Another big Companies House change is coming next month

From November 18, limited companies in the UK will face changes to how they manage their business registration with Companies House.

The update is in addition to the new ID verification rules, which take effect on the same date.

Company owners and directors will be most directly affected by the updates to the internal registers, so it’s important to understand the changes to stay compliant.

What’s changing on November 18?

From November 18 2025, Companies House will change how its statutory registers are maintained.

Companies will no longer need to keep internal registers of directors, secretaries, or people with significant control (PSCs) with Companies House.

Instead, Companies House will become the official record itself, so all filings you make with it must be accurate and up to date.

Also from November 18, directors will no longer need to provide a business occupation when registering their appointments.

The last change will affect the register of members (shareholders). By law, companies still need to hold a register. But after the deadline, it will need to be kept internally, either at the company’s registered office or at a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL).

If your company previously kept its register at Companies House, you’ll need to move it and make it available to the public.

Don’t forget that another major, but separate, change is coming into effect on the same date, and that’s ID verification, which requires new company directors to confirm their identities to stay compliant. ID verification will apply to existing company directors from next November.

What you need to do before November 18

Both the changes, the register and ID verification, are part of reforms to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The reforms aim to improve transparency and prevent shady corporate wrongdoing.

Non-compliance with the new rules could result in fines or legal issues for directors, so keeping your records in order is essential.

We’d recommend not waiting until the last minute, in order to reduce the likelihood of future headaches. Business owners should review and update their company registers for directors, secretaries, and PSCs to ensure all details are accurate and complete.

As a next step, transfer your register of members from Companies House to your registered office or SAIL. And remember that this register must be made accessible to the public.

Remember, it’s also wise to keep records for at least 10 years, including former names and addresses. This helps you stay compliant and makes audits or checks much easier, if needed. If there’s any uncertainty, speak to a legal or accounting professional.