Mandatory Companies House Identity Verification: What Accountant Firms Must Know

August 6, 2025

As part of the UK’s wider reforms to tackle economic crime, Companies House is introducing identity verification requirements for company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) and authorised agents. These changes, implemented through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aim to strengthen trust in the business register and help prevent fraud and misuse of UK companies.

For accountancy firms, particularly those already subject to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision, these new requirements should largely align with existing compliance practices. However, some additional steps and procedural updates are necessary, especially for those registering as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).

Bonham & Brook has developed comprehensive guidance to help firms meet the new Companies House standard with minimal disruption.

 

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity? 

The identity verification requirements apply to: 

  • All company directors 
  • All Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) 
  • Individuals filing on behalf of a company (e.g., company secretaries or agents) 
  • Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) who verify identities on behalf of clients 

Key Implementation Dates 

  • 18 March 2025: Registration opened for ACSPs 
  • 8 April 2025: Voluntary identity verification process opened 
  • 18 November 2025: 
  • New directors and PSCs must verify their ID at the point of appointment 
  • Existing PSCs (who are not directors) must verify their ID annually within 14 days of their birth month 
  • Existing directors must include their verified identity code in confirmation statements 
  • Spring 2026: Only verified individuals and ACSPs will be permitted to file documents with Companies House 

 

Identity Verification Options 

Companies House provides two methods of identity verification. Each has different documentation requirements and practical implications. 

 

Option 1: Digital Biometric (IDVT) Verification 

This method mirrors the GOV.UK One Login process. It requires biometric identification via specific ID documents, such as: 

  • Passports (including expired up to 6 months, if machine-readable) 
  • UK driving licences 
  • Biometric residence permits (BRP) 
  • EU/EEA national identity cards with chips 

These documents must be verified using NFC-enabled IDVT technology (mobile-based), and a biometric facial check must be completed.  

Note that this process excludes address verification, which may not fully align with AML obligations. 

 

Option 2: In-Person or Remote Verification (Recommended) 

ACSPs may choose to verify identity either in person or remotely, using a combination of two identity documents: 

  • Two from Group A (e.g. passport, driving licence, biometric ID card), or 
  • One from Group A and one from Group B (e.g. utility bill, bank statement, birth certificate) 

This method offers greater flexibility and is better suited to existing AML workflows. It supports use of AML onboarding tools, allows for manual review, and incorporates proof of address verification, an important part of AML compliance. 

Bonham & Brook recommends Option 2 as the preferred route for most professional service firms. 

 

Training Requirements for ACSPs 

Companies House requires firms using Option 2 to ensure staff are trained in identifying fraudulent documents. Our AML training course satisfies this requirement and includes: 

  • Document fraud detection (based on Home Office Good Practice Guide 45) 
  • Manual ID verification techniques using PRADO and EdisonTD 
  • Best practice in using AML software and IDVT tools 
  • Navigating and meeting the Companies House standard 

 

Training should be completed by anyone involved in verifying IDs and submitted identity information, and it should be renewed at least every three years. 

Aligning with AML Standards 

Much of the Companies House standard overlaps with AML requirements. However, there are a few additional requirements: 

  • Collection of former names 
  • Address history for the past 12 months 
  • Unique personal email address of the individual being verified

These details should be incorporated into onboarding processes to ensure full compliance. 

Document Retention 

Documents used for identity verification must be retained for seven years from the point of verification with Companies House. This is distinct from AML recordkeeping rules, which require retention for five years post-relationship, unless otherwise justified. 

Next Steps for Accountants 

If your firm is already subject to AML regulation, your identity verification process is likely 80–90% compliant. However, you should: 

  1. Review and map your current onboarding process against Option 2 requirements 
  2. Register as an ACSP if you intend to verify clients’ identities on their behalf 
  3. Ensure all relevant team members complete Companies House-compliant ID verification training
  4. Begin voluntary identity verification for clients in advance of mandatory deadlines 
  5. Confirm that existing client records include required documentation and information 

 

Where you cannot meet the verification standard, the client must either provide the missing documentation or complete the process directly with Companies House. 

 

Need Support? 

Bonham & Brook provides training and implementation support to help you meet Companies House and AML compliance standards. Contact us for assistance in embedding robust ID verification into your client onboarding workflow. 

Website: www.bonhamandbrook.co.uk
Guidance: Companies House ID Verification – GOV.UK 

 

 

Jon Arulthas

MLRO – AML Compliance

Book a Meeting with Jon here

 

 

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