ECCTA Identity Verification Requirements - UK Company Compliance Support

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, commonly known as ECCTA, introduced new identity verification requirements for people who set up, run, own or control companies in the UK.

The reforms are designed to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, reduce fraudulent company formations and make it harder to use false identities in corporate structures.

What Are the ECCTA Identity Verification Requirements?

Under the new Companies House identity verification regime, individuals in relevant corporate roles must verify that they are who they claim to be.

The requirements currently apply to:

• Company directors

• Equivalent officers of relevant entities

• People with Significant Control

• Directors of overseas companies registered in the UK

• Members and certain other equivalent officers where applicable

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025, with existing directors and PSCs being brought into the system during a 12-month transition period.

How Does Identity Verification Work?

There are two main ways to complete the verification process.

Verify Directly With Companies House

Individuals can use the Companies House identity verification service through GOV.UK One Login.

Depending on the individual's circumstances, the process may involve an approved identity document, security questions or another available verification route.

Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can verify an individual's identity on behalf of Companies House.

ACSPs include eligible professional firms such as accountants, solicitors and company formation specialists that have completed the required registration and AML supervision requirements.

Companies House Personal Code

After successful identity verification, the individual receives a Companies House personal code.

The personal code is linked to the individual's verified identity rather than to a particular company.

Directors and PSCs use the code to connect their verified identity with each relevant company role.

ECCTA Requirements for Existing Directors

Existing directors are being brought into the identity verification system during the transition period.

For an existing director, the relevant verification requirement is generally connected to the company's confirmation statement filing. Directors should therefore check their individual Companies House due date rather than assuming that everyone has the same deadline.

ECCTA Requirements for PSCs

People with Significant Control also have identity verification obligations.

Every PSC has an applicable period for providing their personal code and verification statement. The timing depends on whether the PSC is also a director and when the PSC was registered.

Companies should ensure that their PSC information is accurate before completing the relevant verification process.

New Directors and New Companies

New directors must complete identity verification as part of the applicable appointment or incorporation process.

This means businesses forming a new UK company or appointing a new director need to consider identity verification as part of their corporate setup rather than treating it as a later administrative task.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet mandatory identity verification requirements can create legal and corporate compliance problems.

Potential consequences can include financial penalties, enforcement action and restrictions relating to company appointments or filings.

A director who is required to verify their identity should therefore complete the process within the applicable timeframe.

ECCTA Compliance for Overseas Directors

The requirements are also relevant to non-UK residents who act as directors of UK companies or directors of overseas companies registered in the UK.

International entrepreneurs may therefore need support with identity verification, personal codes, Companies House filings and wider UK corporate administration.

Fraser Bond ECCTA Identity Verification Support

Fraser Bond provides practical UK corporate compliance and administration support for directors, PSCs, overseas entrepreneurs, investors and UK companies.

Our services can include identity verification coordination, Companies House administration, personal code support, PSC compliance, registered office services, company filing support and wider corporate governance assistance.

Stay Compliant With ECCTA Requirements

If you need help understanding ECCTA identity verification requirements or managing your Companies House obligations, Fraser Bond can provide practical support based on your company's structure and circumstances.