How do I find my Companies House authentication code?
The company authentication code is a 6-character code that Companies House gives to each company. Companies House says it "is the equivalent of a company officer's signature". You need it to file accounts using software.
If you have it
It was sent by post to your company's registered office when the company was formed. Look for a letter from Companies House.
If you do not have it
- Create an account or sign in to Companies House WebFiling.
- Follow the steps to request a code.
- Companies House posts it to your registered office. It can take up to 10 working days. If you cannot use the registered office address, Companies House says it can send the code to your home address instead.
Companies House cannot send the code by email or tell it to you by phone. Do not wait until your accounts are due to ask for it.
Changing it
You can change or cancel your code in Companies House WebFiling. If you change it, tell anyone else who files for your company. The old code stops working.
What Yearfile does with it
We ask for the code when we send your accounts. We keep it only if you ask us to. If we keep it, it is encrypted, and you can delete it at any time. Do not send your code to us by email.