UK Companies House identity verification becomes mandatory

From 18 November 2025, identity verification became mandatory for directors and people with significant control of UK companies under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. New appointments and registrations must verify identity using specified documents through a free government service or an authorised provider, with existing directors and controllers phased in over twelve months. Companies House described the change as a shift from passive record-keeping to ongoing verification, proactively removing false entries and applying sanctions.