How to Get Your Companies House Personal Code
Under the new Companies House identity verification rules (introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, or ECCTA), company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity and obtain a unique Companies House personal code. Verification for people who file on behalf of a company will follow at a later date. This guide explains what the code is, who needs one, and how to get yours, including doing it yourself or having us handle it for you.
Want your personal code sorted for you?
We’re an authorised ACSP. We verify your identity with a short online check and tell Companies House, which then emails your personal code to you. Nothing to pay to get started.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is a unique identifier issued to you once your identity has been verified. It links your verified identity to your Companies House filings under the new ECCTA rules, and you’ll use it whenever you’re connected to a company as a director or PSC. In the future, you may also need it to file with Companies House on a company’s behalf.
Who needs a personal code?
- Company directors (new and existing)
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- In the future, people who file on behalf of a company
How to get your Companies House personal code
There are two ways to get your code: have an authorised provider handle it for you, or do it yourself.
1. Let us handle it for you (documents checked first)
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), 3DOM.uk Accountants can verify your identity on your behalf and confirm your verification to Companies House, which then emails your personal code to you. We check your documents before submission to reduce the risk of rejection, verify several directors and PSCs together, and keep the records your company needs. The online check is short, and there’s nothing to pay to begin.
Start your check → or call 0151 394 1149
2. Do it yourself via GOV.UK (free)
You can also verify your identity for free using GOV.UK One Login. You’ll create or sign in to a GOV.UK One Login account, verify your identity online (photo ID plus a short “liveness” check, such as a selfie or short video), and Companies House will issue your personal code by email. It’s free, but you complete every step yourself, and unclear photos or mistakes can mean a rejected check and starting over.
What documents do you need?
Photo ID, such as a biometric passport or UK photocard driving licence. An identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein may also be accepted, depending on how you verify.
Proof of address if you verify with us, dated within the last 3 months, e.g. a utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill. GOV.UK One Login instead asks for your current address and the year you moved in.
A liveness check, a short real-time video step (such as blinking or turning your head) to confirm it’s really you.
When do you need to do this?
Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period. Existing directors must provide their personal code in the company’s next confirmation statement, and anyone who becomes a director must provide it in their appointment filing or, for a new company, in the registration filing. PSCs must provide theirs within a 14-day period shown on the Companies House register. It’s best not to leave it until your deadline.
Ready to get your personal code?
Start online in a couple of minutes, or talk to a person first, whichever you prefer.
or call 0151 394 1149
Frequently asked questions
Is getting a Companies House personal code free?
Verifying your own identity via GOV.UK One Login is free. Using an ACSP like us is a paid professional service, charged only if your check passes: £90 including VAT, with one free re-take included. We check your documents before submission and handle the verification for all your directors and PSCs.
How long does it take?
The online identity check itself is short. Once your identity is verified, Companies House sends your personal code by email.
What if my ID check fails?
Failed checks are usually caused by unclear or shadowed ID photos. You can retry, and because we check your documents first, we help you submit acceptable ones the first time.
Do I have to pay to start?
No, you can start your check now without paying anything up front.
Prefer to have it handled for you?
3DOM.uk Accountants is an authorised Companies House ACSP. We verify your identity and tell Companies House, which then emails your personal code to you. Start online or give us a call.
or call 0151 394 1149
3DOM.uk Accountants Ltd is a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), authorised agent number AP006566. You can verify our authorisation on the official GOV.UK register of Authorised Corporate Service Providers.
View our entry on the official GOV.UK register of Authorised Corporate Service Providers
One check covers all your companies
You only need to verify your identity once. Not once per company, and not each time you take on a new role. When your check is complete, Companies House gives you a personal code that is yours to keep.
You then use that same code to confirm you are verified for each company you are a director or person with significant control (PSC) of, including any you join or set up later. You must provide it separately for each role, for example once as a director and once as a PSC. However many companies you are a director of, one check is all you need. You must not verify again unless Companies House asks you to.
Keep your personal code somewhere safe. You will use it whenever your identity needs to be linked to a company at Companies House.
Common questions
I am a director of two companies. Do I need to verify twice?
No. You verify once as a person, not once per company. A single check is enough however many companies you are involved with. You then use the same personal code to confirm you are verified for each directorship and PSC role.
I have already verified, through another accountant or with GOV.UK One Login. What should I do now?
Keep your personal code somewhere safe. You still need to give it to Companies House for each role you hold: in the confirmation statement or appointment filing for each company you are a director of, and within your 14 day period for each PSC role. You do not need to verify again with us or anyone else, and Companies House will not let you register a second time against the same email address.
What is the difference between my personal code and the company authentication code?
They are two separate things. Your personal code confirms your identity as an individual, and it stays with you across every company you are involved in. A company authentication code belongs to a single company and is used to file that company’s information with Companies House. One is about you, the other is about a company, so keep them apart and store both safely.
Companies House says my email address has already been used. What does that mean?
It usually means that email address has already been used to verify someone, so it cannot be used again for a different person. Each person who verifies needs their own email address on the Companies House system. If this comes up, we will simply ask you for a different email address to use for your check.