What are the new identity verification requirements?
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has been introducing company law reforms slowly since 2024. Under the new legislation, all UK companies will be required to verify the identities of their:
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company secretaries
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directors, managing officers and general partners
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shareholders (ie members)
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persons with significant control
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any Companies House authorised agent (ie an Authorised Corporate Service Provider), and
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anyone else who files with Companies House on behalf of a company
The relevant persons will be able to verify their identity online with the Companies House identity verification service by submitting their identity documents and a prescribed form of photo ID. The online service has been open for voluntary identification since 8 April 2025. However, identity verification will become mandatory for all companies starting in autumn 2025 - after which point there will be a 12-month transition period for all relevant persons connected to a company to comply with the verification requirements.
If the verification requirements have not been complied with by the end of the transition period, the relevant persons will not be able to make any filings with Companies House or start a new company. Plus, criminal proceedings and civil penalties may be enforced against the person who has failed to comply with the requirements.
What are 'event-driven notices'?
You must notify Companies House about certain events as and when they happen. The following events include the references and forms that you should use:
A-forms:
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AD01 - a change of registered office address
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AP01 - the appointment of a company director who is an individual
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AP02 - the appointment of a corporate director
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AP03 - the appointment of a secretary who is an individual
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AP04 - the appointment of a corporate secretary
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AA01 - a change of the company’s accounting reference date
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AD02 - a notification or change of address where the company records are kept available for inspection
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AD03 - the change of location of the company records to the single alternative inspection address (SAIL)
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AD04 - the change of location of the company records to the registered office
C-forms:
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CH01 - the change of details (eg the address) of a company director (who is an individual)
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CH02 - the change of details (eg the address) of a corporate director
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CH03 - the change of details (eg the address) of a secretary who is an individual
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CH04 - the change of details (eg the address) of a corporate secretary
T, S and N-forms:
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TM01 (director) or TM02 (secretary) - the termination of the appointment of a company director or secretary
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SH01 - for the allotment of new shares
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NM01 - the change of a company name
Miscellaneous forms:
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a change to the company's total share capital – various forms depending on the circumstances
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the creation of a charge over any of the company's assets – various forms depending on the circumstances
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a 'special resolution' or certain other types of resolution being passed by the company’s members – a copy of the resolution(s)
When do these need to be filed?
Forms typically need to be filed at Companies House within 14 days of the change or event but check the Companies House website for any specific requirements.
You must deliver an application to register a charge to Companies House within 21 days of the creation of the charge to ensure it is valid.
How do I submit the forms?
Most changes can be notified online using the Companies House website or by sending a paper document to Companies House. When you are sending paper copies, you must ensure that you send them to the correct Companies House - the contact details for each Companies House can be found on the government’s website.
Are there any other formalities?
To approve these changes, you should hold a board meeting and make sure that any shareholder approval required is obtained. For more information, read Company resolutions and Board meeting minutes.
