EBS ID Verification

From 18 November 2025 Companies House will introduce new identity verification requirements for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — often called beneficial owners — of UK companies.

These rules are part of the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act, designed to improve transparency and reduce the risk of fraud and abuse in UK companies.

Who will need to verify their identity?

• All new company directors and PSCs from 18 November 2025 onwards.
• All existing company directors and PSCs, when their next Confirmation Statement is filed after that date.
• Depending on a company’s filing date, this could mean up to 12 months to complete the process.

How the process will work:

1. Individuals will need to submit ID documents for verification.
2. Verification can be done directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
3. The checks will be strict, including scanning the biometric chip found in most passports.
4. Once approved, the person will receive a Companies House Personal Code. This code can be reused indefinitely for any future appointments as a director or PSC.

EBS’s Role

EBS Ltd is registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider with Companies House.
This allows us to verify individuals’ identities to the required legal standard and submit their verification directly to Companies House.

We use a secure online system to carry out checks and confirm ID documents.

Why this matters

These changes will affect anyone:

• Setting up a new UK company.
• Being appointed as a company director.
• Becoming a Person with Significant Control of a UK company.

Failing to verify identity when required could delay company filings and may lead to penalties.

Key Date:
18 November 2025 – ID verification becomes mandatory for new incorporations and new appointments.
Existing companies will need to complete verification in line with their next Confirmation Statement after this date.