First announced: Voluntary ID checks opened April 8, 2025; Companies House confirmed mandatory rollout from Nov 18, 2025 (formal news post Aug 5, 2025). Changes to UK company law+1
Submitted by: NYBACS Compliance Desk
Companies House is making identity verification compulsory for new directors, LLP members and PSCs.
Voluntary verification opened April 8, 2025; mandatory checks are confirmed from Nov 18, 2025.
Ensure directors and PSCs complete verification and update filing workflows.
What changed: As part of the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency reforms, Companies House introduced a verified-identity regime. From 8 April 2025 individuals could voluntarily verify identity; Companies House subsequently confirmed mandatory verification for new appointments (and a phased plan for existing appointees), effective 18 November 2025. The measure requires directors/PSCs (and LLP members) to provide verified identity information before incorporation or within specified transitional windows. Changes to UK company law+1
Who’s affected: All companies incorporated in the UK or appointing UK-registered directors/PSCs (includes overseas directors who will need to meet verification rules via GOV.UK One Login or authorised agents).
Immediate actions
- Communicate to directors/PSCs about voluntary verification now (reduces future backlog).
- Update KYC onboarding processes (acceptable ID, verification channels).
- Train company secretarial teams and agents to capture Companies House personal codes and attach verification evidence.
Practical notes: Companies House guidance sets different deadlines for new vs. existing officers; failure to verify can block filings or trigger penalties. For cross-border directors, allow time for non-UK identity verification processes.
