Companies House ID Verification: What RMC Directors Need to Do Now

Companies House identity verification requirements went live in November 2025, and RMC and RTM directors across England and Wales now need to act.

As part of the government's Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms, all company directors must verify their identity directly with Companies House. For the thousands of volunteer directors serving on Resident Management Companies and Right to Manage companies, this isn't a future concern- it's an immediate requirement.

What Has Changed

Since November 2025, Companies House requires identity verification for all directors. New director appointments now require verification before the individual can be registered. Existing directors are being phased into the requirement, with deadlines depending on when their company's confirmation statement is due.

This represents a significant shift from the previous approach where RMC directors, many of whom volunteer without formal corporate governance training, simply completed a form and were registered. The new regime requires individuals to prove they are who they say they are through an approved verification process.

The changes also affect persons with significant control and those filing on behalf of companies. Managing agents and company secretarial service providers have had to adapt their processes accordingly.

Why RMC Directors Must Act

If you're an RMC or RTM director who hasn't yet verified your identity, you need to do so promptly. Unverified directors face restrictions on their ability to file documents with Companies House, including confirmation statements and changes to company details.

For RMCs managing service charge budgets and building maintenance, any disruption to corporate governance creates risk for all leaseholders. If directors cannot file required documents, the company may fall into default with Companies House, potentially leading to penalties or even being struck off.

The consequences for non-compliance are real. Companies and directors who fail to meet verification requirements face restrictions on their ability to operate. Don't assume this doesn't apply to you because your RMC is small or run by volunteers.

How to Verify Your Identity

Companies House offers several verification routes. The quickest option for most people is digital verification through the Companies House online service using a UK passport. The process takes just a few minutes if your passport details match your registered director information.

Those without UK passports, or whose circumstances are more complex, can verify through approved identity service providers or through authorised corporate service providers. Alternative document-based verification routes exist for those who cannot use digital options.

The verification process involves confirming your name, date of birth, and identity through official documentation. Ensure your registered details at Companies House match your verification documents exactly - discrepancies will cause delays.

Common Issues We're Seeing

Since the requirements went live, we've helped numerous RMC directors navigate the verification process. Common issues include name mismatches between Companies House records and identity documents, out dated registered addresses, and confusion about which verification route to use.

Some directors have discovered their details at Companies House are incorrect or out of date when attempting to verify. These discrepancies need to be resolved before verification can complete, which takes additional time.

Directors who have changed their name since being appointed,or who use different versions of their name in different contexts, should check their Companies House record matches their passport or other identity documents before starting the verification process.

What to Do Now

If you're an RMC or RTM director who hasn't verified your identity, take action this week. Log into your Companies House account and check your verification status. If you haven't started the process, begin now rather than waiting until your next filing deadline.

Review your registered details before attempting verification. Your name should appear exactly as it does on your passport or other identity document. Your date of birth and other details should be accurate.

If you're responsible for multiple RMCs or serve on several boards, you only need to verify once. Your verified identity applies across all your directorships. However, you should ensure your details are consistent across all companies where you serve as director.

The Bigger Picture

Identity verification is part of broader changes to corporate transparency aimed at tackling economic crime.

Combined with other regulatory changes affecting the property sector in 2026, including leasehold reform, building safety requirements, and service charge transparency rules, RMC directors face an increasingly complex compliance environment. Professional support can help navigate these requirements efficiently.

Innovus provides comprehensive company secretarial services for RMCs and RTMs across England and Wales. Contact us if you need support with identity verification or any aspect of your RMC's corporate governance.