The number guarantees that the company officer is a real, verified person, with the aim of combating economic crime and improving the reliability of the UK companies register.
What is a Companies House Personal Code?
A Companies House personal code is an 11-character alphanumeric identifier, formatted like AB1-23CD-4EF4. This code is personal to you, not your company. If you run multiple companies, you use the same personal code for all your roles. Companies House will issue your unique code once your identity has been verified.
Why Identity Verification is Now Mandatory
Previously, anyone could register a company using false details with minimal checks. The new identity verification requirements connect a real person to every director and PSC on the public register. This makes it much harder to appoint fake directors or hide beneficial ownership, deterring fraud and increasing trust in UK companies.
Who Needs to Get a Personal Code?
You must verify your identity and obtain a Companies House personal code if you are:
- A director of a limited company (executive, non-executive, or shadow)
- A person with significant control (PSC)
- A designated member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
From Spring 2026, company secretaries and individuals who file on behalf of companies will also need to verify their identity.
How to Verify Your Identity and Get Your Personal Code
There are three ways to verify your identity. All methods result in the same 11-character personal code being added to your Companies House account.
Method 1: Verify Online with GOV.UK One Login (Recommended)
This is the fastest and simplest way to complete the identity verification process. It is free and takes an average of 2.4 minutes.
- Go to the service on GOV.UK.
- Sign in to Companies House using GOV.UK One Login. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create an account first.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You can either use the GOV.UK ID Check app to scan your photo ID (like a passport or driving licence) and your face, or answer security questions based on your credit file.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be able to view your personal code immediately. Sign in to Companies House and go to ‘Manage account’ to view your code.
Method 2: Verify in Person at the Post Office
If you cannot use the online service, you can complete the verification at a Post Office branch.
- Start the process on the GOV.UK website to get a reference code.
- Take this reference code and your identity documents to a participating Post Office.
- Once the check is complete, Companies House will send your personal code to your personal email address within one day.
Method 3: Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Accountants, solicitors, and formation agents like Your Company Formations can complete identity verification on your behalf. As a registered ACSP with Companies House, we perform identity checks that meet official standards.
This is a convenient option if you prefer professional assistance. We handle the process for you, and your personal code is emailed directly to you by Companies House.
Deadlines: When You Must Provide Your Personal Code
The deadline to verify and provide your personal code depends on your role.
For New Directors and Persons with Significant Control (Appointed from )
You must verify your identity before you are appointed. The personal code must be included in the appointment filing. Acting as an unverified director after this date is a criminal offence.
For Existing Directors and PSCs (Appointed Before )
You must provide your personal code in your company’s next confirmation statement filed after . The absolute final deadline is .
PSCs who are not directors have a different deadline. They must provide their code within a 14-day window that begins on the first day of their birth month.
For New Company Incorporations
All proposed directors must have a personal code before the company registration application is filed. YCF’s formation service guides you through this requirement to ensure your application is compliant.
How to Use and Find Your Personal Code
Your personal code is essential for key filings with Companies House.
Submitting Your Code with a Confirmation Statement
When you or your agent file your company’s confirmation statement, the system will prompt you to enter the personal code for each director and PSC. You may also need to confirm their date of birth to ensure the personal details linked to the code do not match incorrectly.
Sharing Your Personal Code with an Accountant or Agent
You can share your personal code with a trusted agent, such as your accountant, who files documents for you. Treat this code with the same security as a bank PIN. Never provide your personal code to unsolicited callers.
What to Do if You Lose or Forget Your Personal Code
You can find your personal code at any time. Sign in to your Companies House account and navigate to the “Manage account” section. Your 11-character code will be displayed there.
Personal Code vs. Authentication Code: What’s the Difference?
It is critical not to confuse your personal code with the company’s authentication code. They serve different purposes.
- Personal Code: An 11-character code (FT5-15ED-7JY5) linked to an individual. It proves you are who you say you are.
- Authentication Code: A 6-character code (A2W45R) linked to a company. It acts as the company’s electronic signature to authorise filings.
- GOV.UK One Login: Your email and password. This grants you access to the Companies House online system.
For most filings, you will need both your personal code and the company’s authentication code.
Upcoming Changes to Companies House Rules (2026-2027)
The identity verification requirements are part of a wider series of changes. Key upcoming dates include:
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| Companies House fees increase. Digital incorporation rises to £100. | |
| Spring 2026 | All third-party filers must register as an ACSP to submit documents. |
| The transition period for identity verification ends and full enforcement begins. | |
| All company accounts must be filed using commercial software. |
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
What to Do if Your Verification Details Do Not Match
The most common reason for verification failure is a mismatch between the details you provide and the information held by Companies House, usually your date of birth. Before you start, check that your details on the Companies House register are correct. If they are wrong, you must file to correct them before you can complete identity verification.
Managing Personal Codes for Multiple Directorships
You only need to verify your identity once. You will receive a single personal code that you must use for all your directorships and PSC roles across all UK companies.
Consequences for Failing to Verify Your Identity
Companies House is focusing on education during the transition period until . After this date, failure to comply can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines of up to £5,000
- Criminal liability for persistent non-compliance
- Director disqualification
- The company being struck off the register
Frequently Asked Questions on the Companies House Personal Code
Does a dormant company director still need a personal code?
Yes. The identity verification requirement applies to all registered directors regardless of the company’s trading status. If you have a dormant company, you still need to provide your personal code in the next confirmation statement filed after 18 November 2025, with a final deadline of 18 November 2026.
What happens if one director has not verified when the confirmation statement is due?
The company cannot file its confirmation statement until all directors and PSCs have provided their personal codes. A failure to file the confirmation statement on time can lead to Companies House beginning strike-off proceedings. Every director should verify well before the statement is due to avoid blocking the filing.
Can my accountant or agent verify on my behalf?
No. Each person must verify their own identity. What an ACSP can do is guide you through the process and perform the identity check on your behalf using their registered status, but the personal code that is issued belongs to you and is tied to your identity, not theirs.
How long does it take to receive my personal code after verifying?
If you verify online through GOV.UK One Login, your personal code is available immediately in the “Manage account” section of your Companies House account. If you verify at a Post Office, Companies House will send your code to your personal email address within one working day.
Does verifying through an ACSP cost money?
GOV.UK One Login verification is free. Post Office verification is also free. ACSP verification is a professional service, so the provider sets their own fee. Check with your formation agent or accountant before proceeding.
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