.
The changes mean that directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) will need to undergo mandatory ID verification for any new appointments to a company and for all new company formations starting from Autumn 2025.
CURRENT TIMELINE
- Autumn 2025: Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must comply with mandatory ID verification for any new appointments to a company and for all new company formations. Exact date yet to be confirmed.
- Spring 2026: Any individual filing information at Companies House must be ID verified or be an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
- Spring 2026: If directors are not verified, the company or an ACSP will not be able to file confirmation statements due after this date.
- Spring 2026: Directors signing accounts must be verified to file the accounts.
- Autumn 2026: All directors and PSCs must be ID verified.
WANT TO ACT EARLY?
While it is not yet compulsory, directors who wish to verify themselves ahead of the mandatory requirement can chose to do so on a voluntary basis. There are three routes available for directors to verify their identity:
Route 1: Directly through Companies House
- Use the GOV.UK One Login system: Verify your identity for Companies House – GOV.UK
- Upload documents (biometric passport, UK driving licence, UK biometric residence permit (BRP), UK biometric residence card (BRC), frontier work permit (FWP)) or answer security questions related to your bank account/other credit agreements, alongside providing a UK passport/driver’s licence.
Route 2: Post office in-branch service
- For UK-based individuals who fail GOV.UK verification requirements
- Provide photo ID in person (passport, UK/EU driving licence, EU national ID)
Route 3: Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)*
- PM+M will use SmartSearch Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to complete the checks on your behalf
- Upload biometric documents (passport, UK/EU driving licence, UK biometric residence permit (BRP), UK biometric residence card (BRC), frontier work permit (FWP)
*PM+M will have a charge for this service.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Once the process is completed, by whichever method, directors will receive their director IDV code via email. This code should be shared with your accountant and kept safe for future reference. A director only needs to be verified once, regardless of how many directorships they hold. This is a one-off process, not an annual requirement.
For further information or advice, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@pmm.co.uk or calling 01254 679131.
