From Autumn 2025, Companies House rules are changing.
You now need to verify your identity, otherwise you could find yourself unable to:
- Add a new director
- Appoint someone with significant control
- Incorporate a new company
- File your annual Confirmation Statement
Why this matters to you
Whilst deadlines and regulation can feel like a distraction, not verifying your identity could cause many more distractions and wasted time.
Acting quickly protects your business, your reputation, and your ability to make decisions when you want to.
What’s Changing: Identity Verification Rules
Here are the key points of what you need to know:
- From 8 April 2025, individuals can begin voluntary identity verification with Companies House.
- From November 18, 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for new and existing company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) in the UK.
- Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12‐month transition window (after the mandatory date) to complete identity verification.
- Verification is done via one of two routes:
- Directly through GOV.UK One Login using a valid ID (passport, driving licence etc)
- Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – e.g., an accountant such as RedBrick, a solicitor, or someone else who is registered for these checks.
- Once verified, you’ll receive a personal code that you can use for future filings or give to your accountant.
Why It’s Not Just “Another Task”
Whilst you might think this is just “another form to fill in”, this is a very important task, because:
- Delays = Blocked Growth
If a new director or PSC can’t verify in time, you may not be able to appoint them, incorporate a company, or file key documents. They may not be able to officially make decisions. That means projects can halt, contracts can get delayed, or deals might not close. - Compliance Risk = Reputation & Cost
Failing to comply may lead to rejected filings, financial penalties, or in extreme cases disqualification of directors. It’s not just a financial fine, it could also affect your brand, your reputation and your business. - Fraud Prevention = Trust
These rules are part of the broader Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. They push to reduce hidden ownership, ghost directors and misuse of companies by immoral actors and criminals. By getting ahead of this change, you show leads, clients, investors, and banks, that you’re serious.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Check Who Needs Verification: Any director, PSC, LLP member or person who will file documents for your company.
- Gather ID and Address Info: Have a valid passport, driving licence or residence permit ready. Ensure address history and personal details are up to date.
- Decide the Route:
- If you’re confident doing it yourself, use GOV.UK One Login.
- If you’d prefer support and peace of mind, work with a registered ACSP, such as RedBrick.
- Schedule Verification Early: Don’t wait until you’re appointing someone or making a filing. Do it now in the voluntary window.
- Keep Records: Once verified you’ll get a personal code. Keep it safe and link it to all applicable roles.
What Happens If You Ignore It
Ignore this and your business could face:
- Rejected filings or inability to file changes
- Delays in growth or contract execution
- Penalties, director disqualification, or worse
We Can Help
As ICAEW Chartered Accountants, we’ve helped many small businesses build strong, confident foundations not just for their finances, but for their operations, structure and future. We include support in areas like Regulatory Compliance so you’re not doing it on your own.
If you’d like a partner who knows the rules, knows the numbers, and cares about how you build your business (as well as what you build) we’d love to talk.
This change isn’t just compliance. It’s about safeguarding your business and future growth.
Taking action now gives you clarity and stability, whereas delays risk more costly time needing to be spent later.
For a better home for your business finances, email: hello@redbrickaccounting.com
