New identity verification requirements introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (as part of the package of reforms designed to promote transparency) begin to come into force this year and will require all English companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) to take action.
What are the requirements?
When the reforms are in force, all directors, persons with significant control, LLP members and those filing documents at Companies House must verify their identity. Identity can be verified directly through a GOV.UK app or website, or in person at a Post Office, or through an authorised agent.
Identity verification requirements have also been extended to directors of overseas companies with UK establishments and will come into effect at the same time as the requirements for directors of UK companies.
When do they come into force?
- Since 8 April 2025 – all individuals have had the option to voluntarily verify their identity.
- From 18 November 2025 – all directors and PSCs of UK companies and all members and PSCs of UK LLPs who are individuals will need to have their identity verified (either directly via the Registrar or using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).*
- From Spring 2026 – anyone filing documents at Companies House must verify their identity.
* We note that identity verification requirements for corporate directors, corporate members of LLPs and relevant legal entities (being a legal entity who would be considered a PSC if it were an individual) will come into force at a later date.
Action required
- Review corporate records to confirm the individuals that will need to verify their identity.
- For existing directors, members and PSCs who are individuals, companies and LLPs will need to confirm that all relevant individuals have had their identity verified on the first confirmation statement filed after 18 November 2025
- Consider voluntarily verifying identity to ‘beat the rush’.
Click here for more detailed information on the reforms and what they mean for you.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the identity verification reforms and how they apply to you.
