Any limited company legally incorporated in the UK has an authentication code, which is automatically issued by Companies House. A company authentication code is essential because it allows companies to file documents with Companies House and update information.
Whether you completed your UK Ltd formation through Companies House or used a company formation agent, your authentication code will be sent by post (if you incorporated directly with Companies House) or by email (if you used a formation agent).
Many know that the code is vital, but what is a Companies House authentication code? This is a six – digit alphanumeric code issued by Companies House once a limited company is incorporated. The code comprises numbers and letters functioning as an online signature when filing and updating company details on the Companies House website.
Not everyone in the company can have access to the authentication code; it is only for authorised individuals, such as directors or the secretary, to perform several tasks, which include;
· Filing of confirmation statement
· Appointing and resigning directors
· Appointing and resigning secretaries
· Changing registered office address
· Issuing new shares
· Changing the accounting reference date
· Submitting dormant company accounts
The code ensures only authorised persons can log in and update company information. This code must be secured like a bank PIN. However, if lost, one can locate it via Companies House WebFiling or a company formation agent used during incorporation.
How to locate my company authentication code?
Where you find your authentication code depends on how your company was originally incorporated.
If you registered directly with Companies House, the code would have been sent to your registered office address by post. If you used a formation agent, it was likely delivered to you by email at the time of incorporation. In either case, checking your original correspondence is always the first step.
If you are unable to locate it, there are two ways to retrieve it.
Companies House WebFiling
· Log in or register (if you do not have an account) to the Companies House WebFiling
· Select ‘File for company.’
· Enter your company details, i.e., registration number and correct jurisdiction (either Scotland, England, Wales, or Northern Ireland), then click ‘Continue’.
· You will be asked to provide an authentication code. Click ‘Help with authentication code.’
· Select ‘Request code’. You will receive a prompt to choose either the code to be sent to your registered office address or home address.
Companies House will send the authentication code by post within five working days after the request.
Through a company formation agent
If your company was incorporated through a formation agent such as BusinAssist, the authentication code is typically provided after incorporation. If you cannot locate it, you can contact their support team or check your client portal, where the code is usually stored for easy reference.
Changing the company authentication code
You can choose to change your current Companies House-issued authentication code to a more memorable one. To change on the Companies House WebFiling;
· Sign in or register (if you haven’t) to the Companies House WebFiling
· Enter your company’s registration number, jurisdiction, and current code.
· Select ‘File for this company.’
· Click on ‘Company authentication.’
· Enter your current code, the six-character code for confirmation
· Click ‘Change code,’ and it will be updated immediately
To change it through a formation agent’s portal:
· Log in to the client portal
· On your dashboard, select ‘My companies.’
· Select your company’s name
· Next to the authentication code, click ‘Edit.’
· Make the necessary changes, and you will get the new code.
An authentication code is essential for every limited company, as a company cannot be incorporated without one. Whether the director, secretary, an accountant, or a company formation agent is filing documents for a limited company with Companies House.
