Identity verification (IDV) is a new service for UK-registered companies from Companies House, allowing individuals to voluntarily verify their identity. IDV is set to become a mandatory requirement from 18 November 2025 as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

From 18 November 2025, IDV will become mandatory for:

• Newly appointed directors, persons of significant control (PSCs) and LLP members at incorporation
• Any individual incorporating a new company, and all directors and PSCs, during the company formation process
• All existing directors and PSCs

There will be a 12-month transition period for existing company officers to verify their identity.

What this means for you

We recommend using the voluntary IDV period as an opportunity to prepare for the mandatory introduction. Individuals can verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. A list of documents that can be provided is here. Based on feedback however, this process can be a challenge to navigate.

Once an individual is verified by Companies House, they will be provided with a unique code. This code is to be used for all future interactions with Companies House.

How we can help

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Mouktaris & Co can assist with IDV. Our company secretarial and corporate governance service will be introducing an identity verification functionality, able to be completed electronically without back-and-forth paperwork. We will contact our clients directly as IDV deadlines become due.

Next steps

To discuss IDV, please get in touch with your usual advisor at Mouktaris & Co, or for further details or tax planning advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.