Can I Change My Companies House WebFiling Authentication Code?

Yes, you can change your Companies House WebFiling authentication code at any time. The process takes a few minutes through the Companies House WebFiling portal and confirmation is sent to your registered office address once the change is made.

Key Takeaways

• The WebFiling authentication code is a six-character alphanumeric code issued by Companies House when a company is registered. It is used to access the Companies House WebFiling system.
• You can change the code at any time by logging into the Companies House WebFiling portal, navigating to Company Authentication, and entering a new six-character code.
• Confirmation of the change is sent by post to your company's registered office address. Make sure your registered office is up to date before requesting a change.
• If your company is registered through Companies MadeSimple, you must also update the code in your Companies MadeSimple account after changing it with Companies House, otherwise filings through our system may fail.
• The WebFiling authentication code is separate from your Companies House personal code, which is issued after identity verification and is required for company filings made through the newer Companies House system.

What Is the WebFiling Authentication Code?

The WebFiling authentication code is a six-character alphanumeric code that Companies House assigns to your company at the point of registration. It acts as a password for your company's online filings through the Companies House WebFiling service.

You need this code to file documents with Companies House directly, including confirmation statements, annual accounts, and other statutory filings. If you registered your company through Companies MadeSimple, you can find your authentication code by logging into your account and clicking on your company name.

Is the Authentication Code the Same as a Personal Code?

No. These are two different things, and confusing them is a common source of frustration.

The WebFiling authentication code belongs to the company. It allows access to the company's WebFiling account and is used to submit statutory filings online.

The personal code is issued to individual directors and PSCs after they complete identity verification with Companies House. It is an 11-character reference number that links a verified person to their role at the company. It is required for certain filings made through the newer Companies House system.

If you're looking for your personal code rather than your company's authentication code, you'll need to complete identity verification with Companies House. Companies MadeSimple can help with this through our Identity Verification Service.

How do I Change My WebFiling Authentication Code?

Changing your authentication code is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Go to the Companies House WebFiling portal and log in, or register if you haven't already
2. Select the country your company is registered in, then enter your company number and current authentication code and click Sign In
3. Select Company Authentication from the left-hand menu
4. Enter your new code twice. It must be exactly six characters long.
5. Click Change Code

Companies House will then send a confirmation letter to your registered office address. The change takes effect immediately, so make sure you note the new code before closing the browser.

Updating Your Authentication Code With Companies MadeSimple

If your company is registered on the Companies MadeSimple system, you need to update your authentication code with us as well. If you don't, any filings you try to make through our system, such as your confirmation statement, will fail because the code we hold will no longer match the one at Companies House.

Here's how to update it:

1. Log in to your Companies MadeSimple account
2. Select My Companies
3. Click on your company name
4. Select Update Code next to WebFiling Authentication Code
5. Enter the new code and click Change

That's it. Your account will now reflect the updated code and filings can proceed as normal.

What If I Have Lost or Forgotten My Authentication Code?

If you've lost your authentication code, you can request a new one from Companies House. They will send it by post to your registered office address. This usually takes five working days.

Make sure your registered office address is current and correct before making the request. If it isn't, the letter won't reach you. If you need to update your registered office, you can do this through the Companies House portal or through your Companies MadeSimple account before requesting the new code.

FAQs

What is the Companies House WebFiling authentication code?

It's a six-character alphanumeric code assigned to your company at registration. It allows you to log into the Companies House WebFiling system and submit statutory filings online on behalf of your company.

Can I change my WebFiling authentication code?

Yes. Log into the Companies House WebFiling portal, select Company Authentication, enter a new six-character code, and click Change Code. Confirmation is sent by post to your registered office address.

What happens after I change my authentication code?

Companies House sends a confirmation letter to your registered office. If your company is on the Companies MadeSimple system, you also need to update the code in your account under My Companies to avoid filing failures.

What if I've forgotten my authentication code?

Contact Companies House to request a replacement. They will post a new code to your registered office address, which typically takes five working days. Make sure your registered office details are correct before requesting it.

Is the WebFiling authentication code the same as a Companies House personal code?

No. The authentication code belongs to the company and is used for WebFiling access. The personal code belongs to an individual director or PSC, is 11 characters long, and is issued after identity verification. Both may be needed depending on how and where you file.

Where can I find my current authentication code?

If you registered through Companies MadeSimple, log in and click on your company name. Your authentication code will be shown there. If you registered directly with Companies House, contact them to have a new one sent to your registered office.

This article is for general information only. Companies House systems and filing processes can change. Always check current guidance on GOV.UK for the most up-to-date instructions on WebFiling and authentication codes.