Director ID Verification Rules – What Company Directors Need to Know for Autumn 2025

Important changes are coming in Autumn 2025 that will affect every company director in the UK. Under the new legislation, directors will be required to verify their identity through a formal process.

This guide explains what the new director ID verification rules mean, who they apply to, how to complete the process, and the risks of failing to comply.

Why Are Director ID Verification Rules Being Introduced?

These rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, designed to:

• Reduce fraud and the use of false identities.
• Increase corporate transparency.
• Improve trust and integrity in UK businesses.

Companies House will use this new verification system to ensure that the individuals behind companies can be identified and held accountable.

Who Do the Rules Apply To?

From Autumn 2025, ID verification will become compulsory for:

• • • Directors of existing companies and newly incorporated companies.
    • Equivalent roles such as LLP members, general partners, and managing partners of limited partnerships.
    • Persons with Significant Control (PSC) – individuals holding 25% or more of a company’s shares or voting rights, or with the right to appoint a majority of the board.
    • Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – also known as Companies House authorised agents.
    • Individuals who file on behalf of a company – such as company secretaries

How Will Directors Verify Their Identity?

There are several options available for ID verification:

1. 1. 1. Government Online Service – a free, secure service where directors can upload their identification digitally.
      2. Post Office Verification – directors can complete the process in person at participating branches.
      3. Through an ACSP – you can authorise an agent to manage the verification on your behalf.

👉 If you’d prefer us to manage it for you, we can handle the entire verification for a fee of £100 + VAT.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to comply with the new verification rules will have serious consequences, including:

• • • Your appointment as a director may be rejected or removed by Companies House.
    • Civil penalties may be issued.
    • In serious cases, you could even be disqualified from acting as a company director.

Preparing for the Autumn 2025 Deadline

To avoid disruption, we recommend that directors and company secretaries act now by:

• • • Confirming whether their ACSP (if used) is registered and ready for the new system.
    • Reviewing and updating company records, removing any outdated or inactive directorships.
    • Ensuring compliance with other Companies House requirements ahead of the upcoming changes.

Final Thoughts

The new director ID verification rules are one of the biggest compliance changes in recent years. They are designed to strengthen trust, safety, and accountability across UK companies.

By preparing now, you can protect your business, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary stress when the rules come into force.

If you’d like support with director ID verification or guidance on wider company compliance, our team at FHP Accounting is here to help.

Contact FHP Accounting today to free up more time for you to focus on growing your business.