A significant change to UK company law is now underway, with Companies House rolling out new identity verification requirements as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These measures aim to clamp down on fraud, increase transparency, and strengthen trust in the UK business register.
At Beavis Morgan, we are advising our clients — including company directors, entrepreneurs, and those with significant control of UK businesses — to prepare ahead of the enforcement deadline expected in Autumn 2025.
What Is Changing?
Companies House has launched a new identity verification process. This will soon be mandatory for:
- Company directors
- People with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Anyone submitting filings to Companies House on a company’s behalf
The purpose of this new system is to ensure that individuals who own, control, or represent UK companies can be clearly identified. Identity checks will be done via a secure government portal on GOV.UK, using photographic ID and a streamlined online process.
While the system is currently operating on a voluntary basis, it will become compulsory from Autumn 2025, with over six million individuals expected to complete the process in the first year.
Why It Matters
This change is one of several being introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act — legislation designed to improve corporate accountability and protect the UK economy from fraud and abuse.
According to Companies House Chief Executive Louise Smyth, identity verification will play a vital role in improving the quality and reliability of corporate data and preventing the misuse of the companies register.
What Businesses Should Do Now
While the official requirement won’t be enforced until next year, Beavis Morgan recommends acting early. Delaying may lead to filing backlogs or non-compliance once the legal deadline hits.
Key actions:
- Identify all relevant individuals – including directors, PSCs, and authorised agents.
- Complete the identity verification process now via the GOV.UK system.
- Review your existing Companies House data to ensure all filings and roles are up to date.
- Update internal compliance protocols to include identity verification for new appointments.
Who Is Affected?
You will need to verify your identity if you are:
- A director or proposed director of a company, LLP, or limited partnership
- A person with significant control (PSC)
- A person filing documents with Companies House, either personally or on behalf of others
Failure to comply once identity verification becomes mandatory could result in penalties or restrictions on company filings and directorships.
How Beavis Morgan Can Support You
Beavis Morgan provides expert guidance and end-to-end support for company compliance and statutory filing. As the identity verification requirement becomes mandatory, our team can:
- Assist in reviewing your current company structure and identifying affected individuals
- Ensure your statutory registers and filings are fully compliant
- Offer corporate governance advice and secretarial services
We work with entrepreneurs, directors, and high-growth companies across a wide range of sectors to ensure compliance is handled efficiently and accurately — so you can focus on running your business.
Why This Reflects a Broader Shift
This new requirement is part of a much broader shift in UK regulatory policy:
- There is increased scrutiny on corporate transparency from government, regulators, and financial institutions.
- Tax authorities and enforcement bodies are using real-time data and cross-agency collaboration to monitor business activity.
- Good governance and transparency are becoming essential components of a company’s reputation, creditworthiness, and growth potential.
Final Word
Mandatory identity verification is more than a compliance tick-box — it signals a new era of transparency in the UK’s business landscape. Taking steps now to meet these obligations will protect your business, your reputation, and your ability to operate efficiently.
At Beavis Morgan, we are here to ensure you stay informed and compliant every step of the way.
Need Help Preparing for Compliance?
Speak to your usual Beavis Morgan partner or email info@beavismorgan.com to find out how we can support your business through the upcoming changes.
Read more: GOV.UK
