Overview
You might have received an email from Companies House asking you to verify your identity, leaving you wondering if it’s legitimate or even feeling panicked about it. Well, rest assured, there’s nothing to worry about. This blog will walk you through the steps you need to take before the upcoming deadlines, so you can stay compliant and avoid any last-minute stress.
The UK government is introducing new ID verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These changes have been designed to reduce fraud, enhance corporate transparency and ensure that the integrity of the company register is maintained. This also allows Companies House to have more querying and checking powers. It gives them the ability to share data and relay important information to the relevant public, regulatory and supervisory bodies, including law enforcement. This is part of a wider movement to strengthen trust in UK companies and to ensure that measures are being taken to prevent the abuse of corporate structures for criminal gain.
Who Needs to Be Verified?
Not everyone will need to verify their identity; however, if you fall under any of these categories, then this will apply to you:
- Company directors.
- Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
- Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) – this is typically anyone who owns more than 25% of a company.
- Anyone who files documents on behalf of the company, including company secretaries or accountants.
To simplify it: if you are largely involved in managing a company, then you are likely required to verify your identity. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification.
Note: Individuals who have multiple directorships will not need to carry out multiple ID verification processes.
When should you get your verification done?
Companies House has divided the verification process into two phases. Currently, the voluntary verification phase has opened its doors to applicants, followed by a mandatory verification phase. At Fynax, we highly recommend getting your verification done as soon as possible, considering the severe consequences that might occur if you miss the deadline.
Voluntary Verification
As of 8th April 2025, Companies House has opened voluntary verification. This means that those who are eligible can start the verification process early, before it becomes mandatory.
Why should you verify early?
- It is a good way to avoid the rush and potential delays.
- Demonstrates your commitment to transparency.
- Ensures you are prepared when the requirements become compulsory.
Mandatory Verification
Since Autumn 2024, it has been mandatory for all new directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) to ensure identity verification is complete before their appointments are registered.
For existing directors and PSCs, there will be a 12-month transition period, which means you have until Autumn 2026 to complete your verification. But don’t wait. If everyone is leaving it to the last minute, Companies House will get overwhelmed, causing serious delays for your business. If any required documents are missing or not submitted in time, you could risk losing your position as a director or PSC. To avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that everything is filed correctly, it is best you act early. As always, if you have any questions or need support, Fynax is here to help you.
How to Verify Your Identity?
In order to get your ID verification done, you have two routes to follow: either by going directly to the official website or via Fynax as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). We will take the hassle off your shoulders, ensure all documents are accurate, and guarantee a smooth verification process for you.
Verifying Directly with Companies House
You can complete the process yourself through the Companies House ID check app, which is available via the official Government website.
You will require one of the following:
- A valid UK passport.
- A UK driving license.
- A biometric non-UK passport.
Verifying through us as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Fynax has been approved as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) by Companies House, and we are here to handle the complexities so you can stay focused on what matters. This means we will verify your identity on your behalf and ensure a smooth process. We are already helping our clients through this new procedure, and we can do the same for you, offering personalised guidance and peace of mind.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact us to explain what we need from you.
- Submit your ID documents.
- We will complete the process and report to Companies House on your behalf.
What will Happen If You Don’t get verified?
If you fail to verify your identity, these are the following consequences:
- You will not be able to act as a director or PSC.
- Companies House will reject any documents signed by you.
- Your company could face serious penalties of up to £10,000.
- In serious cases, there could even be criminal sanctions (including imprisonment).
These changes emphasise a shift in how Companies House is enforcing corporate compliance. Failure to meet these new verification requirements could result in losing control of a business that you’ve worked years to build. To avoid disruptions to your services, legal consequences and damage to your reputation, it is important to act now and ensure you’ve completed the verification process as soon as possible.
Why choose us?
We know that these changes can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Fynax, we are already supporting our clients through the verification process, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Regardless of whether you’re a director, PSC, or company secretary, we can ensure that your identity is verified correctly and quickly, saving you time, stress and potential penalties. Meeting these requirements isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting what you’ve built.
Let Fynax help you stay one step ahead.
