PSC Personal Code: What Is It and How Do You Get One?

A PSC personal code is the same as a Companies House personal code — an 11-character alphanumeric code issued to you as an individual once your identity has been verified. If you are a person with significant control of a UK company, you need this code to meet your verification obligations.

What the personal code looks like

The Companies House personal code is an 11-character string made up of letters and numbers, typically displayed in a format like XKJ4-ABCD-2223. It is unique to you and stays the same across every company role you hold. Think of it as your verified identity credential for Companies House purposes.

How a PSC gets a personal code

You get your personal code by completing Companies House identity verification. There are two routes:

1. GOV.UK One Login — verify yourself directly using a UK passport or UK driving licence. The code is issued through the GOV.UK platform.
2. An ACSP — an Authorised Corporate Service Provider verifies your identity on your behalf using a wider range of documents. Companies House ID Verification offers this as a guided service for £19 per person.

Once verified through either route, you receive the same type of personal code. The code is not route-specific — it works identically regardless of how you obtained it.

Using your personal code as a PSC

Having a personal code is only the first part. You must then provide it for each company where you are registered as a PSC. This is done through the Companies House online filing service. If you are a PSC of three companies, you provide your code three times — once for each PSC role.

If you are also a director, providing your code for your directorship does not cover your PSC role (or vice versa). Each role requires a separate link.

Keeping your personal code safe

Your personal code is linked to your verified identity. Treat it like a sensitive credential:

• Store it in a secure location (password manager or locked document)
• Do not share it publicly or include it in emails to unverified recipients
• If you need to share it with an accountant or company secretary, use a secure method
• If you believe your code has been compromised, contact Companies House

Can you change your personal code?

Under normal circumstances, your personal code remains the same. If it is compromised or you have a legitimate reason to request a new one, Companies House may issue a replacement. This is not a routine process — the expectation is that you keep your code secure and use it throughout its lifetime.

Get your personal code now

Do not wait until your 14-day verification window arrives. Complete your identity verification now and have your personal code ready. Visit our how it works page to understand the full process, or start your verification today.