ECCTA 2023: guidance on identity verification now available

Companies House has published new guidance on the identity verification (or IDV) regime introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, whereby all directors, members of LLPs, and persons with significant control (or PSCs) will have to have their identity verified. As outlined in Companies House’s Transition Plan, voluntary IDV for individuals is expected to be available from 8 April 2025, but will not become compulsory until Autumn 2025. 

When does IDV need to be completed?

One set of guidance explains when identity verification needs to be done, depending on your role.  

• Directors, LLP members and PSCs: individuals will be able to voluntarily verify their identity from 8 April 2025. IDV will become compulsory on incorporation for new directors, LLP members and PSCs from Autumn 2025. Existing directors, LLP members and PSCs will have until their LLP or company’s next confirmation statement to complete their IDV process.
• ACSPs: for entities (including accountants, solicitors or company formation agents) wishing to become an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (or ACSP) in order to verify people’s identities for Companies House, their identity must be verified before they can register for an ACSP role. Companies House has now launched the ACSP registration service here.
• People who file at Companies House: for those who wish to file information and documents at Companies House, including filing on behalf of clients or other third parties, IDV will be required at a later stage – the timing for this has not yet been confirmed.

How can IDV be completed?

The second set of guidance outlines the different ways identity verification can be completed. Verification can be done:

• online with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login;
• in person at a Post Office; or
• through an ACSP.

Once verification is successful, a unique identifier (known as a Companies House personal code) will be issued to the verified person. This code will be required for directors, LLP members, and PSCs to connect their verified identity to Companies House records. When IDV becomes compulsory in Autumn 2025, directors will need to provide their personal code as part of their company’s next confirmation statement filing, as part of their appointment filing, as well as on incorporation of a company. PSCs will also need to provide their personal code to Companies House as part of their PSC role, although further guidance on this is expected to be made available later.

What needs to be done now?

Companies and LLPs do not need to take any action yet, although you can start the IDV process from 8 April if you wish to get ahead. You can also prepare by ensuring directors (of all group entities) and LLP members are aware that IDV is coming and that they will be asked to verify their identity in due course. 

What other ECCTA guidance is available?

Companies House has also published guidance on the ACSP role, as well as the processes of striking off or dissolving a company under Chapter 1 Part 31 of the Companies Act 2006 and restoring a company to the register under Chapter 3 Part 31 CA 2006. Equivalent guidance for LLPs is also available here.  

Where can I find out more?

For further guidance and updates on ECCTA, see our Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Hub.