Act now to verify your identity before mandatory introduction in autumn 2025
Companies House are implementing a compulsory IDV process wherein all company directors, LLP members and people with significant control (PSC) need to verify their identity to prove who they are. Given that this process is mandatory, WHA has compiled some advice on how to complete this process — and an outline on how we can assist you to meet these newly introduced requirements.
What is IDV?
IDV, or Identity Verification, at Companies House refers to the new requirement for individuals setting up, running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK to verify their identity with Companies House. This initiative, introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aims to enhance corporate transparency and deter illegal activities by ensuring individuals are who they claim to be.
Essentially, IDV is the process whereby a company director, LLP member and people with significant control (PSC) verify their identity with Companies House and are thus provided with a Unique Identifier (UID) code following completion of this process.
Why is IDV being introduced?
The Companies House register has been historically subject to fraudulent activity with little burden of proof being placed on an individual having to prove themselves to be legitimate when incorporating a new company. To stamp out suspicious activity on the Companies House register, the IDV process has been implemented to make sure people are who they claim to be.
When will IDV be implemented?
Identity verification via the IDV process at Companies House will become compulsory for company directors, LLP members and PSCs in the UK starting in autumn 2025.
Failure to verify identity in the IDV process can lead to restrictions on filing company information, potential rejection of company incorporations and disqualification of directors.
WHA recommends that all relevant individuals appointed at a company complete the IDV process as soon as possible. The IDV process is quick and efficient. Furthermore, IDV is only a one-time task to undertake. Once Companies House provide you with your Unique Identifier (UID) code, you keep this same UID code for all Companies House appointments that you hold — even across multiple companies.
In essence, the UID code is linked to the person, not to individual companies, allowing for a streamlined verification process across all relevant roles.
How do I complete the IDV process?
You can either arrange to complete the IDV process yourself, or WHA can facilitate this for you. The WHA team will be in touch with you to find out which option you want to pursue, and to provide you with guidance with whatever option you choose.
The DIY Approach
You can verify your identity online using GOV.UK One Login. Both UK and foreign nationals can use this link to complete their IDV and gain their UID code. This online service accepts biometric passports issued by all countries. For non-UK residents, other types of biometric documents are also accepted (UK residence permit, UK residence card and UK frontier worker permits).
A biometric passport, also known as an e-passport, can be identified by a small, gold camera-like symbol on the front cover, typically located below the country’s name. This symbol indicates the presence of a microchip containing your biometric information, such as your photo.
Once you access this GOV.UK One Login link, you will be prompted to create an account (each director and PSC needs to create a separate account with a unique email address).
- Click on ‘Verify Your Identity’
- Click on ‘Go to GOV.UK One Login’
- Click on ‘Create your GOV.UK One login’
- Enter your email address, and click ‘Continue’
- Follow the steps to create an account
- Once your GOV.UK One account is set-up, click on ‘Open GOV.UK ID Check’
- Then follow the prompts as they appear on screen. Full instructions are provided throughout the procedure.
The IDV process is easier when using a smartphone.
Once a UID code is issued to you, please retain it safely as this reference will stay with you for life.
It is vital that you provide your UID code to WHA. We will need to quote the UID code for all directors and PSCs when we file your company confirmation statement.
For security reasons, Companies House will not provide your UID code to WHA — you will need to let us know your UID code yourself.
The WHA Approach
WHA can support you with the IDV process — all we need from you is your full name and email address (this information will be needed for all directors and PSCs appointed at your company). We will then request an identity verification check using a secure online platform called ‘Verify by Tiller’. Verify by Tiller will contact you directly with instructions on how to verify your identity — this will be a simple process of downloading an app on your mobile device and following the clear prompts on screen. Once completed, Verify by Tiller will send WHA notification of successful identity verification, and following this WHA will let Companies House know that you have successfully completed the IDV process. As a result, your UID code will be emailed directly to you.
Verify by Tiller is an established online platform that WHA have used for some time, and therefore you can be reassured this is a safe and genuine digital function to use. WHA are always happy to talk you through any concerns or questions that you might have, so please don’t be shy to ask — we are as protective of your personal data as you are.
It is vital that you provide your UID code to WHA. We will need to quote the UID code for all directors and PSCs when we file your company confirmation statement.
For security reasons, Companies House will not provide your UID code to WHA — you will need to let us know your UID code yourself.
The WHA Approach — Cost Effective
If you opt for WHA to help you complete the IDV process right now, there will be no fee for this service. This free assisted IDV service via WHA will remain in place until the mandated deadline for implementation as set by Companies House (likely to be in October) — after which, WHA will be reviewing their fee for this service.
Therefore, it makes sense to take advantage of WHA’s expert and guided IDV service to complete these requirements for you and your company with the ease of convenience at no extra cost.
The Way Forward
In due course, the WHA team will be contacting every director, LLP member and PSC of our client companies. We will ask whether you have completed the IDV process — if you have, please kindly arrange to provide our team with your UID code(s).
If you have not completed the IDV process, our team will ask you which method you prefer — the DIY approach, or the WHA approach. If you wish for WHA to assist you, we will ask you for the full name and email address of each director/LLP member and PSC at your company and take it from there.
Please feel free to contact the WHA office and/or the lead partner that handles your financial matters for added confirmation that the person contacting you is a legitimate and genuine WHA contact. We completely understand — and recommend — the necessity to be cautious when providing your personal data to anyone previously unknown to you.
New Incorporations
For all new company incorporations, there will be a slight change to the WHA onboarding procedures. Effectively, before we can incorporate your new company, you will have to complete the IDV process to generate a UID code. WHA will ask for the full name and email address of each director/LLP member and PSC at the new proposed company — providing these details to us is vital, as these details will allow the process of identity verification to take place. Once all director and PSC identities have been verified, WHA will apply on your behalf for each director and PSC to be issued with a distinct UID code.
Please note that without a UID code for each director and PSC, a company cannot be incorporated.
Should you have any questions or queries regarding the forthcoming IDV regulations and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the WHA statutory team — we will be happy to support you and provide guidance on how you and your company can fulfil these new IDV requirements. You can contact us on 020 8878 8383 or via email on info@whitehartassociates.com.
