If you fall into any of the below categories in relation to a Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Partnership (entities), then you will need to verify your identity with Companies House under new rules coming in:
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new and existing directors/members
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new and existing persons with significant control (PSC)
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anyone acting on behalf of a company (e.g. filing to Companies House)
Timeline
The Companies House reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act are set to follow a clear timeline:
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18 March 2025: third-party providers (e.g. accountants) able to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
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8 April 2025: the new identity verification requirements come into effect on a voluntary basis.
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Autumn 2025: mandatory identity verification for all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) on incorporation and appointment.
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12-month transition period: existing directors and PSCs will have a year to comply with the new requirements, and so will be required to have completed identity verification by autumn 2026.
How to Verify
There are a couple of options:
1) Using your GOV.UK One Login via one of the following:
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a. the ID Check app
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b. the Web Channel
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c. the face to face service (in order to access this service individuals will need to visit a Post Office that offers ‘in branch verification’).
2) Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – e.g. accountants, solicitors.
ACSPs will have the dual function of identity verification for individuals as well as being authorised to file documents to Companies House as a third-party agent on behalf a company.
By Spring 2026, it will be compulsory for third party agents filing on behalf of companies to be registered as an ACSP.
⚠️ The ID document requirements will differ according to the service used, however most individuals should be able to use ID documents such as their passport.
✅ You should need to only verify yourself once, even if you are connected to multiple companies.
Jupps are currently in the process of registering as an ACSP – if you have any questions, contact us now!