A new law for UK company directors is coming into effect under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, requiring all directors and other key company personnel to verify their identity from 2025. This change will affect company filings, compliance status, and legal obligations. If you’re a UK director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC), this article will show you exactly how to meet the requirements and avoid penalties.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity in the UK by 2025?
The new identity verification law applies to key roles involved in UK company administration. If you fall into one of the categories below, you must act.
- UK Company Directors: Every new and existing director will be required to verify their identity through Companies House or an approved agent.
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): Individuals holding more than 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights must also complete identity checks.
- Third-Party Filing Agents: Professionals filing documents on behalf of companies must register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) by March 2025 to conduct identity checks.
Step-by-Step Process for UK Directors to Meet the Identity Verification Requirement
UK directors need a clear process to complete identity verification in order to avoid penalties and comply with the new law. Following this simple process will help you meet the identity verification requirements:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting the identity verification process, collect the required documents. These will help confirm your identity and address.
- A valid UK passport or driver’s license
- Proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement, or tax letter
- Optional: National Insurance Number
Tip: Scan or take clear photos of your documents ahead of time to save time during the upload process.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification Online
You can complete your verification through Companies House or by using a registered ACSP (third-party provider). The process is entirely online and usually quick. It typically takes a few minutes to a few hours to complete. The entire process is secure, encrypted, and fully compliant with UK data protection laws.
Step 3: Submit Your Identity to Companies House
Once your identity is verified, the details are automatically sent to Companies House. You’ll receive a confirmation either by email or through an on-screen notice. There is no need to submit any paper forms or make an in-person visit. It’s recommended that you keep a copy of the confirmation for your personal records.
Step 4: Keep Your Information Updated
After completing verification, it’s important to keep your personal information up to date. If your name, address, or identification details change, you must update them with Companies House. Not doing so could lead to non-compliance and possible penalties.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply with the 2025 UK Director Identity Verification Requirement?
Penalties for identity verification in the UK can be severe if you ignore this requirement. Directors who fail to comply face both financial fines and legal consequences that may affect the company’s operations.
- Penalties for Identity Verification UK – Fines can start at £250 and go up to £2,000 for serious or repeated offences.
- Business Impact – Incorrect filings may be rejected and your company could face delays or even be struck off.
- Criminal Charges – Persistent non-compliance may lead to criminal action under the new offence of “failure to prevent fraud”.
Deadlines for UK Directors to Meet the 2025 Identity Verification Requirement
Deadlines for identity verification in the UK are critical to avoid automatic non-compliance. Missing these key dates could lead to penalties, so make sure to mark them and stay prepared.
| DATE | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 18 March 2025 | ACSP registration begins; Companies House can start fast-track strike-offs |
| 25 March 2025 | Voluntary identity verification opens for directors |
| Autumn 2025 | Mandatory identity verification begins |
| Autumn 2026 | Final deadline for all existing directors and PSCs to be verified |
What Issues You Might Face with UK Director Identity Verification
Identity verification for directors is designed to be simple, but you may face some challenges if you’re not prepared.
- Mismatch in Records – Verification may be delayed if your documents don’t match the Companies House record.
- Slow Document Access – Lost passports or expired licenses may delay the process.
- Confusion Over ACSP Role – Many agents don’t realise they must register to conduct verifications starting March 2025.
The identity verification for directors in the UK is not just a formality; it’s now a legal requirement. Whether you are a director, a PSC, or an agent, it’s your responsibility to verify your identity under the new law for UK company directors by 2025. Act early to avoid penalties and ensure your company filings remain smooth and valid. Need help with identity checks or filing through an ACSP? Get expert support from Swiftacc to make the process fast and error-free.
