Major changes are coming to how UK companies are run and regulated. Is your business ready?
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, identity verification (IDV) is being introduced as a legal requirement for millions of individuals involved in UK companies. The aim? To increase transparency, tackle misuse, and build trust in the Companies House register.
At Virtual Company Secretary, we’re already supporting clients through these changes – and we’re encouraging early action to avoid disruption later.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Identity Verification?
Identity verification means confirming that individuals associated with a company – such as directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), or anyone filing with Companies House – are who they say they are.
Each verified individual will receive a unique 11 digit identifier code, linking their identity across their various roles and responsibilities on the register.
This initiative helps:
- Increase trust in UK companies
- Reduce fraud and corporate crime
- Ensure more accurate and secure business records
Key Dates to Know:
The rollout of IDV is happening in phases, starting in 2025. Here’s the timeline:
➔ 8 April 2025 – Voluntary identity verification
Individuals can begin verifying their identity and receive their unique IDV codes. We recommend doing this to avoid last-minute issues.
➔ 18th November 2025 – Transitional period
IDV will become mandatory for certain actions, including:
- New company incorporations
- Filing confirmation statements
- Appointing new directors or PSCs
➔ Spring/Summer 2026 – IDV required for all filings
Anyone submitting information to Companies House must be verified. This includes administrators, company secretaries, and third-party agents.
➔ 17th November 2026 – Full compliance
By this stage, identity verification will be a standard requirement for all relevant individuals listed on the public register.
Why Act Early?
Waiting until identity verification becomes mandatory could put your business at unnecessary risk. Delays in verifying key individuals may lead to missed filings, incorporation setbacks, or unintended offences if unverified directors continue acting on behalf of the company.
Failure to comply could also result in penalties or reputational damage. Without IDV codes in place, everyday business processes could be disrupted – and that’s a risk no company wants to take.
Getting ahead of the deadlines ensures your business continues to operate smoothly, confidently, and within the law.
At Virtual Company Secretary, we’re already registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). That means we can verify identities on your behalf, manage your filings with Companies House, and keep your company compliant at every stage.
Whether you’re a director, company owner, or filing agent, we take the hassle out of the process and provide peace of mind that everything is being handled correctly.