Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Voluntary ID verification available from 8 April 2025
04 April 2025
Companies House has provided an update on the implementation of identity verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
Voluntary identity verification
From 8 April 2025, Companies House will allow directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to voluntarily verify their identity. Individuals will be able to verify their identity in the following ways:
- Online through GOV.UK One Login: Using documents such as a biometric passport from any country or a UK Driving Licence, the government portal will ask questions in order to ascertain the identity of the registrant, which will then be verified through the government’s phone app or via web browser. This is a free service.
- In person at a UK Post Office: If you cannot verify online and you live in the UK, you may be able to use the 'in branch verification' service offered by some Post Offices. This route uses the GOV.UK One Login but allows individuals to prove their identity by taking photo ID to a relevant Post Office branch. Again, we understand that this will be a free service.
- Through an authorised corporate service providers (ACSP): Individuals will also be able to use third party providers that are registered as ACSPs to have their identity verified. These providers are likely to charge a fee for this service.
Mandatory identity verification
It is important to note that identify verification will not become mandatory until Autumn 2025 (at the earliest). We are awaiting further announcements from Companies House as to the exact implementation date.
What do I need to do now?
Whilst individuals will be able to verify their identity from 8 April 2025, this is on a voluntary basis initially. We would recommend that companies highlight the upcoming identity verification requirements with their directors and PSCs and start to consider the preferred method of identity verification, taking into account their geographical location and identity documents available.
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Emma Grant
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emma.grant@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 934 2043
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