Company authentication codes for online filing

The company authentication code is a 6 digit alphanumeric code issued by Companies House to each company. The code is used to authorise information filed online and is the equivalent of a company officer’s signature.

The company authentication code is different to the Companies House personal code which is issued to individuals when they verify their identity.

Do not wait until your accounts are due to request your company authentication code. Delivery could take longer than usual during busy periods.

How to get your company authentication code

To request a code, you’ll need to create an account or sign in to Companies House WebFiling and follow the steps.

We’ll send your code by post to your company’s registered office - it can take up to 10 working days to arrive. If your company already has a code, we’ll send you a reminder.

If you cannot access your company’s registered office address, we can send your authentication code to your home address instead.

We cannot send your company authentication code by email or tell you the code over the phone.

You’ll use the same company authentication code for your company to file online using:

To use commercial software, you’ll 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.

Sign in to Companies House WebFiling 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 company authentication code once it has been changed.

You can request an authentication code for an overseas company using the Find and update company information service. To request a code, you’ll need to create an account and follow the steps.

Overseas companies cannot use our WebFiling service to request an authentication code.