Companies House has brought in some of the most significant changes in years – and if you’re a company director, LLP member, or a person with significant control (PSC), it’s vital to act now.
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, new rules have introduced mandatory identity verification (IDV) and tighter restrictions on who can submit filings to Companies House. These measures are designed to improve transparency and tackle fraud, but they will place new responsibilities on businesses and their officers.
Who needs to verify their identity?
From Autumn 2025, the following people will need to complete identity verification with Companies House:
- All existing and new directors of companies
- Members of LLPs
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- Anyone submitting filings on behalf of a company (such as employees or professional advisers, unless exempt)
Voluntary verification opened in April 2025, and we strongly recommend businesses act as soon as they’re able before it becomes mandatory.
Why this matters
Once the rules take effect, an unverified director or LLP member must not act in their role until the process is complete. Failure to comply could lead to serious consequences, including:
- Criminal sanctions – including unlimited fines
- Civil penalties issued by Companies House
- Disqualification as a director
- Inability to make statutory filings such as annual accounts or confirmation statements
- Rejection of incorporations or other applications
- Potential strike-off from the Companies House register
- Difficulties securing finance, as banks may refuse to deal with unverified individuals
How to verify
Verification is straightforward and can be done in several ways, including:
- Through the Companies House online portal or GOV.UK app, using a passport or driving licence and a live photo
- At a Post Office, with a pre-booked appointment
- Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a registered firm of solicitors or accountants
Once verified, you’ll be issued with a unique Verified Identity Number (VIN), which must be quoted on all future filings. This VIN will apply across all of your current and future directorships or PSC roles.
Changes to filing rules
From Spring 2026, new restrictions will also apply to who can file documents with Companies House. Only:
- Verified individuals filing on their own behalf
- Verified employees or officers filing on behalf of their company
- Registered ACSPs (such as solicitors and accountants)
will be permitted to submit filings. Unverified third parties will no longer be able to do so.
What businesses should do now
To avoid last-minute disruption and potential compliance risks, we recommend businesses:
- Identify all directors, PSCs, LLP members and employees who will need to verify
- Ensure the necessary ID documents are available
- Keep a secure record of each person’s Verified Identity Number for future use
- Decide who within your organisation will handle filings after Spring 2026, or whether to work with a registered ACSP
FAQs about the Companies House identity verification changes
When do the new Companies House identity verification rules start?
Voluntary verification opened in April 2025, and the process becomes mandatory from Autumn 2025.
Who needs to verify their identity with Companies House?
All company directors (existing and new), members of LLPs, and People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify. Anyone submitting filings on behalf of a company will also need to complete verification, unless exempt.
What happens if a director or PSC doesn’t complete identity verification?
They must not act in their role until they have verified. Failure to comply could lead to criminal or civil penalties, disqualification, rejected filings, or even strike-off from the register.
How do you verify your identity with Companies House?
Most people will verify online using a passport or driving licence and a live photo through the GOV.UK portal. Alternatives include using the GOV.UK app, visiting a Post Office, or completing the process through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
What is a Verified Identity Number (VIN)?
Once verified, Companies House will issue a 12-character Verified Identity Number. This must be quoted on all future filings and will apply across all your company directorships or PSC roles.
Who can file documents at Companies House after the changes?
From Spring 2026, only verified individuals, verified employees or officers, and registered ACSPs (such as solicitors or accountants) will be able to submit filings.
How Talbots Law can help
At Talbots Law, we work closely with businesses to make sure regulatory changes don’t get in the way of day-to-day operations. We can:
- Guide you through the new verification process
- Advise on the best way for your company to manage filings
- Support you in meeting your Companies House obligations without disruption
If you’d like tailored advice on how these changes will affect your business, get in touch with our corporate team today. Call 0800 118 1500 or fill out an enquiry form below.
Disclaimer
The contents of this blog or any other published by Talbots Law cannot be considered as legal advice. You should take no action without prior consultation with a qualified solicitor or legal professional. The contents of this blog refers to the process in England and Wales.