Deadline for Mandatory Identity Verification in the UK—How to Prepare?

A major shift in UK company law is coming. From 18 November 2025, identity verification (IDV) will be mandatory for all directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).

This reform changes how companies are formed, governed, and monitored. Companies House now requires every UK company to be backed by a verified, trustworthy identity.

“Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.”
Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE

For ACSPs, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity. They will be authorised to verify identities and file on clients' behalf. For directors and PSCs, verification becomes essential to maintain roles.

Who Needs to Comply with the New ID Verification Rules?

The new rules affect anyone involved in the formation, management, or control of UK companies. Companies House estimates 6 to 7 million individuals will need to verify their identities by mid-November 2026.

• Directors and PSCs must verify their identity via Companies House or an ACSP. For most, this will be a quick, one-off process.
• From Spring 2026, all ACSP filings will require the filer to be a registered ACSP who has verified the identities of relevant individuals. While the filing requirement comes later, ACSPs are strongly advised to have their systems and processes in place by November 2025 to ensure they are familiar with the verification process and can support clients immediately.

Why Identity Verification Matters More Than Ever

IDV is a core part of the ECCTA, marking one of the most significant UK company law updates in decades. Companies House is evolving into an active gatekeeper of trust, confirming that company officers are legitimate.

Identity verification aims to:

• Prevent fraud and money laundering
• Improve transparency of company ownership
• Raise governance standards and data integrity

This goes beyond compliance, it rebuilds confidence in the UK corporate ecosystem.

“Identity verification will play a key role in giving confidence to investors and consumers alike, ensuring greater transparency about the organisations they do business with.”
Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders MP

Firms must review and upgrade their identity verification processes, onboarding workflows, and communication systems. Manual or fragmented systems won’t meet new standards. Compliance is mandatory. 

Preparing for the New ACSP Responsibilities

ACSPs must prepare to:

• Register under a UK AML supervisor
• Implement reliable, scalable identity verification workflows
• Maintain detailed audit trails for regulatory compliance
• Support clients with:
  
  • Companies House personal verification codes
  • Accurate confirmation statement updates
  • Tracking IDV status across accounts

Tip: Verification must be repeated if new individuals join or company details change.

The Consequences of Inaction

Failing to prepare for the new identity verification requirements carries significant risks. From November 2025, directors, people with significant control, and other relevant individuals must complete identity verification, while ACSP filing obligations become mandatory from Spring 2026.

Legal penalties may arise from incorrect or incomplete filings, while delays in company formation and filings can frustrate clients and disrupt business. Poor compliance support can lead to a loss of client trust, and regulatory failures may cause lasting reputational damage. 

“We encourage people to verify as early as possible.”
Louise Smyth CBE, Companies House CEO

Forward thinking firms view IDV not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a valuable opportunity to enhance their business. By investing in early compliance, they can better support their clients throughout the verification process and reduce administrative burdens through streamlined, digital onboarding.

This proactive approach allows firms to differentiate themselves by demonstrating higher standards of trust and service. Verification is a way to professionalise onboarding, strengthen client relationships, and reduce long-term risk exposure.

Simplify Compliance with Verify by Tiller

Meeting identity verification requirements at scale can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Verify by Tiller is purpose-built to help ACSPs and regulated firms meet the new Companies House standards efficiently and confidently.

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We work closely with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and senior representatives at Companies House, ensuring our platform stays fully aligned with the latest regulatory requirements and deadlines. This means you’re not just buying software, you’re gaining a compliance partner with direct insight into how the rules are applied.

Our platform offers:

• ISO certified passive liveness checks to prevent spoofing and ensure biometric integrity
• NFC chip reading & biometric security to protect against deepfakes, forgeries, and tampering
• Mobile first design for higher completion rates and fewer drop-offs
• Audit ready trails that stand up to regulatory scrutiny
• Real time IDV status tracking so you always know who’s verified and who still needs action
• Seamless integration into ACSP workflows, including onboarding, filings, and client communication
• Bulk upload functionality to manage large client lists quickly and reduce manual admin
• White label options to deliver a fully branded verification experience
• A platform built for regulated firms and designed to scale with your business and evolving obligations

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Whether you're verifying hundreds or thousands of clients, Verify by Tiller simplifies compliance, so you can focus on delivering value, not chasing paperwork.

To help ACSPs prepare for the new deadlines, Verify by Tiller recently hosted a webinar with industry experts and Companies House representatives, breaking down the upcoming changes, the verification process, and the tools available to make compliance smooth. You can watch the full session here.

Start Preparing Today with Verify

The 18 November 2025 deadline is firm. Preparation can and should start now. Whether you’re an ACSP or director, early action ensures you stay ahead of compliance demands.

With the right tools, you’ll meet regulatory requirements while delivering a better client experience.

Contact Verify by Tiller to Get IDV Ready
Start verifying today.

Schedule a quick demo to see how Verify by Tiller can help you meet Companies House requirements with less admin, stronger security, and a smoother client experience. Book a demo today.