For years, Companies House allowed individuals to be appointed as directors or PSCs without robust checks. This left the system open to abuse—fraudulent appointments, fake names, and even deceased individuals listed as active directors.

To address this, the UK government is now requiring identity verification for:

• Company directors (existing and newly appointed)

• People with Significant Control (PSCs)

• Those filing on behalf of companies

1. Enhanced Transparency – It ensures that anyone acting on behalf of a company is who they say they are.

2. Reduced Fraud and Abuse – It becomes much harder to use shell companies or false identities for illicit activities.

3. Greater Accountability – Individuals must take responsibility for their roles within a company.

4. Public Confidence – A verified register boosts credibility in UK businesses.

Failure to complete verification could result in individuals being unable to take up their roles, and companies that fail to comply could face enforcement action.

• Go to the GOV.UK One Login portal
  Visit https://www.gov.uk and select “Sign in or create an account” under the GOV.UK One Login banner.

• Create an account (if you don’t have one already)
  Provide your email address, choose a password, and confirm your details.

• Verify your identity
  You’ll be asked to prove your identity using:

  • A valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or biometric residence permit)

  • Access to a smartphone or device with a camera for facial recognition

  • Your date of birth and UK address

• Follow the on-screen instructions
  You may be asked to record a short video or take a selfie to confirm your identity matches your ID document.

• Link your identity to Companies House
  Once verified, you can link your GOV.UK One Login to your Companies House profile to manage your company responsibilities securely.

The identity verification requirement is being rolled out gradually through 2024 and 2025. Companies House will notify existing directors and PSCs when they need to verify their identity. For new appointments, verification will become mandatory before registration is accepted.

This new identity verification requirement marks a significant shift in how UK companies are regulated. By tying individuals to verified government accounts, the system becomes more secure and trustworthy.

If you’re a director, PSC, or company secretary, it’s wise to create your GOV.UK One Login now and complete your identity verification as early as possible to avoid future disruptions.

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