Are you a director or PSC wondering what a personal code is and why you need one? A personal code is a unique 11-character alphanumeric code that is used to confirm your identity for your position as a director or PSC. You get one after you formally verify your identity with Companies House.
Personal codes, often referred to as Personal Verification Codes, are a new requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. In the vast majority of cases, directors and PSCs are legally required to have one and report it to Companies House: it’s a criminal offence to act without one, and you could be fined.
You can’t act as a director or register a new company without a personal code. Read on to learn how to find your personal code and why it’s important.
Key takeaways
- A personal code is a unique 11-character alphanumeric code that verifies your identity.
- It’s an offence not to provide your personal code to Companies House if you are a director or a PSC.
- A personal code is different to an authentication code, which relates to a company, not an individual.
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What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is a unique 11-character alphanumeric code that proves the identity of directors and PSCs. It’s often unofficially referred to as a Personal Verification Code.
Companies House issues a personal code to directors and PSCs after they’ve verified their identity. The code identifies the person and not the organisation they work for.
Why do you need a Companies House personal code?
Directors and PSCs are legally required to verify their identity and submit their personal code to Companies House.
You can’t be appointed as a new director without a personal code, and you have to submit it when you register a new company. You’ll also need your personal code to use the Companies House WebFiling service and to confirm your identity when taking on a new position.
The identity verification requirement for directors and PSCs came into effect on 18 November 2025. It was introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to improve transparency and combat fraud and money laundering at UK private companies.
How do I get a Companies House personal code if I don’t have one?
To get a personal code, first you need to verify your identity with Companies House. Once you’ve verified your identity, Companies House will send your personal code to you.
You can verify your identity online using GOV.UK One Login or in person at a Post Office. Alternatively, a third-party Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), for example, an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent like Quality Company Formations, can verify your identity for you.
How to find your Companies House personal code
You should find your personal code in one of the following places:
- Your Companies House account. Log in via the Companies House register using your One Login password. Your personal code is shown under the ‘manage account’ option.
- Your email. When you verify your identity in person at the Post Office, Companies House emails your personal code to you.
- Your ACSP. When an ACSP verifies your identity on your behalf, your personal code is emailed to them.
What to do if you think your Companies House personal code has been compromised
Companies House can issue a replacement personal code if you think yours has been shared or compromised. They will also cancel your previous code.
Use the contact Companies House service to request a replacement personal code.
Companies House personal code vs authentication code – what’s the difference?
The personal code is different to the authentication code. The authentication code is a 6-character alphanumeric code that relates to the company rather than its individual directors and PSCs. It essentially functions as an online filing password for the company. It’s the equivalent of a company officer’s signature and is used to authorise online filings.
Table 1. Differences between the personal code and the authentication code
| Personal code | Authentication code |
|---|---|
| 11-character alphanumeric code | 6-character alphanumeric code |
| Relates to an individual director or PSC | Relates to a company |
| Used in filings to prove the identity of directors and PSCs | Used to submit filings electronically for the company |
Register your company
Once you’ve verified your identity and provided your personal code to Companies House, you can register your new limited company. Let Quality Company Formations handle the process for you to ensure a quick and easy setup.
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