ECCTA Identity Verification Requirements 2025: Complete Guide & Deadlines

What is ECCTA Identity Verification?

ECCTA identity verification is a mandatory requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 that requires UK company directors, PSCs (Persons with Significant Control), and LLP members to verify their identity with Companies House. The deadline for new appointments is 18 November 2025.

Who Must Complete ECCTA Identity Verification?

According to Chelsea Chivers, Head of UK Entity Management Services at Law Debenture and ECCTA compliance expert, the following individuals must verify their identity:
•    Company directors (new and existing)
•    Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
•    LLP members and general partners
•    Anyone filing documents with Companies House (from 2026)
•    Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) (from 2026)

Important: These requirements apply regardless of nationality or residence location.

ECCTA Identity Verification Deadlines 2025-2026

Date	Requirement
18 November 2025	Mandatory deadline for new directors and PSCs
November 2025 - November 2026	Existing directors/PSCs must verify by confirmation statement date
Spring/Summer 2026	Filers and ACSPs must verify

Chelsea warns that with only 34 working days until the November deadline, over 7 million existing directors and PSCs need to complete verification, yet only 58% feel fully prepared.

How to Complete ECCTA Identity Verification: Two Methods

Method 1: Companies House GOV.UK One Login (Free)
•    Cost: Free
•    Requirements: Biometric passport
•    Process: App-based verification
•    Alternative: In-person verification at Post Office locations

Method 2: Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
•    Best for: International directors, bulk verifications, complex cases
•    Services: Electronic and in-person verification service
•    Advantage: Professional support for rejected applications

Common ECCTA Verification Rejection Reasons

Chelsea reports frequent rejections from the Companies House system due to:
•    Document types not accepted by GOV.UK system
•    International documents not recognised
•    Technical issues with app-based verification
•    Complex name variations or address histories

ECCTA Non-Compliance Penalties: What Happens If You Don't Verify?

Criminal Penalties:
•    Unlimited fines
•    Potential imprisonment
•    Director disqualification

Operational Impact:
•    Cannot incorporate new companies
•    Cannot appoint new directors
•    Cannot file documents with Companies House
•    Public marking on Companies House register

ECCTA Personal Codes: What You Need to Know

Once verified, individuals receive a Companies House Personal Code that must be:
•    Existing Directors: Submitted with Confirmation Statements
•    New Directors: Submitted upon appointment
•    Existing PSCs (who are directors): Submitted within 14 days of

Confirmation Statement
•    Existing PSCs (non-directors): Submitted within first 14 days of birth month

Expert Advice: How to Prepare for ECCTA Compliance

Chelsea, who has been "eat sleep breathing ECCTA for the last 2 years," provides this guidance:

Immediate Actions:
1.    Identify all individuals requiring verification
2.    Start early - don't wait until the deadline
3.    Consider professional help for complex cases
4.    Update onboarding procedures to include verification

Avoid Common Mistakes:
•    Don't assume all directors can be verified direct at Companies House
•    Don't underestimate the coordination challenge with senior executives
•    Don't ignore international directors' additional verification needs

Why ECCTA Identity Verification Matters

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act represents the most significant UK corporate governance reform in recent years. As Chelsea explains, "ECCTA aims to improve transparency in UK corporate entities by reforming how companies are registered and monitored."

The verification requirement transforms Companies House from a passive record-keeper into an active gatekeeper, designed to prevent anonymous control of companies and improve corporate data reliability.

Getting Help with ECCTA Compliance

For businesses struggling with verification requirements, Chelsea recommends seeking professional assistance: "Companies House will typically send you to an ACSP as they are better placed and resourced to support with challenging and unique cases."

When choosing an ACSP, ensure they have appropriate security measures for handling confidential personal information.

Conclusion: Act Now on ECCTA Requirements

With the November 2025 deadline approaching rapidly, Chelsea's message is clear: "Don't bury your head in the sand... Be proactive. The earlier you prepare, the smoother the transition."

For UK businesses, ECCTA compliance is not optional. Companies must act now to avoid criminal penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage from public non-compliance marking.

Contact Law Debenture for a no obligation quote for identity verification services.