TL;DR
Enter your Personal Code when Companies House asks for it during filings. It's like a password that proves you're really you. You'll need it for Confirmation Statements and other official documents.
How to Use Your Personal Code
Where You'll Use It
You'll need your Personal Code when filing documents with Companies House, including:
Confirmation Statements
The annual filing that confirms your company details
Changes to Directors
Appointing or removing directors
PSC Register Updates
Changes to Persons with Significant Control
Other Statutory Filings
Various official documents requiring verification
Using Your Code: Step by Step
Start Your Filing
Begin the filing process on the Companies House WebFiling service or through your accountant's software.
Complete the Form
Fill in all the required information for your filing.
Enter Your Personal Code
When prompted, enter your Personal Code exactly as it appears. This authenticates you as the verified person.
Submit
Once your code is validated, submit the filing. Companies House now knows it's really you.
Important Tips
Keep your code handy
Store it securely where you can access it when needed (password manager, secure note, etc.)
Double-check before submitting
A typo will cause your filing to be rejected
Don't share your code
Your Personal Code is linked to your identity. Sharing it could be seen as fraud.
Where to Find Your Code
When your identity verification is approved, Companies House emails your Personal Code directly to you. To find it, search your inbox (and your spam or junk folder) for:
Your Personal Code is the 11-character code inside that email. It comes from Companies House, not from us, so it won't be filed under our name.
Can't find the email?
You can also retrieve your Personal Code from your Companies House account:
- Log into your Companies House account
- Navigate to your identity verification section
- Your Personal Code should be displayed there
If you still can't find it, contact Companies House directly for help retrieving your code.
Common Questions
Do I need to enter my Personal Code every time I file?
Yes, you'll need to enter it for most filings that require director or PSC confirmation. It proves to Companies House that you authorise the submission.
What if I enter the wrong code?
The filing will be rejected. Double-check your code before submitting. If you've forgotten it, you can retrieve it from your Companies House account.
Can my accountant use my Personal Code?
You shouldn't share your code. However, your accountant can file on your behalf using their ACSP status without needing your code. Talk to them about how they handle filings.
Does my code change if I change companies?
No. Your Personal Code stays the same regardless of which companies you're involved with. It's linked to you, not to any specific company.
Need Help Filing?
We offer a Confirmation Statement filing service if you'd like us to handle the paperwork for you.
Learn about our filing serviceDon't Have a Personal Code Yet?
You'll need to verify your identity first. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
Get Verified - £39