A company’s authentication code contains 6 alphanumeric characters and is issued to all newly registered companies by Companies House. It is often referred to as a WebFiling authentication code or a company PIN.
The authentication code is a company’s electronic signature, which you will need to provide when you file documents electronically or make any amendments to your company’s details online. It is impossible to make any electronic or online changes without this code.
When will I receive my company authentication code?
As soon as your company is registered by Companies House, your company formation agent will send your authentication code and company documents to you by email.
If you register your company directly with Companies House, they will send your code to you by post. Companies House advises that it usually takes up to 5 days from the date of incorporation to receive this letter.
Where can I find my authentication code?
Customers of Quality Company Formations can log in to their online client account and will find their authentication code in the ‘Company Overview’ area – please see the above image.
Most other company formation agents will provide a similar facility, which will allow you to access your code online without any difficulty.
Alternatively, you will find your authentication code within the letter sent to you by Companies House at the time of incorporation. Therefore, it is important that you store this letter safely with your other company documents. It is also important that your authentication code is accessed only by those with the authority to do so. Try to think of the code as being similar to the PIN for your bank card.
What should I do if I lose my company authentication code?
If you do lose your company authentication code, it is possible to request a reminder from Companies House. If you have an account for Companies House WebFiling service you should sign in, or alternatively register an account.
When you have successfully signed into your account, choose the option ‘request an authentication code’, then enter the details of where your company was registered and your company number. The system will display your company name, registered office address, and company number. At this stage, you will be able to choose the ‘request code’ option.
Companies House will send a new company authentication code to your registered office within 3 to 5 business days. Please note, you can only receive the code by post. As a security precaution, Companies House will never send it by email or provide the code over the phone. So, even if you are approaching a filing deadline, you will have to wait for a reminder to arrive in the post.
Can I change my authentication code?
Yes, you can change your authentication code to something specific or to a memorable word or code by writing to the WebFiling Team at Companies House. This letter will require being signed by a director of your company.
Don’t confuse it with…
A word of warning, please be careful not to confuse your authentication code with the following:
- Unique Taxpayer Reference or UTR Number: A 10-digit number issued by HMRC for tax identification purposes.
- Standard Industrial Classification or SIC Code: A 5-digit code describing the nature of a company’s business activity or activities.
- Company Registration Number: A unique 8-digit number issued by Companies House when a new company is incorporated. Usually 8 numbers, but can also be a combination of 2 letters, followed by 6 numbers.
To find out more about company authentication codes or our company formation services, please contact our experienced Company Secretarial (CoSec) Team today at 020 3984 5389.
