🏛️ What’s Changing at Companies House
Companies House is introducing mandatory ID verification for all company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of a company.
It’s part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aimed at improving transparency and preventing fraud.
Every individual associated with a company will need to confirm who they are through a digital ID check — similar to how banks or HMRC verify identity.
👁️🗨️ How the Biometric Checks Work
The new system will involve:
- Uploading a photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Taking a live photo or video selfie to match the ID
- Completing the process through an approved verification provider (or via your accountant once authorised)
Once verified, your name will appear on the Companies House register as “identity verified” — reassuring for clients, suppliers, and banks.
⏰ When Will This Happen?
The rollout is expected from late 2025 into early 2026.
Companies House will notify directors directly and allow time for everyone to complete the process before penalties apply.
If you’re forming a new company, ID verification will become a mandatory step before incorporation.
⚠️ What Happens if You Don’t Verify
Failure to verify could lead to:
- Being barred from acting as a company director
- Fines or criminal penalties for non-compliance
- Possible administrative delays in filing documents
It’s worth checking now that your company records are accurate — names, addresses, and birth dates — so verification runs smoothly.
💼 How GMS Accountants Can Help
At GMS Accountants, we’ll guide clients through the new verification system when it launches, ensuring every director and PSC meets the new legal requirements.
We’ll also help you keep your Companies House filings compliant, from annual accounts to confirmation statements — giving you more time to focus on your business, not bureaucracy.
📍 Need Help Staying Compliant?
We’re already supporting small businesses across Cambridge to prepare for the new rules.
If you’re unsure what these changes mean for your company, speak to the team today:
👉 gms-accountants.co.uk
