MoneyWeek article - how to prepare for new Companies House ID checks

So far its been a bit of a farce, from getting a request out of the blue with no real explanation to the actual process of doing it. You need to create another login as well as having your previous companies house logins (as well as government gateway logins). We tried to do it yesterday and the system kept saying something went wrong please try again later. I'd go to a post office but they're all closing down.

Companies House ID verification, effective from Autumn 2025, requires Directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity. I found the GOV.UK communication is clear and straightforward, provided you have a biometric ID and are a UK resident. If you are a non-UK director or have a complex legal company structure, the services of an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider) such as an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent, registered with a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body and authorised by Companies House to verify identities for Directors and PSCs will be beneficial but may charge £50–£200 per verification. Whether you DIY it or seek professional assistance, best to verify early to avoid delays and hassle in the Autumn.

No one wants fraud in the system so most accountants and directors agree in principle with ID checks, but the lack of clear guidance has created confusion.

Some clients are being quoted steep fees by third parties, while others are trying to do it themselves but unsure how. I tried to do it myself and the sytem didn't work correctly. My accountant charged £75 to complete it for me but other firms are charging up to £250.