Company authentication codes for online filing
How to request and manage the authentication code you'll need to file information online at Companies House.
If you cannot access your company鈥檚 registered office address, we can .
The authentication code is a 6 digit alphanumeric code issued by us to each company. The code is used to authorise information filed online and is the equivalent of a company officer鈥檚 signature.
You鈥檒l need an authentication code to file your information online or using third party software.
Do not wait until your accounts are due to request your authentication code. Delivery could take longer than usual during busy periods.
How to get your company authentication code
To request a code, you鈥檒l need to create an account or sign in to and follow the steps.
We鈥檒l send your code by post to your company鈥檚 registered office - it can take up to 5 days to arrive. If your company already has a code, we鈥檒l send you a reminder.
We cannot send your authentication code by email or tell you the code over the phone.
Using your code
You鈥檒l use the same authentication code for your company to file online using:
To use third-party software, you鈥檒l need to set up an online filing account to get a presenter ID and presenter authentication code.
You cannot use your Government Gateway account to send Companies House information online.
Changing or cancelling your code
Sign in to to change or cancel your code. You can change your code to something more memorable, but do not make it easy to guess.
You must tell anyone else who files online for your company (such as an accountant) if you change your code. They will not be able to use the old authentication code once it has been changed.
Looking after your code
You should treat your company鈥檚 authentication code with the same care as your bank card PIN. Anyone who knows your code is able to change your company鈥檚 details online.
To look after your authentication code:
- mix letters and numbers so your code is not easy to guess
- only share your code with someone you trust to file information for your company
- change your code if it鈥檚 known by someone you do not trust
- change your code if it鈥檚 known by someone who鈥檚 no longer authorised to file for your company (such as staff who鈥檝e left your company, or your previous accountant)
We鈥檒l never ask you what your authentication code is over the phone.
If you鈥檙e contacted by someone who asks for your code and claims to be from Companies House, you should report fraud to Companies House immediately.
Updates to this page
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New WebFiling account introduced on Monday 12 September - guidance on how to request and manage company authentication codes updated.
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Users can request to have the authentication code sent to a home address instead of the company's registered office. This is a temporary service in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
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Links added to guidance.
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Guidance added for the Christmas holiday period.
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Screenshot added.
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Welsh translation added.
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First published.