Companies House Identity Verification: An Overview of ACSPs and How Identity Verification Services Can Help

By Sarah Croft | March 5, 2025 | Compliance, News

As part of the UK Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, new reforms have been announced, set to improve the integrity of the company registration system. This will require anyone involved in setting up, running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK to verify their identity with Companies House. The goal is to prevent fraudulent activity and ensure greater transparency within the UK’s corporate landscape.

Phased Introduction of Identity Verification

The implementation of identity verification will occur in stages, with the window for ACSP registration having opened on 18th March 2025 and registration beginning on 8th April 2025. Initially, individuals can voluntarily verify their identity. By 2026, the process will become mandatory for:

• New directors and persons with significant control (PSCs)
• Existing directors and PSCs
• Anyone acting on behalf of a company
• Members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)

What options do Directors have for Identity Verification?

Directors and individuals involved in the company registration process will have the choice of two primary routes to verify their identity:

1. Verifying directly with Companies House Individuals can use GOV.UK One Login to verify their identity, submitting required ID documents such as passports or driving licenses.
2. Verifying through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) Alternatively, identity verification can be carried out through an ACSP—an entity or individual supervised under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. These service providers include company formation agents, solicitors, accountants, and chartered secretaries. ACSPs must apply for authorisation and comply with AML regulations to offer identity verification services. The registration start date for ACSPs has been postponed but is expected in Spring 2025.

What is the role of an ACSP?

ACSPs play a key role in the identity verification process, with legal and procedural standards to uphold. Their responsibilities include:

• Following identity verification guidelines set by Companies House
• Maintaining records of identity checks for a minimum of seven years
• Reporting verification details to Companies House, including evidence used for verification

Companies House reserves the right to suspend or de-authorize an ACSP if they fail to comply with regulations.

How can TrustID identity verification services help ACSPs?

The initial guidance issued by the Government outlines the necessary steps an ACSP must take before reporting an individual’s identity verification to Companies House. These steps include:

• Requesting information from the individual being verified
• Obtaining proof of identity through a valid document (e.g., passport, ID card, or driving licence)
• Verifying that the document is authentic
• Confirming that the identity belongs to the person claiming it
• Keeping records of the identity checks

While the guidance on how ACSPs meet Companies House identity verification standards isn’t based on GPG45 standards, it offers options to use Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) or collaborate with a commercial identity provider or platform to verify an individual’s identity.

As a leading Identity Service Provider (IDSP) certified against the Government Digital Schemes and a provider of KYC services, at TrustID, we are already supporting ACSPs in meeting verification requirements. Our services cover:

• Validating global identity documents. We can support verification of all government issued documents from the Option 1 and Option 2 list of documents in the ACSP guidance using either:
  • Optical verification technology with nothing to download and no chip-opening requirement or
  • Combining Optical verification with chip-opening for biometric documents which requires your applicant to download a chip.
• Capturing a selfie for comparison with the photograph on the identity document. Read more about our facial biometrics service here. 
• Supporting address verification by capturing address details and linking the applicant to that address by checking against trusted data sources.
• Assisting in the collection of additional evidence, such as bank statements, where required.

Get in touch for more information!

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory identity verification through Companies House is a significant step toward enhancing transparency and reducing fraud within the UK’s corporate sector. Organisations subject to AML supervision must prepare for these changes and ensure compliance with the new verification requirements. Working with an IDSP like TrustID can streamline this process and ensure accurate, efficient identity verification.

To stay up to date with evolving guidance, visit the Companies House website or contact our team to discuss how technology can help you navigate these changes effectively.