Dear Client,

Companies House is introducing new identity verification rules as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These changes apply to anyone who sets up, runs, owns, or controls a UK company.

🔍 Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

You must complete identity verification if you are:

• A director of a new or existing UK company
• A Person with Significant Control (PSC)
• Someone who files documents with Companies House on behalf of a company

🕒 When Does Verification Need to Happen?

For new companies

• All proposed directors must verify their identity before incorporation
• Companies House will not complete the company formation until verification is confirmed

For existing companies

• Directors and PSCs must verify their identity within the transition period
• This period begins once Companies House activates the new verification system

🧾 How Does Identity Verification Work?

There are two ways to verify your identity:

1️⃣ Direct Verification with Companies House

• Use the new Companies House online identity verification service

2️⃣ Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

• An ACSP can verify your identity using a regulated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) process
• This is often the simplest option, especially if company formation is handled for you

🧑‍💼 How We Can Help as Your ACSP

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we can:

• Collect and verify your identity documents
• Complete the identity verification process on your behalf
• Confirm your verification status directly with Companies House
• Manage the entire company formation process end-to-end

You won’t need to deal with Companies House directly unless you choose to.

🛡️ Why These Changes Are Being Introduced

The new identity verification rules aim to:

• Improve corporate transparency
• Reduce fraud and misuse of UK companies
• Strengthen the accuracy and reliability of the Companies House register

Identity verification is now a standard legal requirement for all company officers and controllers.