How your responsibilities to Companies House are changing

Changes are being rolled out that will impact the way you report to Companies House

Companies House is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, driven by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023. These are the biggest changes to Companies House since corporate registrations were established in 1844.

Why the changes matter

Companies House now has the power to play a far more significant role in tackling economic crime, supporting economic growth, and making sure the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.  

Over time, the measures introduced under the ECCT Act will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on Companies House registers. This will drive confidence in the UK economy, increasing the value of the register for businesses and people across the UK and beyond. 

Changes are being implemented in phases, with further ones being introduced over the coming months. We have listed below some of the most significant changes and how they will affect your business.

Identity verification

Companies House is introducing a new identity verification process. Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.

Identity verification will reduce the risk of fraud and improve transparency.  

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will be required for: 

• new directors and people with significant control (PSCs)  
• existing directors and PSCs
• members of a limited liability partnership (LLP)

You don’t have to wait until 18 November – you can voluntarily verify your identity now.

Read guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House.

Changes to company registers

From 18 November 2025, there will no longer be a requirement for companies to hold registers of:

• directors
• directors’ residential addresses
• secretaries
• people with significant control (PSCs)

You’ll still have to register this information with Companies House and keep it up to date.

Companies must still hold a register of shareholders (members), either at the company’s registered office address, or single alternative inspection location (SAIL).  

Read more about changes to company registers.

Registered email addresses

All companies need to give Companies House a registered email address. They use this to communicate with your company about important changes to company law and to let you know what you need to do to keep your company compliant. Companies House do not make this available to the public.

It’s important that you can access the emails Companies House sends to your registered email address, and you must read any emails that your company receives from them. You should make sure your registered email address is correct when you file your confirmation statement each year.

You can update your registered email address online if you need to.

How to keep up to date

You can keep up to date with all the latest updates on the Changes to UK company law website and by signing up to receive email newsletters from Companies House.

Latest articles