What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is a unique identifier you receive after verifying your identity. Directors must include their personal code when filing confirmation statements from Spring 2025.
Detailed Explanation
A Companies House personal code is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to you after successfully verifying your identity through the Companies House identity verification system.
Why it's required
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. The personal code proves your identity has been verified.
How to get one
1. **GOV.UK One Login** - Verify online using photo ID and a selfie 2. **Through an ACSP** - Your accountant or solicitor can verify your identity 3. **Post Office** - In-person verification available
When you'll need it
- Filing confirmation statements (mandatory from Spring 2025) - Your confirmation statement will be rejected without valid personal codes for all directors - PSCs also need codes, with their own deadlines
Important notes
- Your code is personal and linked to your verified identity - Keep it secure - you'll need it for every confirmation statement - All existing directors must verify, not just new appointments
Source: Companies House Identity Verification Guidance
Real-World Examples
Filing Your Confirmation Statement
Imagine you're preparing your company's confirmation statement in June 2025. Instead of manually entering your address and date of birth, you simply provide your Companies House personal code. This verifies your details with Companies House and streamlines the filing process.
Appointment of a New Director
You're appointing a new director to your limited company in October 2025. Before their appointment can be officially registered, they must first verify their identity and obtain a personal code. This ensures compliance with the new regulations and helps prevent fraudulent appointments.
Change of Director Details
You have recently moved to a new address. Instead of having to submit certified copies of documents proving your new address, you can change your director details by providing your Companies House personal code. This is a much more efficient and secure process for updating your information with Companies House.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming that your Companies House personal code is the same as your company's authentication code, which is used for different purposes.
- Delaying identity verification until the last minute before filing your confirmation statement, potentially causing delays and penalties.
- Sharing your Companies House personal code with unauthorised individuals, which could compromise your company's information.
- Forgetting to update your Companies House personal code if you change your GOV.UK One Login details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Companies House personal code valid for?
Your Companies House personal code remains valid indefinitely, as long as your verified identity remains unchanged and your GOV.UK One Login is active. If your details change, you may need to reverify your identity.
Can I use the same personal code for multiple limited companies where I am a director?
Yes, your Companies House personal code is linked to *you* as an individual, not to a specific company. Therefore, you can use the same personal code for all companies where you are a director or a person with significant control (PSC).
What happens if I lose my Companies House personal code?
You don't directly 'lose' your personal code. It's intrinsically linked to your verified identity within your GOV.UK One Login. If you forget your One Login details, you'll need to follow the GOV.UK One Login recovery process to regain access and, subsequently, access your personal code.
Is there a fee associated with obtaining a Companies House personal code?
No, there is no fee charged by Companies House for verifying your identity and obtaining your personal code. The verification process is free of charge.
Practical Tips
- Verify your identity with Companies House as soon as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and potential filing delays, especially approaching the deadline for confirmation statement filings in 2025.
- Store your GOV.UK One Login credentials securely and ensure you have a recovery method set up in case you forget your password.
- Familiarise yourself with the Companies House website and guidance on identity verification to ensure you understand the process and requirements.
- Consider delegating the task of identity verification to a trusted member of your team, but ensure they understand the importance of data security and confidentiality.
Related Questions
Do I need to verify my identity with Companies House?
Yes, if you're a company director or Person with Significant Control (PSC). Identity verification becomes mandatory from Spring 2025 under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
What happens if I don't have a personal code for my confirmation statement?
Your confirmation statement will be rejected. From Spring 2025, Companies House requires valid personal codes for all directors when filing confirmation statements.
What is a Confirmation Statement?
A Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return) confirms your company's details are correct with Companies House. It's due at least once every 12 months and costs £34 to file online.
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