What Is a Companies House Personal Code?

A Companies House personal code is an 11-character alphanumeric code issued to you after you have verified your identity with Companies House. It is your personal identifier - it belongs to you as an individual and links you to every company role you hold.

What does a personal code look like?

The code follows a format like XXXX-XXXX-XXXX - 11 characters made up of letters and numbers, grouped into three blocks separated by hyphens. Each personal code is unique and is issued only once per person.

How do you get a personal code?

You receive your personal code after completing identity verification through one of two routes:

• GOV.UK One Login - verify for free using a UK passport or driving licence
• An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - a verified agent who performs the identity checks, such as Companies House ID Verification (fixed £19 per person)

Once verification is complete, your code is issued by Companies House and provided through the service you used. Learn more about how the process works.

What is the personal code used for?

Your personal code is used to:

• Link your verified identity to your company roles - you must provide it for each directorship, PSC position and LLP membership
• File confirmation statements - your code is required as part of the annual confirmation statement
• Register new appointments - new directors and PSCs must supply a personal code as part of the appointment process
• Submit certain filings - some Companies House filings now require a personal code

One code for all your roles

Your personal code belongs to you, not to a company. If you are a director of three companies and a PSC of another, you use the same personal code for all four roles. However, you must provide the code separately for each role.

Is it the same as other Companies House codes?

No. Companies House issues several types of codes, and they serve different purposes:

• Personal code - identifies you as a verified individual (11 characters, issued after identity verification)
• Authentication code - a 6-character code that allows you to file documents for a specific company (issued to the company, not the individual)
• Company number - the unique identifier for the company itself

Do not confuse these codes. Your personal code is personal to you; the authentication code belongs to the company.

How to keep your personal code safe

• Store it in a secure location - a password manager or a locked document
• Do not share it publicly or post it online
• If you share it with an accountant or filing agent, do so securely
• If you believe your code has been compromised, contact Companies House

Get your personal code

Start your verification through Companies House ID Verification to receive your personal code. The process costs £19, is guided throughout, and supports UK and international applicants.