Big changes are coming to Companies House, and they’re going to affect every business in the UK. This new identity verification is a major step towards making business registration safer and more transparent.
The biggest one? Directors and people with significant control will soon have to prove they are who they say they are.
This guide will explain what these identity checks mean, why they’re being introduced, when they’ll start, and what you’ll need to do to keep your business on the right side of the law. Plus, we’ll show you how Crunch can help make the whole thing a lot easier.
What is identity verification, and who needs to do it?
If you’re a director or a person with significant control (PSC) of a company, you’ll soon need to verify your identity with Companies House. This isn’t just for new companies, if you’re already running one, this applies to you too.
Without doing this, you won’t be able to register a company or act as a director. The idea is to stop fake companies from being set up by criminals.
You can do the verification yourself through the GOV.UK One Login system, or you can get help from a registered agent like Crunch. We can handle the technical side and make sure everything is done correctly, taking the hassle off your plate.
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Why are these checks being introduced?
Companies House has faced criticism for how easy it has been to set up fake companies. The system has been too easy to exploit for things like money laundering and fraud.
These new ID checks are all about making the register more trustworthy and stopping fraudsters from abusing the system.
When will this all happen?
Voluntary identity checks started in April 2025, so you’ve already got a head start if you’ve done yours.
The government plans to make identity verification mandatory in autumn 2025, although they haven’t released a specific date yet. Once that happens, anyone on the register will have 12 months to verify their identity from autumn 2025.
If you’re a Crunch client, don’t worry - we’ll guide you through what’s needed and make sure you stay compliant when the time comes.
What else is changing?
It’s not just ID checks. Here are some other important updates to be aware of:
- You can no longer use a PO Box for your registered office. It has to be a real UK address where official post can be delivered.
- Every company must have a registered email address so Companies House can get in touch quickly if needed.
- When you file your annual confirmation statement, you’ll also have to confirm your company is following the rules with a legal declaration.
- Companies House fees have gone up since 1 May 2024, to fund improvements like fraud prevention.
- There are tougher penalties if you don’t comply, Companies House can now reject filings, fine you, or even disqualify directors.
What counts as a valid UK registered office address?
Many business owners might be unsure what makes a good registered office under the new rules. It has to be a physical UK address where official mail can be reliably received and acknowledged.
That means no PO Boxes or mail forwarding services that don’t handle official letters properly. Crunch can provide a compliant registered office address if you don’t have one.
What does this mean for your business?
If you’re running a company or starting one soon, here’s what you’ll need to do to stay compliant:
- Verify your identity if you’re a director or person with significant control (PSC).
- Use a proper UK address for your registered office - PO Boxes are no longer accepted. Crunch clients can access a discounted virtual office service through our partner, Hoxton Mix.
- Provide a valid registered email address so Companies House can contact you quickly.
- File your confirmation statements on time, including the new legal declaration confirming your company is operating lawfully.
Missing any of these could lead to delays, fines, or even your company being struck off.
What happens if you don’t comply?
It’s worth knowing what the consequences could be if these new rules aren’t followed. Companies House can reject your filings, which might delay important paperwork.
They can also issue fines or, in serious cases, disqualify directors or even strike off companies from the register. Getting ahead of these changes is the best way to avoid trouble.
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How these changes impact company formation
If you’re thinking of setting up a new company, these new rules mean you’ll need to plan ahead.
Identity verification will be part of the process, and you’ll need to have a real UK registered office and a valid email address ready from the start. Crunch can help you navigate this smoothly.
How Crunch can help
We know keeping up with these changes isn’t easy when you’re busy running your business. That’s why Crunch is here to help.
From guiding you through identity verification to managing your confirmation statements and answering any questions about Companies House or HMRC. We take care of the tricky stuff so you don’t have to.