New Companies House ID checks have been introduced – how to avoid paying hundreds on verification
Company directors could end up paying hundreds of pounds to comply with new identity checks but it is possible to do so without paying a penny
Company directors must now follow new legal requirements for identity verification but there are fears that many are unprepared.
New rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act mean company directors must complete new ID checks.
Companies House said the rules will help tackle fraud and scams by introducing mandatory identity verification for all limited company directors and any persons of significant control.
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As of 18 November 2025, new company directors need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company.
Existing company directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement during a 12-month transition period.
Current persons of significant control (PSCs) will also need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the commencement of mandatory identity verification on 18 November.
There are fears that directors, particularly smaller companies, may not be aware of the changes.
Research by professional services firm Law Debenture found only 46% of directors have a full understanding of their statutory obligations, while many are seeking to close this knowledge gap with training.
It is important to be prepared as Companies House can impose penalties or even disqualify directors for failing to comply.
Companies House estimates that six to seven million individuals will need to verify their identity by mid-November 2026.
More than 300,000 individuals have already done so during the current voluntary period, which started in April.
This is part of wider efforts by Companies House to tackle issues of fraud in its register.
Companies House said its ID clampdown so far has meant it has queried and removed false, misleading or incorrect information from the registers, with an impact on 100,400 companies.
This often relates to innocent people’s ID being taken to support fraud or money laundering.
Companies House also rejected 10,200 suspicious applications including where evidence has suggested mass incorporations at certain addresses are taking place – this practice has a known link with money laundering.
Louise Smyth, chief executive of Companies House, said: “Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.
“To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance.
“This is part of a coordinated effort to help companies to comply.
“We encourage people to verify as early as possible.”
While the fraud clampdown may be working, MoneyWeek has found some company directors remain unaware of the changes and have been confused by emails from Companies House. We have also seen examples of people having faced technical issues.
Many could also end up unnecessarily paying hundreds of pounds to comply.
Some accountants are charging £45 to complete the process while some law firms have fees of around £250. That is despite the ID check only taking a couple of minutes to complete.
Here is what you need to know.
What are the Companies House identity changes?
As of 18 November 2025, anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK needs to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.
The aim is to reduce the risk of fraud and improve transparency, trust and accuracy of information on the Companies House register.
The ID check only needs to be done once.
Adam Cockroft, partner and head of the corporate and commercial team at Ramsdens Solicitors, said: “While the aim is simple; improving transparency, the practical implications for businesses are considerable.
“By placing greater emphasis on accountability and transparency, these reforms aim to reshape how companies are managed and how information is recorded."
But despite the changes being voluntary since April, many company directors have been caught unaware.
Companies House has been emailing directors from companies.house@notifications.service.gov.uk.
This is a genuine email address but amid a rise of scams, some have been suspicious about how genuine it is and have only acted once prompted by their accountant.
How to verify your identity to Companies House for free
There are three ways to verify your identity as a company director.
The most simple way is to verify online but you will need to setup a free Gov.uk One Login.
This is different to your government gateway and Companies House account, so means remembering another login and password.
Once a login is created, you will need to download the government’s One Login app.
You will then need to use your smartphone to scan a passport or driving licence through the app and then take a selfie to confirm your ID.
There is also a no-photo option that can be done online by submitting a bank statement.
If approved, you will then receive a code from Companies House that confirms your ID check and can be used by you or your accountant when filing a confirmation statement for your business.
You can also get help in a Post Office if you have a One Login setup, or by using an accountant or lawyer.
How easy is it to verify your identity to Companies House?
It only takes a few minutes to complete the ID check once you have a login and have connected to your Companies House business account.
That should make the process easy if you run your own business or have a company with only a few directors.
But there have been complaints about technical issues, which is pushing some people to pay for a service that actually doesn’t take long.
Rob Peters, principal at Simple Fast Mortgage, told MoneyWeek. “No one wants fraud in the system so most accountants and directors agree in principle with ID checks, but the lack of clear guidance has created confusion.
“Some clients are being quoted steep fees by third parties, while others are trying to do it themselves but unsure how. I tried to do it myself and the system didn't work correctly. My accountant charged £75 to complete it for me but other firms are charging up to £250.”
Another broker, Rohit Kohli of The Mortgage Stop, added: “So far it's been a bit of a farce, from getting a request out of the blue with no real explanation to the actual process of doing it.
“You need to create another login as well as having your previous Companies House logins, as well as government gateway logins.
“We tried to do it and the system kept saying, ‘Something went wrong. Please try again later.’ I'd go to a Post Office but they're all closing down.”
Despite the confusion and difficulties, Meg Ogunsola, global director of entity management solutions at business advisory firm Vistra, warns it is vital to comply but highlighted that just 4% of the seven million affected directors, PSCs, and limited liability partnership members are currently compliant.
She said: "The countdown has begun. With mandatory ID verification checks coming into force on 18 November 2025, firms cannot afford to delay taking action.
"These checks are a critical step in the fight against fraud. At the current pace, it would take several years to reach full verification, leaving the majority at serious risk as the deadline looms.
“While it will be phased in over a 12-month period, firms must act sooner rather than later. Millions of individuals still need to complete the process, raising the risk of significant backlogs as the deadline approaches. Overseas directors are particularly exposed, with additional hurdles around non-biometric documents and registration requirements that could slow verification even further.
"Companies House has been unequivocal: non-verified companies will be struck off, and individuals who fail to comply face disqualification, bans on filings and acquisitions and unlimited fines. The message is clear: the clock is ticking, and the time to act is now."
A government spokesperson said: “To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance.
“This is part of a coordinated effort to help companies to comply before it becomes a legal requirement.
“We encourage people to verify as early as possible.
“Inclusion is at the heart of GOV.UK One Login, designed with those needing digital support in mind. It offers simple content, in-person identity verification at the Post Office, and contact centre assistance, supported with regular user testing to make GOV.UK One Login as accessible as possible.”
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Marc Shoffman is an award-winning freelance journalist specialising in business, personal finance and property. His work has appeared in print and online publications ranging from FT Business to The Times, Mail on Sunday and the i newspaper. He also co-presents the In For A Penny financial planning podcast.