Big changes are coming to UK company law, and it’s crucial for business owners and directors to be prepared. From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid delays.
Why These Changes Are Happening
The UK government is introducing identity verification requirements and Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) to:
- Combat economic crime: Making it harder to use fraudulent or fake companies strengthens national security and disrupts criminal activity.
- Increase corporate transparency: Ensures individuals in positions of authority are properly identified.
- Improve data accuracy: Verified information makes the Companies House register more reliable and free from incorrect data.
- Strengthen corporate governance: ACSPs act as trusted intermediaries, ensuring filings meet high standards of verification and compliance.
Previously, anyone could submit company filings with minimal checks, which created opportunities for fraud and misuse. ACSPs now act as gatekeepers, performing identity verification and only submitting filings once information is accurate, verifiable, and legally compliant.
What is Identity Verification?
Identity verification is a legal requirement for all directors and PSCs. You’ll need to provide a personal code and verification statement for each company role you hold. Without this, your company will not be able to file its confirmation statement.
Directors of multiple companies will need to verify each company separately, using the same personal code each time.
You can verify your identity in two ways:
- GOV.UK One Login – an online service that securely checks your identity and gives you a personal code.
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – like Welsh ICE. As a member, you can have your identity verified and your documents filed by us, saving you time and ensuring your company stays fully compliant.
Taken directly from GOV.UK regarding these changes:
“It is not currently possible to set a firm timetable for implementation of all measures as some require secondary legislation. Around 50 statutory instruments will be commenced over 18 months with implementation activity and transitional periods continuing until completion in 2027. Timelines are dependent on suitable Parliamentary time in both houses and will be kept under review.”
Key Deadlines to Note
- 18 November 2025 – Identity verification becomes mandatory for all directors and PSCs. Any new companies or appointments after this date will require immediate ID verification. Existing directors begin a 12-month transition period to complete their verification.
- 31 March 2026 – If your company’s confirmation statement is due, all directors must have verified their identity before filing.
- Spring 2026 – Identity verification will be required for filing all company documents, and third-party filings must be submitted via a registered ACSP.
- End of 2026 – The transition period concludes. Companies House will begin compliance checks for anyone who has not verified their identity.
Information You’ll Need to Verify Your Identity
When verifying your identity, Companies House will ask for:
- Your email address
- Your full name, including any previous names
- Your date of birth
- Your current home address and address history for the past 12 months
How Welsh ICE Can Help
As a member of Welsh ICE, you can have your identity verified and documents filed through our Companies House-approved ACSP service.
You don’t need a coworking membership to access this – our virtual office membership gives your business a registered address, mail handling, and full ACSP support, all without needing to work from the office.
Our ACSP services are AML registered and compliant, ensuring your business meets the latest regulations and giving you peace of mind. We handle the filing process so you can focus on running your business.
Not sure if your current business setup is suitable for ACSP verification? Take our business address quiz to see whether a home, virtual, or commercial address is right for your company.
Get Your Business ACSP-Ready
Preparing your company for identity verification doesn’t have to be complicated. To make it easy, we’ve created a checklist to help you ensure all the required information and documents are ready before working with an ACSP.
How to Get Started
- Check your company details – make sure your date of birth and personal information match Companies House records.
- Decide how to verify – online via GOV.UK One Login, or by signing up as a Welsh ICE member, so we can act as your ACSP
- Act early – allow enough time for all directors and PSCs to complete the process before your next confirmation statement.
Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, you can focus on running your business while we take care of the paperwork.
For more information on identity verification and how Welsh ICE can help, get in touch with us today.