GOV.UK

<!DOCTYPE html> <html class="govuk-template" lang="en">  <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta property="og:description" content="How to request and manage the authentication code you'll need to file information online at Companies House."> <meta property="og:title" content="Company authentication codes for online filing"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing"> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <meta property="og:site_name" content="GOV.UK"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="description" content="How to request and manage the authentication code you'll need to file information online at Companies House."> <meta name="govuk:taxon-slugs" content="limited-companies-and-partnerships"> <meta name="govuk:taxon-slug" content="limited-companies-and-partnerships"> <meta name="govuk:taxon-ids" content="c3bc9a54-2d49-4236-962a-8414c6c33a86"> <meta name="govuk:taxon-id" content="c3bc9a54-2d49-4236-962a-8414c6c33a86"> <meta name="govuk:taxonomy_level1" content="business-and-industry"> <meta name="govuk:organisations" content="<EA26>"> <meta name="govuk:primary-publishing-organisation" content="Companies House"> <meta name="govuk:public-updated-at" content="2022-09-23T10:04:16+01:00"> <meta name="govuk:updated-at" content="2025-01-10T10:58:53+00:00"> <meta name="govuk:first-published-at" content="2015-05-18T09:29:00+01:00"> <meta name="govuk:content-has-history" content="true"> <meta name="govuk:content-id" content="7284c298-c391-4484-8ef7-2cd3e0171a7a"> <meta name="govuk:schema-name" content="detailed_guide"> <meta name="govuk:rendering-app" content="government-frontend"> <meta name="govuk:publishing-app" content="whitehall"> <meta name="govuk:format" content="detailed_guide"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <title lang="en"> Company authentication codes for online filing - GOV.UK </title> <script src="/assets/static/govuk_publishing_components/vendor/lux/lux-measurer-82252e26ba933f84114f589088bc3b02c80266d0c7def823237dfc787fa08797.js" async="async"></script> <script src="/assets/static/govuk_publishing_components/rum-custom-data-9c14c4b4435d3baf55557cb0682d3571384ff85890e520259574d246d9b99876.js" type="module"></script> <script src="/assets/static/govuk_publishing_components/rum-loader-a65b10e18ceeba3bd8a2eac507c7f2c513cdc82f35097df903fdea87f1dc2e33.js" async="async" data-lux-reporter-script="/assets/static/govuk_publishing_components/vendor/lux/lux-reporter-2a03a3e9b4ea62a808443860340a019734da94adf72e451c2be3f877154cf48b.js"></script> <meta name="govuk:components_gem_version" content="51.2.1"> <script src="/assets/static/govuk_publishing_components/load-analytics-4816c6ab3f9440fa7ca32fef36f31fe529bdce6949427c768e341f2d7a39167d.js" type="module"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/static/application-022d26fb7c7b169ecf7e69936139a1871233a0de5538e54095b444af3ff5c32d.css" media="all"> <link rel="icon" sizes="48x48" href="/assets/static/favicon-f54816fc15997bd42cd90e4c50b896a1fc098c0c32957d4e5effbfa9f9b35e53.ico"> <link rel="icon" sizes="any" href="/assets/static/favicon-50144c9d83e59584c45b249ad9e9abfdd23689876c33f28457df13bbdd9c8688.svg" type="image/svg+xml"> <link rel="mask-icon" href="/assets/static/govuk-icon-mask-cdf4265165f8d7f9eec54aa2c1dfbb3d8b6d297c5d7919f0313e0836a5804bb6.svg" color="#0b0c0c"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/assets/static/govuk-icon-180-d2d7399ff2ba05372b6b2018cc67053e458a748cceea1a550d804dbec401e3ed.png"> <meta name="theme-color" content="#0b0c0c"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.gov.uk/assets/static/govuk-opengraph-image-03837e1cec82f217cf32514635a13c879b8c400ae3b1c207c5744411658c7635.png"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/application-41a98bdb593065304db7249bb8ef6986772eeaeed6626c5ec54e6c4b778c92a3.css" media="all"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_translation-nav-eb8a70e30ee90d98f5af321af00f504474ebd39e26da640bf690696493302823.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_lead-paragraph-f836674acff37ffeb7a31307566902a6b96f8dc4c4bd24ac12428dde212ba439.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_metadata-235bd90a54c705dc6fffbd2eacfb3b6d12e792da1948d07aaced6838d517fe56.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_single-page-notification-button-5701e7f484cfc34b170de3f88ec5ba2d1f75c12ccfaf48dadcc181bf19ee9ad8.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/components/_contents-list-with-body-839704e862b6a2d4c0b23f3a5c488cbd3e268660be3fcc7e01d9bddb1a8efb3c.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_print-link-98446ac1b56886e6bd275df832312c44f45ede0264f8d8ecf98750450fb2c0d4.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_govspeak-dff356354123d895b14f18c5420d3df050bce18a8c036e7316e2c5c9f22dcfd9.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/views/_published-dates-button-group-72393e81651841507f025ebaaf569a353bd99d290437564d194e3e4a27bb18b5.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/components/_published-dates-7ba04fd6926e8bda892c147c610f5ab38b9662a9db9d60e018e9c34d1c165368.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_contents-list-6a71478248cb0bcfcf1f69f8df6d66d36cde9aa8c2880464adb60fcd05256537.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/components/_back-to-top-8d10a933dd34f1162faf988b7cf81c36c44ba29948683b0cdb2b654df304c32c.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_contextual-sidebar-9fb871b0434ba7553aed133229e31f5acdb93af133cfade7c81e94370c0c942b.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/components/_related-navigation-7541490115d40c977392570f22a3a100cc9ea364672e9414aabe14dd2788fd09.css"> <meta name="govuk:rendering-application" content="government-frontend"> </head> <body class="gem-c-layout-for-public govuk-template__body"> <script nonce="deN1XwCfrMDPUCwWsGEGiA=="> //<![CDATA[ document.body.className += ' js-enabled' + ('noModule' in HTMLScriptElement.prototype ? ' govuk-frontend-supported' : ''); //]]> </script> <div id="global-cookie-message" data-module="cookie-banner" data-nosnippet="" aria-label="Cookies on GOV.UK" class="gem-c-cookie-banner govuk-clearfix govuk-cookie-banner js-banner-wrapper" role="region" hidden="hidden"> <div class="govuk-cookie-banner__message govuk-width-container"> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <h2 class="govuk-cookie-banner__heading govuk-heading-m">Cookies on GOV.UK</h2> <div tabindex="-1" class="govuk-cookie-banner__content gem-c-cookie-banner__confirmation"> <span class="gem-c-cookie-banner__content"><p class="govuk-body">We use some essential cookies to make this website work.</p> <p class="govuk-body">We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.</p> <p class="govuk-body">We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.</p></span> <p class="gem-c-cookie-banner__confirmation-message--accepted govuk-body" hidden data-ga4-cookie-banner data-module="ga4-link-tracker" data-ga4-track-links-only data-ga4-set-indexes data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"cookie banner","section":"You have accepted additional cookies"}'>You have accepted additional cookies. <span class="gem-c-cookie-banner__confirmation-message">You can <a class="govuk-link" href="/help/cookies">change your cookie settings</a> at any time.</span></p> <p class="gem-c-cookie-banner__confirmation-message--rejected govuk-body" hidden>You have rejected additional cookies. <span class="gem-c-cookie-banner__confirmation-message">You can <a class="govuk-link" href="/help/cookies">change your cookie settings</a> at any time.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="js-confirmation-buttons govuk-button-group"> <button class="gem-c-button govuk-button" type="submit" data-accept-cookies="true" data-cookie-types="all">Accept additional cookies</button> <button class="gem-c-button govuk-button" type="submit" data-reject-cookies="true">Reject additional cookies</button> <a class="govuk-link" href="/help/cookies">View cookies</a> </div> <div hidden class="js-hide-button govuk-button-group"> <button class="gem-c-cookie-banner__hide-button govuk-button" data-hide-cookie-banner="true" data-module="ga4-event-tracker" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"select_content","type":"cookie banner","action":"closed","section":"You have accepted additional cookies"}'> Hide this message </button> </div> </div> </div> <a data-module="govuk-skip-link" class="gem-c-skip-link govuk-skip-link govuk-!-display-none-print" href="#content">Skip to main content</a> <header data-module="ga4-event-tracker ga4-link-tracker" data-ga4-expandable="" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header"> <div class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__container govuk-clearfix"> <div class="govuk-width-container"> <div class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__header-logo"> <a class="govuk-header__link govuk-header__link--homepage" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","external":"false","text":"GOV.UK","section":"Logo","index_link":1,"index_section":0,"index_section_count":2,"index_total":1}' id="logo" aria-label="Go to the GOV.UK homepage" href="https://www.gov.uk"> <svg focusable="false" role="img" class="govuk-header__logotype" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 148 30" height="30" width="148" aria-label="GOV.UK"> <title>GOV.UK</title> <path d="M22.6 10.4c-1 .4-2-.1-2.4-1-.4-.9.1-2 1-2.4.9-.4 2 .1 2.4 1s-.1 2-1 2.4m-5.9 6.7c-.9.4-2-.1-2.4-1-.4-.9.1-2 1-2.4.9-.4 2 .1 2.4 1s-.1 2-1 2.4m10.8-3.7c-1 .4-2-.1-2.4-1-.4-.9.1-2 1-2.4.9-.4 2 .1 2.4 1s0 2-1 2.4m3.3 4.8c-1 .4-2-.1-2.4-1-.4-.9.1-2 1-2.4.9-.4 2 .1 2.4 1s-.1 2-1 2.4M17 4.7l2.3 1.2V2.5l-2.3.7-.2-.2.9-3h-3.4l.9 3-.2.2c-.1.1-2.3-.7-2.3-.7v3.4L15 4.7c.1.1.1.2.2.2l-1.3 4c-.1.2-.1.4-.1.6 0 1.1.8 2 1.9 2.2h.7c1-.2 1.9-1.1 1.9-2.1 0-.2 0-.4-.1-.6l-1.3-4c-.1-.2 0-.2.1-.3m-7.6 5.7c.9.4 2-.1 2.4-1 .4-.9-.1-2-1-2.4-.9-.4-2 .1-2.4 1s0 2 1 2.4m-5 3c.9.4 2-.1 2.4-1 .4-.9-.1-2-1-2.4-.9-.4-2 .1-2.4 1s.1 2 1 2.4m-3.2 4.8c.9.4 2-.1 2.4-1 .4-.9-.1-2-1-2.4-.9-.4-2 .1-2.4 1s0 2 1 2.4m14.8 11c4.4 0 8.6.3 12.3.8 1.1-4.5 2.4-7 3.7-8.8l-2.5-.9c.2 1.3.3 1.9 0 2.7-.4-.4-.8-1.1-1.1-2.3l-1.2 4c.7-.5 1.3-.8 2-.9-1.1 2.5-2.6 3.1-3.5 3-1.1-.2-1.7-1.2-1.5-2.1.3-1.2 1.5-1.5 2.1-.1 1.1-2.3-.8-3-2-2.3 1.9-1.9 2.1-3.5.6-5.6-2.1 1.6-2.1 3.2-1.2 5.5-1.2-1.4-3.2-.6-2.5 1.6.9-1.4 2.1-.5 1.9.8-.2 1.1-1.7 2.1-3.5 1.9-2.7-.2-2.9-2.1-2.9-3.6.7-.1 1.9.5 2.9 1.9l.4-4.3c-1.1 1.1-2.1 1.4-3.2 1.4.4-1.2 2.1-3 2.1-3h-5.4s1.7 1.9 2.1 3c-1.1 0-2.1-.2-3.2-1.4l.4 4.3c1-1.4 2.2-2 2.9-1.9-.1 1.5-.2 3.4-2.9 3.6-1.9.2-3.4-.8-3.5-1.9-.2-1.3 1-2.2 1.9-.8.7-2.3-1.2-3-2.5-1.6.9-2.2.9-3.9-1.2-5.5-1.5 2-1.3 3.7.6 5.6-1.2-.7-3.1 0-2 2.3.6-1.4 1.8-1.1 2.1.1.2.9-.3 1.9-1.5 2.1-.9.2-2.4-.5-3.5-3 .6 0 1.2.3 2 .9l-1.2-4c-.3 1.1-.7 1.9-1.1 2.3-.3-.8-.2-1.4 0-2.7l-2.9.9C1.3 23 2.6 25.5 3.7 30c3.7-.5 7.9-.8 12.3-.8m28.3-11.6c0 .9.1 1.7.3 2.5.2.8.6 1.5 1 2.2.5.6 1 1.1 1.7 1.5.7.4 1.5.6 2.5.6.9 0 1.7-.1 2.3-.4s1.1-.7 1.5-1.1c.4-.4.6-.9.8-1.5.1-.5.2-1 .2-1.5v-.2h-5.3v-3.2h9.4V28H55v-2.5c-.3.4-.6.8-1 1.1-.4.3-.8.6-1.3.9-.5.2-1 .4-1.6.6s-1.2.2-1.8.2c-1.5 0-2.9-.3-4-.8-1.2-.6-2.2-1.3-3-2.3-.8-1-1.4-2.1-1.8-3.4-.3-1.4-.5-2.8-.5-4.3s.2-2.9.7-4.2c.5-1.3 1.1-2.4 2-3.4.9-1 1.9-1.7 3.1-2.3 1.2-.6 2.6-.8 4.1-.8 1 0 1.9.1 2.8.3.9.2 1.7.6 2.4 1s1.4.9 1.9 1.5c.6.6 1 1.3 1.4 2l-3.7 2.1c-.2-.4-.5-.9-.8-1.2-.3-.4-.6-.7-1-1-.4-.3-.8-.5-1.3-.7-.5-.2-1.1-.2-1.7-.2-1 0-1.8.2-2.5.6-.7.4-1.3.9-1.7 1.5-.5.6-.8 1.4-1 2.2-.3.8-.4 1.9-.4 2.7zM71.5 6.8c1.5 0 2.9.3 4.2.8 1.2.6 2.3 1.3 3.1 2.3.9 1 1.5 2.1 2 3.4s.7 2.7.7 4.2-.2 2.9-.7 4.2c-.4 1.3-1.1 2.4-2 3.4-.9 1-1.9 1.7-3.1 2.3-1.2.6-2.6.8-4.2.8s-2.9-.3-4.2-.8c-1.2-.6-2.3-1.3-3.1-2.3-.9-1-1.5-2.1-2-3.4-.4-1.3-.7-2.7-.7-4.2s.2-2.9.7-4.2c.4-1.3 1.1-2.4 2-3.4.9-1 1.9-1.7 3.1-2.3 1.2-.5 2.6-.8 4.2-.8zm0 17.6c.9 0 1.7-.2 2.4-.5s1.3-.8 1.7-1.4c.5-.6.8-1.3 1.1-2.2.2-.8.4-1.7.4-2.7v-.1c0-1-.1-1.9-.4-2.7-.2-.8-.6-1.6-1.1-2.2-.5-.6-1.1-1.1-1.7-1.4-.7-.3-1.5-.5-2.4-.5s-1.7.2-2.4.5-1.3.8-1.7 1.4c-.5.6-.8 1.3-1.1 2.2-.2.8-.4 1.7-.4 2.7v.1c0 1 .1 1.9.4 2.7.2.8.6 1.6 1.1 2.2.5.6 1.1 1.1 1.7 1.4.6.3 1.4.5 2.4.5zM88.9 28 83 7h4.7l4 15.7h.1l4-15.7h4.7l-5.9 21h-5.7zm28.8-3.6c.6 0 1.2-.1 1.7-.3.5-.2 1-.4 1.4-.8.4-.4.7-.8.9-1.4.2-.6.3-1.2.3-2v-13h4.1v13.6c0 1.2-.2 2.2-.6 3.1s-1 1.7-1.8 2.4c-.7.7-1.6 1.2-2.7 1.5-1 .4-2.2.5-3.4.5-1.2 0-2.4-.2-3.4-.5-1-.4-1.9-.9-2.7-1.5-.8-.7-1.3-1.5-1.8-2.4-.4-.9-.6-2-.6-3.1V6.9h4.2v13c0 .8.1 1.4.3 2 .2.6.5 1 .9 1.4.4.4.8.6 1.4.8.6.2 1.1.3 1.8.3zm13-17.4h4.2v9.1l7.4-9.1h5.2l-7.2 8.4L148 28h-4.9l-5.5-9.4-2.7 3V28h-4.2V7zm-27.6 16.1c-1.5 0-2.7 1.2-2.7 2.7s1.2 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7-1.2 2.7-2.7-1.2-2.7-2.7-2.7z"></path> </svg> </a> </div> </div> <nav aria-labelledby="super-navigation-menu-heading" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__content govuk-!-display-none-print" data-module="super-navigation-mega-menu"> <h2 id="super-navigation-menu-heading" class="govuk-visually-hidden"> Navigation menu </h2> <div class="govuk-width-container gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__button-width-container"> <div class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__button-container"> <div class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-item"> <a class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-item-link" href="/browse"><span class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-item-link-inner"> Menu </span></a> <button aria-controls="super-navigation-menu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show navigation menu" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-top-toggle-button" data-text-for-hide="Hide navigation menu" data-text-for-show="Show navigation menu" data-toggle-desktop-group="top" data-toggle-mobile-group="top" data-tracking-key="menu" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"select_content","type":"header menu bar","text":"Menu","index_section":1,"index_section_count":2,"section":"Menu"}' hidden="hidden" id="super-navigation-menu-toggle" type="button"> <span class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-top-toggle-button-inner">Menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-item"> <button id="super-search-menu-toggle" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-toggle-button" aria-controls="super-search-menu" aria-expanded="true" aria-label="Hide search menu" data-text-for-hide="Hide search menu" data-text-for-show="Show search menu" data-toggle-mobile-group="top" data-toggle-desktop-group="top" data-tracking-key="search" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"select_content","type":"header menu bar","text":"Search","index_section":2,"index_section_count":2,"section":"Search"}' hidden="hidden" type="button"> <span class="govuk-visually-hidden"> Search GOV.UK </span> <svg class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-toggle-button-link-icon" width="27" height="27" viewbox="0 0 27 27" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"> <circle cx="12.0161" cy="11.0161" r="8.51613" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></circle> <line x1="17.8668" y1="17.3587" x2="26.4475" y2="25.9393" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></line> </svg> <span aria-hidden="true" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-top-toggle-close-icon" focusable="false"> × </span> </button> <a class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-item-link" href="/search"> <span class="govuk-visually-hidden"> Search GOV.UK </span> <svg class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-item-link-icon" width="27" height="27" viewbox="0 0 27 27" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"> <circle cx="12.0161" cy="11.0161" r="8.51613" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></circle> <line x1="17.8668" y1="17.3587" x2="26.4475" y2="25.9393" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></line> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div id="super-navigation-menu" hidden="hidden" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-dropdown-menu"> <div class="govuk-width-container"> <div class="govuk-grid-row gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-items"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds-from-desktop gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__column--services-and-information"> <h3 class="govuk-heading-m gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__column-header"> Services and information </h3> <ul class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-items gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-items--services-and-information"> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":1,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits">Benefits</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":2,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/births-deaths-marriages">Births, death, marriages and care</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":3,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/business">Business and self-employed</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":4,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting">Childcare and parenting</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":5,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship">Citizenship and living in the UK</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":6,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/justice">Crime, justice and the law</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":7,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities">Disabled people</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":8,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving">Driving and transport</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":9,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/education">Education and learning</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":10,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/employing-people">Employing people</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":11,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/environment-countryside">Environment and countryside</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":12,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services">Housing and local services</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":13,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax">Money and tax</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":14,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad">Passports, travel and living abroad</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":15,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration">Visas and immigration</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":1,"index_link":16,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":16,"section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/working">Working, jobs and pensions</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third-from-desktop gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__column--government-activity"> <h3 class="govuk-heading-m gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__column-header"> Government activity </h3> <ul class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-items gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-items--government-activity"> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":1,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations">Departments</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">Departments, agencies and public bodies</p> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":2,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications">News</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">News stories, speeches, letters and notices</p> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":3,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/guidance-and-regulation">Guidance and regulation</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">Detailed guidance, regulations and rules</p> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":4,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics">Research and statistics</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">Reports, analysis and official statistics</p> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":5,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and-consultations">Policy papers and consultations</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">Consultations and strategy</p> </li> <li class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__dropdown-list-item"> <a class="govuk-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-link--with-description" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"header menu bar","index_section":2,"index_link":6,"index_section_count":3,"index_total":6,"section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases">Transparency</a> <p class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-second-item-description">Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports</p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="super-search-menu" hidden="hidden" class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__navigation-dropdown-menu"> <div class="govuk-width-container gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-container gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-items"> <h3 class="govuk-visually-hidden"> Search </h3> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-full"> <form class="gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-form" id="search" data-module="ga4-search-tracker" data-ga4-search-type="header menu bar" data-ga4-search-url="/search/all" data-ga4-search-section="Search GOV.UK" data-ga4-search-index-section="3" data-ga4-search-index-section-count="3" action="https://www.gov.uk/search/all" method="get" role="search" aria-label="Site-wide"> <div class="gem-c-search-with-autocomplete gem-c-search-with-autocomplete--large" data-module="gem-search-with-autocomplete" data-source-url="https://www.gov.uk/api/search/autocomplete.json" data-source-key="suggestions"> <div data-module="gem-toggle-input-class-on-focus" class="gem-c-search govuk-!-display-none-print gem-c-search--large gem-c-search--on-white gem-c-search--separate-label govuk-!-margin-bottom-0"> <label for="search-main-405b63be" class="govuk-label govuk-label--m gem-c-layout-super-navigation-header__search-label--large-navbar">Search GOV.UK</label> <div class="gem-c-search__item-wrapper"> <div class="js-search-input-wrapper"> <input enterkeyhint="search" class="gem-c-search__item gem-c-search__input js-class-toggle" id="search-main-405b63be" name="keywords" title="Search" type="search" value="" autocorrect="off" autocapitalize="off"> </div> <div class="gem-c-search__item gem-c-search__submit-wrapper"> <button class="gem-c-search__submit" type="submit" enterkeyhint="search"> Search <svg class="gem-c-search__icon" width="27" height="27" viewbox="0 0 27 27" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"> <circle cx="12.0161" cy="11.0161" r="8.51613" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></circle> <line x1="17.8668" y1="17.3587" x2="26.4475" y2="25.9393" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="3"></line> </svg> </button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <div class=""> <div class="gem-c-layout-for-public__blue-bar govuk-width-container"></div> </div> <div id="wrapper" class="direction-ltr govuk-width-container"> <div class="gem-c-contextual-breadcrumbs"> <div class="govuk-!-display-none-print"> <nav data-module="ga4-link-tracker" aria-label="Breadcrumb" class="gem-c-breadcrumbs govuk-breadcrumbs govuk-breadcrumbs--collapse-on-mobile"> <ol class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list"> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"1","index_total":"4"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"2","index_total":"4"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/business-and-industry">Business and industry</a> </li> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"3","index_total":"4"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/business-and-industry/running-a-business">Running a business</a> </li> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"4","index_total":"4"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/business-and-industry/limited-companies-and-partnerships">Limited companies and partnerships</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> <main role="main" id="content" class="detailed-guide" lang="en"> <span id="Top"></span> <div class="govuk-grid-row gem-print-columns-none"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-title govuk-!-margin-bottom-8"> <span class="govuk-caption-xl gem-c-title__context"> Guidance </span> <h1 class="gem-c-title__text govuk-heading-l"> Company authentication codes for online filing </h1> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third"> <nav aria-label="Translations" class="gem-c-translation-nav govuk-!-display-none-print gem-c-translation-nav"> <ul class="gem-c-translation-nav__list"> <li class="gem-c-translation-nav__list-item"> <span lang="en">English</span> </li> <li class="gem-c-translation-nav__list-item"> <a hreflang="cy" lang="cy" rel="alternate" class="govuk-link gem-c-translation-nav__link " href="/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing.cy">Cymraeg</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <p class="gem-c-lead-paragraph"> How to request and manage the authentication code you'll need to file information online at Companies House. </p> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="metadata-logo-wrapper gem-print-columns-none "> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds metadata-column"> <div data-module="metadata" class="gem-c-metadata"> <dl class="gem-c-metadata__list"> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">From:</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition" data-module="gem-toggle"> <a class="govuk-link" href="/government/organisations/companies-house">Companies House</a> </dd> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">Published</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition">18 May 2015</dd> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">Last updated</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition"> 23 September 2022 — <a href="#full-publication-update-history" class="gem-c-metadata__definition-link govuk-!-display-none-print js-see-all-updates-link"> See all updates </a> </dd> </dl> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third"> </div> </div> </div> <div data-button-location="top" data-button-text-subscribe="Get emails about this page" data-button-text-unsubscribe="Stop getting emails about this page" data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="gem-c-single-page-notification-button govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <form action="/email/subscriptions/single-page/new" method="POST"> <input type="hidden" name="base_path" value="/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing"> <button class="govuk-body-s gem-c-single-page-notification-button__submit" type="submit" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"subscribe","index_link":1,"index_total":2,"section":"Top","url":"/email/subscriptions/single-page/new"}'> <svg class="gem-c-single-page-notification-button__icon" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="18" width="18" viewbox="0 0 459.334 459.334"><path fill="currentColor" d="M177.216 404.514c-.001.12-.009.239-.009.359 0 30.078 24.383 54.461 54.461 54.461s54.461-24.383 54.461-54.461c0-.12-.008-.239-.009-.359H175.216zM403.549 336.438l-49.015-72.002v-89.83c0-60.581-43.144-111.079-100.381-122.459V24.485C254.152 10.963 243.19 0 229.667 0s-24.485 10.963-24.485 24.485v27.663c-57.237 11.381-100.381 61.879-100.381 122.459v89.83l-49.015 72.002a24.76 24.76 0 0 0 20.468 38.693H383.08a24.761 24.761 0 0 0 20.469-38.694z"></path></svg><span class="gem-c-single-page-notication-button__text">Get emails about this page</span> </button> </form> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-row gem-print-columns-none"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div id="contents" class="app-c-contents-list-with-body" data-module="sticky-element-container"> <div class="responsive-bottom-margin"> <nav data-module="ga4-link-tracker" aria-label="Contents" class="gem-c-contents-list govuk-!-margin-bottom-4"> <h2 class="gem-c-contents-list__title"> Contents </h2> <ol class="gem-c-contents-list__list"> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":4,"index_link":1}' href="#how-to-get-your-company-authentication-code">How to get your company authentication code</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":4,"index_link":2}' href="#using-your-code">Using your code</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":4,"index_link":3}' href="#changing-or-cancelling-your-code">Changing or cancelling your code</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":4,"index_link":4}' href="#looking-after-your-code">Looking after your code</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> <div class="gem-c-print-link govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <button class="govuk-link govuk-body-s gem-c-print-link__button" data-module="print-link">Print this page</button> </div> <div data-module="govspeak" class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak govuk-!-margin-bottom-0"> <div class="govspeak"> <div class="call-to-action"> <p>If you cannot access your company’s registered office address, we can <a rel="external" href="https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/auth-code-requests/start" class="govuk-link">send your authentication code to your home address instead</a>.</p> </div> <p>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’s signature.</p> <p>You’ll need an authentication code to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/filing-your-companies-house-information-online" class="govuk-link">file your information online</a> or using <a href="https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software" class="govuk-link">third party software</a>.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Warning" class="application-notice help-notice"> <p>Do not wait until your accounts are due to request your authentication code. Delivery could take longer than usual during busy periods.</p> </div> <h2 id="how-to-get-your-company-authentication-code">How to get your company authentication code</h2> <p>To request a code, you’ll need to create an account or sign in to <a rel="external" href="https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/" class="govuk-link">Companies House WebFiling</a> and follow the steps.</p> <p>We’ll send your code by post to your company’s registered office - it can take up to 5 days to arrive. If your company already has a code, we’ll send you a reminder.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>We cannot send your authentication code by email or tell you the code over the phone.</p> </div> <h2 id="using-your-code">Using your code</h2> <p>You’ll use the same authentication code for your company to file online using:</p> <ul> <li><a rel="external" href="https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/" class="govuk-link">Companies House WebFiling</a></li> <li><a rel="external" href="https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/" class="govuk-link">Find and update company information</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software" class="govuk-link">third-party software</a></li> </ul> <p>To use third-party software, you’ll need to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-companies-house-online-filing-presenter-account" class="govuk-link">set up an online filing account</a> to get a presenter ID and presenter authentication code.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>You cannot use your Government Gateway account to send Companies House information online.</p> </div> <h2 id="changing-or-cancelling-your-code">Changing or cancelling your code</h2> <p>Sign in to <a rel="external" href="https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/" class="govuk-link">Companies House WebFiling</a> to change or cancel your code. You can change your code to something more memorable, but do not make it easy to guess.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2 id="looking-after-your-code">Looking after your code</h2> <p>You should treat your company’s authentication code with the same care as your bank card PIN. Anyone who knows your code is able to change your company’s details online.</p> <p>To look after your authentication code:</p> <ul> <li>mix letters and numbers so your code is not easy to guess</li> <li>only share your code with someone you trust to file information for your company</li> <li>change your code if it’s known by someone you do not trust</li> <li>change your code if it’s known by someone who’s no longer authorised to file for your company (such as staff who’ve left your company, or your previous accountant)</li> </ul> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>We’ll never ask you what your authentication code is over the phone.</p> </div> <p>If you’re contacted by someone who asks for your code and claims to be from Companies House, you should <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reporting-fraud-about-a-company-to-companies-house/reporting-fraud-to-companies-house" class="govuk-link">report fraud to Companies House</a> immediately.</p> </div> </div> <div id="full-publication-update-history" data-module="gem-toggle" class="app-c-published-dates app-c-published-dates--history govuk-!-margin-bottom-5" lang="en"> <h2 class="govuk-visually-hidden">Updates to this page</h2> Published 18 May 2015 <br>Last updated 23 September 2022 <a href="#full-history" class="app-c-published-dates__toggle govuk-link" data-controls="full-history" data-expanded="false" data-toggled-text="- hide all updates" data-module="ga4-event-tracker" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"select_content","type":"content history","section":"Footer"}' data-ga4-expandable>+ show all updates</a> <div class="app-c-published-dates__change-history js-hidden" id="full-history"> <ol class="app-c-published-dates__list"> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2022-09-23T10:04:16.000+01:00">23 September 2022</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">New WebFiling account introduced on Monday 12 September - guidance on how to request and manage company authentication codes updated.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2020-07-15T09:00:02.000+01:00">15 July 2020</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">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.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2018-09-05T12:51:51.000+01:00">5 September 2018</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Links added to guidance.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2017-12-06T13:57:36.000+00:00">6 December 2017</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Guidance added for the Christmas holiday period.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2017-09-22T12:59:21.000+01:00">22 September 2017</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Screenshot added.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2015-12-21T17:08:51.000+00:00">21 December 2015</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Welsh translation added.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2015-05-18T09:29:00.000+01:00">18 May 2015</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">First published.</p> </li> </ol> </div> </div> <div class="published-dates-button-group"> <h2 class="govuk-visually-hidden"> Sign up for emails or print this page </h2> <div data-button-location="bottom" data-button-text-subscribe="Get emails about this page" data-button-text-unsubscribe="Stop getting emails about this page" data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="gem-c-single-page-notification-button govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-bottom-3"> <form action="/email/subscriptions/single-page/new" method="POST"> <input type="hidden" name="base_path" value="/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing"> <button class="govuk-body-s gem-c-single-page-notification-button__submit" type="submit" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"subscribe","index_link":2,"index_total":2,"section":"Footer","url":"/email/subscriptions/single-page/new"}'> <svg class="gem-c-single-page-notification-button__icon" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="18" width="18" viewbox="0 0 459.334 459.334"><path fill="currentColor" d="M177.216 404.514c-.001.12-.009.239-.009.359 0 30.078 24.383 54.461 54.461 54.461s54.461-24.383 54.461-54.461c0-.12-.008-.239-.009-.359H175.216zM403.549 336.438l-49.015-72.002v-89.83c0-60.581-43.144-111.079-100.381-122.459V24.485C254.152 10.963 243.19 0 229.667 0s-24.485 10.963-24.485 24.485v27.663c-57.237 11.381-100.381 61.879-100.381 122.459v89.83l-49.015 72.002a24.76 24.76 0 0 0 20.468 38.693H383.08a24.761 24.761 0 0 0 20.469-38.694z"></path></svg><span class="gem-c-single-page-notication-button__text">Get emails about this page</span> </button> </form> </div> <div class="gem-c-print-link govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-bottom-8"> <button class="govuk-link govuk-body-s gem-c-print-link__button" data-module="print-link">Print this page</button> </div> </div> <div data-sticky-element class="app-c-contents-list-with-body__link-wrapper"> <div class="app-c-contents-list-with-body__link-container"> <a class="govuk-link app-c-back-to-top govuk-!-display-none-print" href="#contents"> <svg class="app-c-back-to-top__icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="13" height="17" viewbox="0 0 13 17" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"> <path fill="currentColor" d="M6.5 0L0 6.5 1.4 8l4-4v12.7h2V4l4.3 4L13 6.4z"></path> </svg> Contents </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third"> <div class="gem-c-contextual-sidebar govuk-!-display-none-print"> <div data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="gem-c-related-navigation govuk-!-display-none-print"> <h2 id="related-nav-related_items-f2605b9c" class="gem-c-related-navigation__main-heading"> Related content </h2> <nav class="gem-c-related-navigation__nav-section" aria-labelledby="related-nav-related_items-f2605b9c" data-module="gem-toggle"> <ul class="gem-c-related-navigation__link-list"> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--sidebar govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--other" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"related content","index_section":"1","index_link":"1","index_section_count":"2","index_total":"4","section":"Related content"}' href="/government/publications/life-of-a-company-annual-requirements">Filing your Companies House accounts</a></li> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--sidebar govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--other" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"related content","index_section":"1","index_link":"2","index_section_count":"2","index_total":"4","section":"Related content"}' href="/guidance/applying-for-more-time-to-file-your-companys-accounts">Applying for more time to file your company’s accounts</a></li> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--sidebar govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--other" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"related content","index_section":"1","index_link":"3","index_section_count":"2","index_total":"4","section":"Related content"}' href="/government/publications/file-your-dormant-accounts-aa02">File your dormant accounts (AA02)</a></li> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--sidebar govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--other" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"related content","index_section":"1","index_link":"4","index_section_count":"2","index_total":"4","section":"Related content"}' href="/government/publications/strike-off-a-company-from-the-register-ds01">Strike off a company from the register (DS01)</a></li> </ul> </nav> <nav class="gem-c-related-navigation__nav-section" aria-labelledby="related-nav-collections-f2605b9c" data-module="gem-toggle"> <h3 id="related-nav-collections-f2605b9c" class="gem-c-related-navigation__sub-heading gem-c-related-navigation__sub-heading--sidebar" data-track-count="sidebarRelatedItemSection">Collection</h3> <ul class="gem-c-related-navigation__link-list"> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--sidebar" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"related content","index_section":"2","index_link":"1","index_section_count":"2","index_total":"1","section":"Collection"}' href="/government/collections/companies-house-guidance-for-limited-companies-partnerships-and-other-company-types">Companies House: guidance for limited companies, partnerships and other company types</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-contextual-footer govuk-!-display-none-print"> <div data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="gem-c-related-navigation govuk-!-display-none-print"> <nav class="gem-c-related-navigation__nav-section" aria-labelledby="related-nav-topics-e8c24259" data-module="gem-toggle"> <h2 id="related-nav-topics-e8c24259" class="gem-c-related-navigation__sub-heading gem-c-related-navigation__sub-heading--footer" data-track-count="footerRelatedItemSection">Explore the topic</h2> <ul class="gem-c-related-navigation__link-list"> <li class="gem-c-related-navigation__link"><a class="govuk-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link govuk-link gem-c-related-navigation__section-link--footer" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"contextual footer","index_section":"1","index_link":"1","index_section_count":"1","index_total":"1","section":"Explore the topic"}' href="/business-and-industry/limited-companies-and-partnerships">Limited companies and partnerships</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> </div> <div class="govuk-width-container"> <div data-module="feedback ga4-event-tracker" class="gem-c-feedback govuk-!-display-none-print"> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt gem-c-feedback__js-show js-prompt" tabindex="-1"> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-content"> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-questions js-prompt-questions" hidden> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-question-answer"> <h2 class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-question">Is this page useful?</h2> <ul class="gem-c-feedback__option-list"> <li class="gem-c-feedback__option-list-item govuk-visually-hidden" hidden> <a class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-link" role="button" hidden="hidden" aria-hidden="true" href="/contact/govuk"> Maybe </a> </li> <li class="gem-c-feedback__option-list-item"> <button class="govuk-button gem-c-feedback__prompt-link js-page-is-useful" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"form_submit","type":"feedback","text":"Yes","section":"Is this page useful?","tool_name":"Is this page useful?"}'> Yes <span class="govuk-visually-hidden">this page is useful</span> </button> </li> <li class="gem-c-feedback__option-list-item"> <button class="govuk-button gem-c-feedback__prompt-link js-toggle-form js-page-is-not-useful" aria-controls="page-is-not-useful" aria-expanded="false" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"form_submit","type":"feedback","text":"No","section":"Is this page useful?","tool_name":"Is this page useful?"}'> No <span class="govuk-visually-hidden">this page is not useful</span> </button> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-questions gem-c-feedback__prompt-success js-prompt-success" role="alert" hidden> Thank you for your feedback </div> <div class="gem-c-feedback__prompt-questions gem-c-feedback__prompt-questions--something-is-wrong js-prompt-questions" hidden> <button class="govuk-button gem-c-feedback__prompt-link js-toggle-form js-something-is-wrong" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="something-is-wrong" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"form_submit","type":"feedback","text":"Report a problem with this page","section":"Is this page useful?","tool_name":"Is this page useful?"}'> Report a problem with this page </button> </div> </div> </div> <form action="https://www.gov.uk/contact/govuk/problem_reports" id="something-is-wrong" class="gem-c-feedback__form js-feedback-form" method="post" hidden> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-feedback__error-summary gem-c-feedback__js-show js-errors" tabindex="-1" hidden></div> <input type="hidden" name="url" value="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing"> <h3 class="gem-c-feedback__form-heading">Help us improve GOV.UK</h3> <p id="feedback_explanation" class="gem-c-feedback__form-paragraph">Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.</p> <div class="govuk-visually-hidden" aria-hidden="true"> <label for="giraffe">This field is for robots only. Please leave blank</label> <input id="giraffe" name="giraffe" type="text" pattern=".{0}" tabindex="-1" autocomplete="off"> </div> <div class="gem-c-textarea govuk-form-group govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <label for="textarea-c4d0174e" class="gem-c-label govuk-label">What were you doing?</label> <textarea name="what_doing" class="govuk-textarea" id="textarea-c4d0174e" rows="3" spellcheck="true" aria-describedby="feedback_explanation"> </textarea> </div> <div class="gem-c-textarea govuk-form-group govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <label for="textarea-80060af4" class="gem-c-label govuk-label">What went wrong?</label> <textarea name="what_wrong" class="govuk-textarea" id="textarea-80060af4" rows="3" spellcheck="true"> </textarea> </div> <button class="gem-c-button govuk-button" type="submit" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"form_submit","type":"feedback","text":"Send","section":"Help us improve GOV.UK","tool_name":"Help us improve GOV.UK"}'>Send</button> <button class="govuk-button govuk-button--secondary gem-c-feedback__close gem-c-feedback__js-show js-close-form" aria-controls="something-is-wrong" aria-expanded="true"> Cancel </button> </div> </div> </form> <script nonce="deN1XwCfrMDPUCwWsGEGiA=="> //<![CDATA[ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () { var input = document.querySelector("#giraffe"), form = document.querySelector("#something-is-wrong") form.addEventListener("submit", spamCapture); function spamCapture(e) { if (input.value.length !== 0) return; e.preventDefault(); } }); //]]> </script> <div id="page-is-not-useful" class="gem-c-feedback__form gem-c-feedback__form--email gem-c-feedback__js-show js-feedback-form"> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds" id="survey-wrapper"> <div class="gem-c-feedback__error-summary js-errors" tabindex="-1" hidden></div> <h3 class="gem-c-feedback__form-heading">Help us improve GOV.UK</h3> <p id="survey_explanation" class="gem-c-feedback__form-paragraph"> To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. <a href="https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/gov-uk-banner/?c=no-js" class="govuk-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer external">Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab)</a>. </p> <button class="govuk-button govuk-button--secondary js-close-form" aria-controls="page-is-not-useful" aria-expanded="true" hidden> Cancel </button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <footer data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="gem-c-layout-footer govuk-footer gem-c-layout-footer--border"> <div class="govuk-width-container"> <div class="govuk-footer__navigation"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds govuk-!-display-none-print"> <h2 class="govuk-footer__heading govuk-heading-m">Services and information</h2> <ul class="govuk-footer__list govuk-footer__list--columns-2"> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"1","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits">Benefits</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"2","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/births-deaths-marriages">Births, death, marriages and care</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"3","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/business">Business and self-employed</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"4","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting">Childcare and parenting</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"5","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship">Citizenship and living in the UK</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"6","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/justice">Crime, justice and the law</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"7","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities">Disabled people</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"8","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving">Driving and transport</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"9","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/education">Education and learning</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"10","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/employing-people">Employing people</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"11","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/environment-countryside">Environment and countryside</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"12","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services">Housing and local services</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"13","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax">Money and tax</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"14","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad">Passports, travel and living abroad</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"15","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration">Visas and immigration</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"16","index_section":"1","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"16","section":"Services and information"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/working">Working, jobs and pensions</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third govuk-!-display-none-print"> <h2 class="govuk-footer__heading govuk-heading-m">Government activity</h2> <ul class="govuk-footer__list govuk-footer__list--columns-1"> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"1","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations">Departments</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"2","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications">News</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"3","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/guidance-and-regulation">Guidance and regulation</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"4","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics">Research and statistics</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"5","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and-consultations">Policy papers and consultations</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"6","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/search/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases">Transparency</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"7","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/government/how-government-works">How government works</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"8","index_section":"2","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Government activity"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved">Get involved</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <hr class="govuk-footer__section-break govuk-!-display-none-print"> <div class="govuk-footer__meta"> <div class="govuk-footer__meta-item govuk-footer__meta-item--grow"> <h2 class="govuk-visually-hidden">Support links</h2> <ul class="govuk-footer__inline-list govuk-!-display-none-print"> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"1","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/help">Help</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"2","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/help/privacy-notice">Privacy</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"3","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/help/cookies">Cookies</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"4","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/help/accessibility-statement">Accessibility statement</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"5","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/contact">Contact</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"6","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/help/terms-conditions">Terms and conditions</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" lang="cy" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"7","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/cymraeg">Rhestr o Wasanaethau Cymraeg</a> </li> <li class="govuk-footer__inline-list-item"> <a class="govuk-footer__link" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"footer","index_link":"8","index_section":"3","index_section_count":"5","index_total":"8","section":"Support links"}' href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-digital-service">Government Digital Service</a> </li> </ul> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" class="govuk-footer__licence-logo" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 483.2 195.7" height="17" width="41"> <path fill="currentColor" d="M421.5 142.8V.1l-50.7 32.3v161.1h112.4v-50.7zm-122.3-9.6A47.12 47.12 0 0 1 221 97.8c0-26 21.1-47.1 47.1-47.1 16.7 0 31.4 8.7 39.7 21.8l42.7-27.2A97.63 97.63 0 0 0 268.1 0c-36.5 0-68.3 20.1-85.1 49.7A98 98 0 0 0 97.8 0C43.9 0 0 43.9 0 97.8s43.9 97.8 97.8 97.8c36.5 0 68.3-20.1 85.1-49.7a97.76 97.76 0 0 0 149.6 25.4l19.4 22.2h3v-87.8h-80l24.3 27.5zM97.8 145c-26 0-47.1-21.1-47.1-47.1s21.1-47.1 47.1-47.1 47.2 21 47.2 47S123.8 145 97.8 145"></path> </svg> <span class="govuk-footer__licence-description" data-ga4-track-links-only data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","section":"Licence","index_section":"4","index_link":"1","index_section_count":"5","text":"Open Government Licence v3.0","index_total":"1","type":"footer"}'> All content is available under the <a class="govuk-footer__link" href="https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/" rel="license">Open Government Licence v3.0</a>, except where otherwise stated </span> </div> <div class="govuk-footer__meta-item" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","section":"Copyright","index_section":"5","index_link":"1","index_section_count":"5","text":"© Crown copyright","index_total":"1","type":"footer"}'> <a class="govuk-footer__link govuk-footer__copyright-logo" href="https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/re-using-public-sector-information/uk-government-licensing-framework/crown-copyright/">© Crown copyright</a> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <script src="/assets/static/application-b99c730a51dedb2a3e3315cc0bc81947c2cb065952ff296bc3747c84d92c217c.js" type="module"></script> <script src="/assets/government-frontend/application-a5f137ecbb7d8dc1b5470d4f66e3ec63680098e906fcf1d213801ff0d72b94ab.js" type="module"></script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing" }, "name": "Company authentication codes for online filing", "datePublished": "2015-05-18T09:29:00+01:00", "dateModified": "2022-09-23T10:04:16+01:00", "text": "How to request and manage the authentication code you'll need to file information online at Companies House.", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-b15a4d254746d1642b8187217576d1e8fe50b51352d352fda13eee55d3c1c80a.png" } }, "image": [ "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-1x1-c3d38c0d4fc00005df38a71e1db7097276681d6917bca58f0dc8336a252e1bb3.png", "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-4x3-edc38c137a14ecfc3fc83f404090e20dab806dad345c96a1df6a163ee2d1e3aa.png", "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-16x9-5dc2d0ea1eb72cd94e66db210ef41b22ce364e7ed09d63a3acc28fda09e27864.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Companies House", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house" }, "isPartOf": [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "CreativeWork", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/companies-house-guidance-for-limited-companies-partnerships-and-other-company-types" } ], "about": [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/business-and-industry/limited-companies-and-partnerships" } ], "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Company authentication codes for online filing", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/company-authentication-codes-for-online-filing", "text": "\u003cdiv class=\"govspeak\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"call-to-action\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you cannot access your company’s registered office address, we can \u003ca rel=\"external\" href=\"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/auth-code-requests/start\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003esend your authentication code to your home address instead\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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’s signature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll need an authentication code to \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/filing-your-companies-house-information-online\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003efile your information online\u003c/a\u003e or using \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003ethird party software\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not wait until your accounts are due to request your authentication code. Delivery could take longer than usual during busy periods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-to-get-your-company-authentication-code\"\u003eHow to get your company authentication code\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo request a code, you’ll need to create an account or sign in to \u003ca rel=\"external\" href=\"https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eCompanies House WebFiling\u003c/a\u003e and follow the steps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll send your code by post to your company’s registered office - it can take up to 5 days to arrive. If your company already has a code, we’ll send you a reminder.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe cannot send your authentication code by email or tell you the code over the phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"using-your-code\"\u003eUsing your code\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll use the same authentication code for your company to file online using:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"external\" href=\"https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eCompanies House WebFiling\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"external\" href=\"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eFind and update company information\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003ethird-party software\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo use third-party software, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-companies-house-online-filing-presenter-account\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eset up an online filing account\u003c/a\u003e to get a presenter ID and presenter authentication code.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou cannot use your Government Gateway account to send Companies House information online.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"changing-or-cancelling-your-code\"\u003eChanging or cancelling your code\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSign in to \u003ca rel=\"external\" href=\"https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eCompanies House WebFiling\u003c/a\u003e to change or cancel your code. You can change your code to something more memorable, but do not make it easy to guess.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"looking-after-your-code\"\u003eLooking after your code\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou should treat your company’s authentication code with the same care as your bank card PIN. Anyone who knows your code is able to change your company’s details online.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo look after your authentication code:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003emix letters and numbers so your code is not easy to guess\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eonly share your code with someone you trust to file information for your company\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003echange your code if it’s known by someone you do not trust\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003echange your code if it’s known by someone who’s no longer authorised to file for your company (such as staff who’ve left your company, or your previous accountant)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll never ask you what your authentication code is over the phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re contacted by someone who asks for your code and claims to be from Companies House, you should \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reporting-fraud-about-a-company-to-companies-house/reporting-fraud-to-companies-house\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003ereport fraud to Companies House\u003c/a\u003e immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e" } } ] } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "name": "Home", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "name": "Business and industry", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/business-and-industry" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "name": "Running a business", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/business-and-industry/running-a-business" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "name": "Limited companies and partnerships", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/business-and-industry/limited-companies-and-partnerships" } } ] } </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

GOV.UK