Obtaining a Company’s House Authentication Code

Why you need an authentication code

Your company authentication code is a six-character code issued by Companies House. It authorises online filings for your company and should be kept secure. You can use your code with Coompanies House webfiling service.

Once you receive the code, you can also add it to Shareflo. Shareflo stores your code in encrypted form, and it allows Shareflo to make Companies House filings for you and pull your data from Companies House.

Before you start

A company admin or another person authorised to file for the company should request the code. You will need:

• Your company number.

• Access to the company’s registered office, where Companies House will post the code.

• A Companies House WebFiling account, or the ability to create one.

Important:

1. The company authentication code is different from an individual Companies House personal code, which is used by directors and PSCs to verify their identity.

2. Treat your company authentication code like a PIN and only share it with people or services you trust to file for your company.

How to request your code

Step 1: Sign in to WebFiling

1. Go to Companies House WebFiling.

2. Select Continue and sign in. If you do not have an account, follow the steps to create one.

3. Create or use your GOV.UK One Login if prompted.

Step 2: Request the authentication code

1. Once you are on your company page, you should see Company Authentication in the side menu.

2. Click that and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Check that the registered office address is correct before you submit the request.

What happens next

Companies House will send the code by post to your company’s registered office. It can take up to 10 working days to arrive.

If your company already has an authentication code, Companies House will send a reminder instead. Keep the code in a secure place once you receive it.

Troubleshooting

I cannot access the registered office. You may be able to ask Companies House to send the code to an active officer’s home address instead. Check the Companies House guidance for the current eligibility rules.

My code has not arrived. Allow up to 10 working days. If it still has not arrived, contact Companies House.

I only have a personal code. You still need the company authentication code. The two codes are separate.