Companies House, the UK’s central business registry, has integrated GOV.UK One Login as its new identity verification service, marking a significant advancement in the government’s efforts to combat economic crime and enhance corporate transparency. The system, which went live on April 8, 2025, makes Companies House the 36th government service to adopt the digital identity platform, following a broader push to streamline access to public services through a centralized login system.
The new verification service is currently voluntary but will become mandatory in autumn 2025 for all individuals setting up, running, or filing on behalf of UK companies. This includes directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and third-party agents such as accountants and solicitors acting as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). Verified individuals will be issued a Companies House personal code, which must be used to file documents or assume official roles in company management.
Multiple verification routes are available. Users can complete verification directly via GOV.UK One Login using documents such as biometric passports, UK photo driving licenses, biometric residence permits, Frontier Worker permits, or biometric residence cards. For those lacking standard documentation, verification can also be done in person at the Post Office, or by submitting bank or building society details through an alternative route. The system is designed to support inclusivity, ensuring access for individuals with limited digital capabilities.
To ease the transition, a 12-month voluntary period has been introduced, running until autumn 2026, during which more than six million people linked to registered companies can complete verification at their own pace. This phased approach is intended to minimize disruption for businesses, particularly small enterprises, while ensuring eventual compliance across the corporate ecosystem.
This change aligns with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which granted Companies House enhanced powers to verify identities, improve data accuracy, and prevent the misuse of the companies register. Third-party agents are now required to register as ACSPs and undergo identity verification under existing anti-money laundering regulations, strengthening accountability and closing loopholes previously exploited for shell company abuse.
Louise Smyth, CEO of Companies House, emphasized that “identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.” AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark added that the initiative will reduce administrative burdens while enhancing corporate accountability: “This is a win for businesses, transparency, and economic growth.”
Stakeholders have welcomed the reform. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, called it a critical safeguard for legitimate businesses, while Ben Cowdock of Transparency International noted its potential to deter fraud by closing off opportunities for individuals to hide behind false identities. However, some small business owners have expressed concerns about the time and resources needed to complete verification, particularly for those with limited administrative capacity or access to digital tools.
The rollout is part of the UK’s broader digital transformation agenda. A newly established parliamentary group on digital identity will oversee future policy developments, ensuring that identity verification systems remain secure, inclusive, and aligned with international standards for corporate governance and anti-money laundering compliance.
Sources: Computer Weekly, Business Cloud
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April 10, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
