Companies House ID Changes for Directors and Persons of Significant Control
Companies House Update
Companies House are introducing more Anti Money Laundering stringent rules regarding the identity verification of Directors and Persons of Significant Control (‘PSCs’). This is for all new and existing persons within the company.
Individuals Requiring Verification
– Directors: All directors of UK companies, including existing directors, are required to verify their identity.
– Persons with significant control (PSC): Individuals with significant control over UK companies may also be required to verify their identity.
Potential Consequences if you don’t verify
Restrictions on company activity: Companies House may restrict the company’s activity, preventing changes to the company register or other actions.
Penalties and fines: Failure to comply with identity verification requirements may result in penalties or fines.
Loss of director’s authority: In severe cases, a director’s authority to act on behalf of the company might be revoked.
Dissolution or strike-off: In extreme cases, the company might be dissolved or struck off the register for non-compliance.
Importance of Compliance
Maintain company status: Verifying identity helps maintain the company’s good standing and avoids potential disruptions.
Avoid penalties: Compliance with identity verification requirements helps avoid penalties and fines.
Ensure business continuity: Verifying identity ensures business continuity and prevents potential disruptions.
Effective Date
The verification process is currently voluntarily, but by October 2025, this will be a mandatory verification process.
We can Help
We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (‘ACSP’) with Companies House, who can verify Director or PSC identity on their behalf with Companies House. Please get in touch to find out more.
We strongly encourage all Directors and PSCs to get ahead of this in good time, to avoid any unwelcomed issues later down the line. As soon as we receive your confirmation, along with the latest documentation and information we are required to hold on record, we will update Companies House accordingly.
Information Required:
– Full name
– Date of birth
– Home address
– Email address (tied to each personal individual, not a shared company email)
Supporting Personal Documentation Required (1 from both Group A & B)
Group A (1 from this section)
Passport
Irish passport card
Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK accredited PASS card
UK or EU driver digital tachograph card
UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
UK HM Forces ID Card
UK HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
UK Frontier Worker permit
Photographic work permit (government issued)
Photographic immigration document
Photographic Visa
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man Firearms Licence
Photographic ID listed on PRADO
Such as a National Identity Card (Pakistan), crew member certificate (South Africa), or Permanent Resident Card (USA).
Group B (1 from this section)
Birth or adoption certificate
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Non-photographic immigration document
Non-photographic visa
Non-photographic work permit
Bank or building society statement
UK local authority or social housing rental agreement (for the person’s current address)
Mortgage statement (for the person’s current address)
UK council tax statement (for the person’s current address)
Utility bill (for the person’s current address) UK biometric
Following Registration
The email address you give can only be used once to verify your identity. You will be sent your unique Companies House personal code to prove your identity verification. You may share your personal code with us and we will save it on the records we hold for you.
We continue our best efforts to support our clients through the ever-changing compliance & tax landscape.
Companies House Update
Companies House are introducing more Anti Money Laundering stringent rules regarding the identity verification of Directors and Persons of Significant Control (‘PSCs’). This is for all new and existing persons within the company.
Individuals Requiring Verification
– Directors: All directors of UK companies, including existing directors, are required to verify their identity.
– Persons with significant control (PSC): Individuals with significant control over UK companies may also be required to verify their identity.
Potential Consequences if you don’t verify
Importance of Compliance
Effective Date
The verification process is currently voluntarily, but by October 2025, this will be a mandatory verification process.
We can Help
We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (‘ACSP’) with Companies House, who can verify Director or PSC identity on their behalf with Companies House. Please get in touch to find out more.
We strongly encourage all Directors and PSCs to get ahead of this in good time, to avoid any unwelcomed issues later down the line. As soon as we receive your confirmation, along with the latest documentation and information we are required to hold on record, we will update Companies House accordingly.
Information Required:
– Full name
– Date of birth
– Home address
– Email address (tied to each personal individual, not a shared company email)
Supporting Personal Documentation Required (1 from both Group A & B)
Group A (1 from this section)
Group B (1 from this section)
Following Registration
The email address you give can only be used once to verify your identity. You will be sent your unique Companies House personal code to prove your identity verification. You may share your personal code with us and we will save it on the records we hold for you.
We continue our best efforts to support our clients through the ever-changing compliance & tax landscape.