New identity-check standards for filing agents

24th Jul 2025

Official notice to the officer(s).
Must-read guidance for anyone who outsources Companies House filings:
Check your situation
- Do you use an accountant, formation agent or solicitor to file on your behalf?
- Have they confirmed their new status as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?
Acknowledge the requirement
From 25 February 2025 every agent that carries out identity checks for Companies House must be a registered ACSP and follow a prescribed rule-book.
Complete these steps
- Register / verify your agent: the ACSP portal opened on 18 March 2025.
- Update engagement letters: include ACSP number and scope of ID-checks.
- Keep evidence: ACSPs must store ID-check documentation for seven years.
Prepare for enforcement
After the autumn 2025 go-live date, Companies House will reject any identity-verified filing that is not submitted directly by the individual or through a registered ACSP. Using a non-compliant agent could mean late-filing penalties or criminal prosecution.