Companies House Introduces ID Verification for Directors and Business Owners

Changes are coming into effect from the 18^th November.

As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is introducing identity verification for anyone involved in running, owning, or filing on behalf of a company.

At Wilds, we’re here to help you stay informed and prepare for what’s ahead.

Why Is ID Verification Being Introduced?

This new process is designed to help reduce the risk of fraudulent businesses by verifying the identity of directors and business owners.

Who Will Need to Verify Their Identity?

The ID verification will apply to:

Company directors (including LLP members)
People with significant control (PSCs)
Anyone filing information on behalf of a company, such as agents or accountants.

If you fall into one of these groups, you’ll need to verify your identity once, that verification will cover all companies you’re involved with.

How the Verification Will Work

There is two simple steps to complete your ID check:

Directly through Companies House
You’ll upload proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence)
Through an Authorised Agent
Agents like us will be able to complete the verification process on your behalf, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.

What Can I Do Now

To get ready, we recommend:

Making sure your ID (passport or driving licence) is valid.
Checking your company details are accurate and up to date.

We have been contacting our clients to get them successfully set up.

This is a positive move towards a more transparent business environment.

Companies House will help ensure that company information is reliable, reduce fraudulent activity, and strengthen confidence in UK companies. If you’d like to know more about how ID verification could affect you or your business, get in touch today and we’re more than happy to help.