In the United Kingdom, verifying your identity is a key legal step when setting up, managing, or being involved with a limited company (Ltd). Whether you’re forming a company or acting as a director or shareholder, UK regulations require that your identity is confirmed — largely to comply with anti-money laundering laws and the new requirements introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?
You need to verify your identity if you are:
A company director
A Person with Significant Control (PSC) (someone who owns or controls more than 25% of shares or voting rights)
A Company Secretary (if appointed)
A Shareholder, in some cases (especially during incorporation)
An authorised agent or intermediary acting on behalf of the company (e.g., an accountant or formation agent)
Why Identity Verification Is Required
The UK government is cracking down on illegal business activity, including fraud and money laundering. As part of that, Companies House now requires identity verification to:
Improve transparency about who controls companies
Prevent abuse of UK company structures
Comply with financial regulations (AML, KYC)
How to Verify Your Identity
There are two main ways to verify your identity for a UK Ltd company:
1. Verify Through Companies House (Online)
Companies House has introduced its own identity verification system, available via the Companies House WebFiling or the new Register service.
What You’ll Need:
A valid UK passport, driving licence, or EEA identity document
A smartphone or webcam (for facial recognition checks)
Your personal details as registered with the company (name, DOB, role)
Process:
Go to https://www.gov.uk/verify-your-identity-with-companies-house
Log in or create an account.
Submit your ID document via camera.
Take a selfie for facial recognition matching.
Wait for confirmation — usually within minutes to a few hours.
Outcome: You’ll receive confirmation that your identity has been verified and linked to your Companies House profile.
2. Verify Through an Authorised Agent
If you’re working with a company formation agent, accountant, or legal firm, they may handle the identity verification for you.
They must be:
A supervised agent under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR)
Registered with HMRC or a professional body (e.g., ICAEW, Law Society)
Process:
Provide your ID and proof of address to the agent (passport + utility bill, for example).
The agent performs the check and files confirmation with Companies House.
Note: You are still responsible for ensuring it is completed.
When Must You Verify Your Identity?
| Scenario | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Incorporating a new Ltd company | At the time of incorporation |
| Appointed as a director | Within 14 days of appointment |
| Becoming a PSC | As soon as your status applies |
| Existing company officer | By the time identity verification becomes mandatory (expected in 2025 as part of full rollout) |
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
You may be prevented from being appointed as a director or PSC.
Your company filings may be rejected.
Penalties or enforcement action can follow if ignored after the full rollout in 2025.
Your company could be struck off the register.
Can You Re-Verify or Update Your Identity?
Yes. If your ID has changed (e.g., you renewed your passport), you can log into your Companies House account and update your identity verification at any time.
Tips for Smooth Verification
Use clear, unexpired ID documents (UK passport or photocard driving licence is best).
Complete verification as soon as you’re appointed or plan to incorporate.
Ensure your Companies House personal details match your ID exactly (name, date of birth, etc.)
Use a stable internet connection and well-lit photo when verifying online.
Resources
Companies House verification: https://www.gov.uk/verify-your-identity-with-companies-house
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/48
Final Thoughts
Identity verification is becoming a non-negotiable part of owning or managing a UK limited company. Get ahead by verifying now — especially if you’re planning to incorporate or take on a new director/PSC role.
Doing it early avoids delays, helps keep your company compliant, and ensures you’re ready for the 2025 enforcement deadlines under the new rules.
