With the new ID verification processes introduced by Companies House becoming a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, accountants across the UK are experiencing an increase in workloads. Limited companies will have to verify the identity of directors and people with significant control (PSCs) via the government’s One Login Service or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which is often an accountant or bookkeeper.

Aaron Patrick, Head of Accounting, Boffix, says that while verification is important: “I’m fully onboard with the reasons for this [verification]. The end goal is absolutely something we should be aiming towards, as Companies House has been a database of problems and red flags for far too long. So, the idea is brilliant.”

However, there are some challenges that accountants need to consider now that new directors and persons of significant control (PSCs) need to be verified. 

Additional time and training 

Clients have been contacting their accountants for assistance with verification. Patrick believes that accountants should be looking at more training for staff to help them to adapt, if they plan to provide ID verification services.

Addressing client confusion

Patrick went through the ID verification process himself to identify any inevitable teething problems as a result of rolling out a new system. He has identified a couple of issues, which his firm is informing clients about. 

Although there is no requirement for all verification processes to be completed by 18November, there is also confusion among clients about when they need to complete the ID verification process.

Patrick advises accounting firms to start the process of ID verification for existing director and PSCs early, to ensure that the process is more manageable, and that their teams can spend more time with the clients that are having trouble with the system. 

“We’re trying to get it done so it doesn’t feel like it’s been left to the last minute,” he says. “We don’t need to have every code in place by the 18th, but we want to make sure our clients feel they’re being supported.”

How to respond

At this stage, registering as an ACSP is only necessary for firms who want to provide IDV services, but from November, registration will be required for anyone submitting statutory information to Companies House. ICAEW has outlined the updated timeline of changes when it comes to ACSP registration. This article outlines what to expect when it comes to Companies House, along with AML changes. 

For more information on the Companies House ID changes and what it means for accountants, read this overview.