Letter to Directors Regarding ID Verification
The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). Directors will need to be identity verified to act under the provisions of the ECCTA and there will be potential civil and criminal penalties for failure to do so. Identity verification applies to directors irrespective of their nationality or where they are resident.
The voluntary period for identity verification opened on 8th April 2025 and mandatory identity verification begins on 18th November 2025.
Use this letter to ask directors to complete Companies House identity verification
This template letter is designed to help a company explain the identity verification regime to its directors and encourage them to complete identity verification as soon as possible.
It reflects the timetable and transition period anticipated as large numbers of individuals complete identity verification.
Key practical impact from 18th November 2025
From 18th November 2025, it will no longer be possible to register an appointment of a director at Companies House, nor for that director to act, until they have been identity verified.
Existing directors will also need to be identity verified to continue to act and must have their identity verified before the company next files its annual confirmation statement. This does not apply to corporate directors.
How directors can complete identity verification
Most directors should be able to complete identity verification via the GOV.UK One Login service, which is a Government service.
Where there are complications (for example, with identity documents, ability to use online services or overseas directors), a director may need to use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to complete identity verification.
Companies House guidance
Companies House guidance on the identity verification process is available here.
Letter to Directors Regarding ID Verification is part of Corporate. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Corporate for 1 year.