Trustee Identity Verification Form (Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)

This template form is completed by new and existing directors (trustees) of a charitable company limited by guarantee (CCLBG) to confirm their identity verification (IDV) information, as required under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

When identity verification applies

Identity verification requirements now apply to all new and existing directors (charity trustees) of CCLBGs, among others. The requirements became mandatory for new directors (trustees) on 18 November 2025. Existing directors (trustees) have a 12 month transition period to verify their identity, running to 18 November 2026.

Directors (trustees) who do not verify their identity will commit a criminal offence and/or incur a civil penalty. A CCLBG with an unverified director (trustee) will also commit an offence. Verification is carried out using biometric photographic ID, and was voluntary from 8 April 2025 before becoming mandatory from 18 November 2025.

The ECCTA gives Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime, and the IDV regime is a key part of this.

Using this form

Given the significance of this change, CCLBGs should get into the habit of verifying the identity of each of their directors (trustees), whether new or existing, as part of their own internal processes and to support Companies House's IDV requirements.

This form should be completed and returned to the CCLBG by each new and existing director (trustee), together with a copy of their relevant biometric photographic ID. All information received should be held and processed in compliance with UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

The CCLBG will need to identify a lawful basis for processing this personal data and ensure it can be justified. Complying with a legal obligation will satisfy this. More information is available on the ICO's website here.

Further guidance

We also have a letter explaining the identity verification regime and its timeline to directors (trustees). This can be accessed here.

Companies House guidance on the IDV process is available here.

Trustee Identity Verification Form (Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee) is part of Charity. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Charity for 1 year.