In line with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House is making changes to enhance transparency and reduce economic crime within the UK’s corporate landscape through the use of identity verification (IDV).
If you’re a company director or person with significant control (PSC), these changes affect you.
While some of you may already have heard from Champion about these changes, there’s no need to be concerned if you haven’t just yet. We’re reaching out to all clients over the coming months to support you through the process to ensure everyone is compliant by autumn 2026.
What’s changing?
All company directors, PSCs and anyone filing documents with Companies House will need to verify their identity. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s designed to confirm you are who you claim to be, helping prevent fraud and improving the accuracy of information on the public register.
This doesn’t just affect new appointments either – everyone who is already a director or PSC will need to go through this process and verify their details.
What do you need to do right now?
All you need to do is look out for an email from us with more information. The rollout of the verification process is happening in phases, so don’t be concerned if this is the first you’re hearing about it, there’s still plenty of time.
From autumn 2025, mandatory verification will begin. New directors or PSCs appointed to existing companies and directors creating new limited companies will need to go through the identity verification as part of that process.
From autumn 2025, all existing directors and PSCs will have 12-months to complete the IDV process, but waiting until the last minute isn’t advisable. Instead, keep an eye on your inbox and we’ll let you know when’s best to begin the process.
How does the IDV process work?
There are two options to verify your identity:
Option 1: Direct verification with Companies House
This involves using the new GOV.UK One Login service. You’ll need:
- Photographic ID: Biometric passport or UK photo driving licence
- Proof of address: Recent utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement or mortgage statement
- Individual email address: This becomes uniquely yours at Companies House and cannot be reused
Once your two identification documents have been verified, you’ll receive a Personal ID Code via email. Keep this safe and make sure you share it with us at Champion – it’s essential for any future filings.
Option 2: Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), like Champion
We’re registered as an ACSP, so we can handle the process on your behalf. We know business owners have enough to manage in their day-to-day so this is something we can take off your plate and action quickly and accurately.
Asking an ACSP, like Champion, to support can be particularly important if you’re involved with multiple companies.
If you want us to support, you’ll still need to share two forms of ID and an individual email address, but we’ll manage the process from end-to-end so you can be confident it’s been completed correctly.
What happens if you don’t comply?
The consequences of non-compliance can be serious. Without a verified identity, you won’t be able to make filings or start new companies, you won’t be able to register as an ACSP yourself and ultimately, acting as a director without verification after the deadline could result in criminal charges or disqualification.
What should you do now?
Keep an eye out for an email from us with the next steps. Remember, you have 12 months to complete the IDV process, but if you want to get it boxed off sooner rather than later, get in touch with your Champion adviser and let us know.
If you want us to help you through the process, avoid penalties and ensure you stay compliant, there will be a small fee of £250 + VAT, with each subsequent director or PSC included for £50 per person.
Remember, even if you’re a director or PSC at multiple companies, you only need to be verified once.
We want to make sure this is a straightforward process for each of our clients, so if you have any questions about the process and how we can support, contact your Champion adviser.
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