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Identity verification and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: what you need to know

Identity verification and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: what you need to know

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduces important changes to how Companies House operates, aiming to improve transparency and reduce economic crime.

A key part of these reforms is mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in companies and certain other entities.

Who must verify their identity

You must complete identity verification if you are:

  • A director or proposed director of a UK company
  • A person with significant control (PSC) over a company
  • A member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or similar entity
  • An individual filing documents with Companies House on behalf of an entity

When must identity verification be completed?

  • Before incorporation for new companies
  • Before appointment for new directors and PSCs
  • Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12-month transition period, from Autumn 2025, to comply
  • Identity verification is mandatory — filings may be rejected if individuals are not verified

How can you verify your identity?

You have two options:

(a) Verify individually

  • Access the Companies House identity verification portal
  • Provide personal information (name, address, date of birth) and ID documents (e.g., passport or driving licence)
  • Submit a live photo (selfie) for biometric checks
  • If successful, you will receive a Verification ID

(b) Verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)*

  • Appoint an ACSP (e.g., your company secretary, law firm, or other regulated provider)
  • Provide your documents directly to the ACSP
  • The ACSP will complete checks on your behalf and notify Companies House

What happens after verification?

  • Your verified identity will be recorded at Companies House
  • You will not need to re-verify unless your circumstances change, or Companies House requires it
  • Verified individuals will be assigned a unique identifier for future filings

*What is an ACSP?

  • An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a regulated professional (such as a legal or accountancy firm) authorised to verify identities and submit filings
  • Using an ACSP can streamline the process and ensure full compliance

How can we help?

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

We can assist you by:

  • Managing your identity verification process
  • Advising on your obligations under the new legislation
  • Ensuring seamless compliance with Companies House requirements
  • Compiling the unique identification number(s) required to submit filings for the Company at Companies House

Contact us

Please contact us to find out more and to ensure you meet the new requirements.

Nicola Tomlin
nicola.tomlin@harbottle.com

Olivia Osuigwe
olivia.osuigwe@harbottle.com

AUTHORS

Tim Parker Partner

Tim is a partner and co-leads our hospitality and leisure sector.

Tim is a partner and co-leads our hospitality and leisure sector.

Tim has a wealth of experience providing strategic, legal advice to a wide range of clients in entrepreneurial businesses. He is particularly adept at handling corporate and finance transactions, and advising on mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. He also advises clients seeking to raise capital on and off-market as well as a number of corporate investors.

His clients principally operate and invest in the media and technology sectors and range from early stage companies to a number of listed companies on both AIM and the Official List of the London Stock Exchange.

Tim joined Harbottle & Lewis in 2000 from Slaughter and May, and became partner in 2004.