The Identity Check That Could Stall Your Property Deal

If you’re a company director in the UK—or even just thinking about setting up a company—you’re about to face a crucial new checkpoint. Thanks to fresh legislation under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, verifying your identity with Companies House is no longer just good practice. It’s about to become the law.

This is a big shift. It’s designed to make UK companies more transparent, stop dodgy dealings, and tighten up the information on the public register. But it also means that, unless you act in time, your business—or even a property deal relying on company structure—could hit an unexpected wall.

Let’s break down what’s changing, what you need to do, and why this companies house identity verification check isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute.

So What’s Actually Changing?

Put simply, everyone involved in running a UK company will soon need to prove who they are. This includes:

• Company directors (whether you’ve been one for years or are just stepping in)
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)—typically major shareholders
• Anyone filing documents on a company’s behalf, like your accountant or formation agent

Until now, setting up and managing a company was relatively easy. But that openness came with a downside: fraudsters could register fake names, hide behind false identities, and exploit the system. The government’s response? Shut that door with a robust identity check.

And here’s the kicker: you won’t be able to file or update certain company information unless your ID has been verified.

How Will Identity Verification Work?

You’ve got two main options: do it yourself directly with Companies House, or ask a professional (like your accountant) to handle it for you.

Option 1: Verify Yourself

Companies House is launching a new digital system—think of it like the ID checks you do when opening a bank account online.

Here’s how it’s expected to go:

1. Create an account on the new Companies House system (this will be separate from any existing login you may have).
2. Upload your ID—a valid passport, driving licence, or other official photo ID.
3. Take a live photo or video selfie to prove you’re the same person as in the document.
4. Wait for confirmation. Once verified, you’ll get a unique ID that ties you to your company records.

It sounds simple, and for many people, it will be. But like all new systems, there may be hiccups—especially at launch. And if your ID check fails or gets delayed, your filings could be blocked.

Option 2: Go Through an Accountant or Agent

If you already work with an accountant or company formation agent, this route might be smoother. These professionals can register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). That means they can carry out the identity checks for you—and deal with Companies House on your behalf.

For example, a firm like Green & Co would:

1. Collect your documents securely (they’ll tell you what’s needed).
2. Verify your ID in line with government guidelines.
3. Report your verified status to Companies House directly.

This approach can be especially useful if you’ve got multiple people to verify or want help navigating the broader compliance changes.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

You might be thinking: “Alright, another bit of red tape. I’ll deal with it later.” But here’s the risk—if your identity isn’t verified when the system goes live, key company actions could grind to a halt.

Imagine trying to complete a property transaction, secure funding, or update your business structure, only to find your filings are rejected because you (or your accountant) aren’t verified.

Worse still, filing false or misleading information—whether on purpose or by accident—could now carry serious penalties, including criminal charges.

And there’s more. As a director, you’ll also need to:

• Keep your personal details up to date on the public register
• Ensure anyone filing on your behalf is also verified
• Maintain a proper registered office address (no more hiding behind a P.O. box)
• Take responsibility for compliance, even if you delegate day-to-day tasks

What You Should Do Right Now

The verification system hasn’t gone live yet—but the law is already on the books. So, now’s the time to get your house in order.

Here’s a quick to-do list:

• Check your company’s records on Companies House for accuracy
• Figure out who needs to be verified—directors, PSCs, filing agents
• Decide how you want to verify—DIY or through your accountant
• Review your registered office address—make sure it meets the new rules
• Get professional help if anything’s unclear

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let This Catch You Off Guard

This might seem like just another compliance box to tick, but it’s a big one. For the first time, Companies House is moving from a passive data collector to an active gatekeeper of corporate legitimacy. That’s good news for trust and transparency in UK business. But it also means that every company director now has an extra responsibility they can’t ignore.

Whether you run a small property investment company, a startup, or a long-established business, this identity check is coming for you. Don’t wait for the system to go live—get prepared now, so your business doesn’t get held up later.

Because the worst time to deal with a blocked filing is the day you’re meant to close a deal.