The new requirements
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced various measures that will radically alter the way in which UK companies interact with Companies House. A particularly significant change comes in the form of Identity Verification (IDV) requirements. All company directors, partnership members and persons with significant control (PSC) will need to verify their identity, meaning millions of people will have to undergo the procedure, both in the UK and overseas.
It should be noted in particular that foreign corporate directors and foreign ‘Relevant Legal Entities’ will also be affected, with a nominated director having to undergo the identification procedure.
As from 8th April 2025, it has been possible to undergo the verification procedure on a voluntary basis. A date for IDV becoming a legal requirement has not yet been set, but this is expected for Autumn of 2025. From Spring of 2026, the requirement will also extend to persons filing on behalf of companies, such as in-house and external company secretaries.
Updated Companies House forms are expected to be released soon, with new confirmation statements only being fileable if the ID verification process has been completed by all concerned parties. In light of this, a proactive approach is advisable to avoid delays with key filings and even criminal liability.
There are a number of ways in which individuals can verify their identity with Companies House, but it will likely be easiest to do so via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
WHAT WE DO
Vanner Perez Notaries is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider and can verify the identity of your directors, LLP members and PSC on your behalf.
Two alternative approaches are available and we can advise on what is most suitable for you based on the individuals’ location and the types of ID they are able to provide:
- Identity verification via Identity Verification Technology (IDVT): In some circumstances, Companies House allows for remote verification by way of the use of approved IT solutions. Our firm partners with leading providers and is able to offer this approach in a manner that is both highly secure and convenient, particularly for individuals based abroad.
- In-person identity verification: Our notaries can meet the individuals and inspect their original documents. This can be done at our offices in the City or in Kensington, or we can arrange for meetings in Hampshire, Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and anywhere in London. With one convenient visit to your offices, it will be possible to meet the new requirements in a way that causes minimal disruption to your directors.
Why Choose Vanner Perez Notaries?
We appreciate that these new requirements have the potential to be burdensome and to introduce significant logistical challenges, which is why we are committed to following a flexible and efficient approach. Given our firm’s extensive experience with document verification, compliance, and company secretarial matters, you can rest assured that we will ‘get it right’ straight away and make the process as easy as possible for you.
Furthermore, your personal data is in safe hands with our professionals. We are used to handling sensitive documents for large businesses, as well as for a large number of individuals, adhering to the highest standards of data security.
Once your directors have undergone identity verification with us, this will also enable us to offer notarisation and KYC services to you on a more streamlined basis in the future.
Transparent Pricing
We offer a transparent pricing structure with attractive discounts for multiple verifications. For organisations requiring verification for a larger number of individuals, we provide even more significant cost savings. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and discover how we can provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for your compliance requirements.
If you have any questions about Companies House ID verification or would like a quote or free consultation, please get in touch with Vanner Perez Notaries.
Contact:
Soren Hartmann
+44 (0)203 668 6626
Send us an email