Companies House rolls out identity verification via GOV.UK One Login
James
Companies House has officially launched its new digital identity verification process through GOV.UK One Login.
From 8 April 2025, individuals setting up, running, or controlling companies in the UK can voluntarily verify their identity using the One Login platform. The process will become mandatory in autumn 2025, affecting more than six million individuals. 
It is the latest expansion in the use of GOV.UK One Login – the government’s flagship single sign-on and digital identity programme – which is now integrated with 36 live public services. By enabling individuals to prove their identity once and access multiple services, One Login aims to streamline user experience while increasing data security and trust in public services.
The new verification process is a key element of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The Act grants Companies House enhanced powers to challenge and validate the information it holds and aims to deter fraudulent activity by ensuring the identities of company directors and persons of significant control (PSCs) are verified.
Louise Smyth CBE, CEO of Companies House, emphasised the strategic importance of identity verification: “It will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register. To save time later, we encourage directors, PSCs and those filing with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.”
The introduction of identity checks through One Login reflects the broader digital transformation agenda across UK government. AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark MP hailed the move as a “win for businesses, a win for transparency, and a win for economic growth.” She added: “By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system.”
Once fully implemented, One Login will replace over 190 sign-in routes and 44 different user accounts across government services, making it central to the UK’s digital identity ecosystem.
