From 8 April 2025, identity verification is a legal requirement for directors and those involved with companies in the UK.
The goal? To deter fraudulent activity and ensure transparency.
At Perfect Balance, we’re here to guide you through this change quickly, securely and without stress.
Why Identity Verification matters
By law, you will now need to verify your identity to confirm you are who you claim to be.
This change aims to:
- Reduce the risk of fraud
- Improve transparency and accuracy on the Companies House register
- Build public trust in corporate records
Key dates and requirements
Starting 8 April 2025, individuals can begin verifying their identity voluntarily through:
- GOV.UK One Login, or
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like Perfect Balance
In the future, identity verification will be compulsory for:
- All new directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
- Existing directors and PSCs
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company
What you’ll need to verify your identity
You can verify online using one of the following photo IDs:
- Biometric passport (from any country)
- UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker Permit (FWP)
And make sure you have:
- Your current address and the year you moved in
- A GOV.UK One Login account
What happens after verification
Once verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code — a unique identifier that connects your identity to your company records.
From autumn 2025, you will need this code when:
- Filing your confirmation statement
- Being appointed as a director
- Becoming a PSC
If you fail to verify on time, you may face legal consequences, including financial penalties and restrictions on filing or setting up companies.
What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
ACSPs are individuals or organisations authorised to verify identities and perform anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activity.
These include:
- Company formation agents
- Solicitors
- Accountants
- Chartered secretaries and governance professionals
ACSPs, like Perfect Balance, must also be approved and verified by Companies House to operate.
Let Perfect Balance handle it for you
As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider, Perfect Balance can manage your identity verification smoothly and securely, ensuring you stay compliant while saving time.
Contact us today to find out more about our identity verification service and how we can make the whole process easy for you.
