Mandatory Identity Verification: What Directors Need to Know
In less than 90 days, Companies House identity verification will become mandatory for all UK company directors and persons of significant control (PSCs). Either directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as Everett King. At Everett King, we’re here to guide you through these changes and ensure you remain fully compliant.
For the UK’s six million registered directors, non-compliance could mean restrictions on company operations and potential financial penalties.
Since April, Companies House has allowed voluntary identity verification (IDV). From 18 November 2025, all new directors must verify their identity, while existing directors will have a 12-month transition period. These changes follow new powers given to Companies House in 2023, aimed at tackling economic crime and increasing transparency.
Why is this happening?
The new requirements form part of wider reforms designed to combat fraud and financial crime. By making identity verification mandatory, Companies House will have greater visibility over who is setting up and controlling UK companies.
This, in turn, will:
Strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) processes.
Increase trust and accuracy in company records.
Provide businesses with greater protection against fraudulent activity.
The role of ACSPs (like Everett King)
Under the new rules, directors can complete the process directly with Companies House, but many will prefer to go through an ACSP (like Everett King). Accountants, tax advisers, and formation agents must be registered as ACSPs in order to carry out identity checks on behalf of their clients.
ACSPs are required to:
- Gather information — including names, addresses, and official documents.
- Verify authenticity — ensuring documents are genuine and belong to the individual.
- Maintain records — keeping identity verification records securely for seven years.
Verification can be completed manually (through physical documents and in-person checks) or digitally, using certified identity service providers.
How Everett King can help
Everett King is now an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which means we can complete this requirement on your behalf.
We have prepared our systems and processes to carry out identity verification efficiently, in line with both Companies House requirements and our existing AML obligations. By leveraging secure digital solutions, we aim to reduce administrative burdens and ensure compliance without disruption to your business.
- What we need from you (by email to matthew.russell@everettking.co.uk):
- Copy of Photo ID (A valid Passport and/or Driving Licence; alternative ID if neither is available)
- Proof of Address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)
Once we have completed the process for you, Companies House will issue a unique code (by email). Please forward this code to Matthew so that we can finalise the authentication.
What should directors do now?
Don’t delay. If you are a director or PSC, ensure you are ready to verify your identity well before the deadline.
Choose your route. Decide whether you will verify directly with Companies House or through Everett King as your ACSP.
Stay compliant. Early action will minimise risk, prevent delays, and give you peace of mind.
Our advice
The countdown has begun. For directors, the message is simple: act early to avoid disruption. For ACSPs like us, the challenge is managing these new requirements alongside existing AML duties.
At Everett King, we have worked and continue to, to ensure our clients remain fully compliant and well-prepared for the changes ahead.
If you have any questions about identity verification, Companies House changes, or what this means for your business, please contact us — we are here to support you every step of the way.
Next Steps
- If you would like Everett King to handle this for you, please email matthew.russell@everettking.co.uk at your earliest convenience with the required documents.
- If you are completing the process yourself, we will still need you to forward the personal code to us from companies house once received.
- Sole Traders and Partnerships do not need to take any action.
We will send monthly reminder emails throughout the summer and early autumn to ensure this important requirement is not missed.
For any questions, please contact Matthew Russell directly:
