From 18 November 2025, it will become a legal requirement for all newly appointed company officers to provide a personal code when incorporating a company with Companies House. Existing company directors and officers will also be required to provide their personal code during a 12-month transitional period, typically when filing their next confirmation statement (CS01).
What Is a Personal Code?
A personal code is an 11-character unique identifier issued to individuals after they have successfully completed identity verification with Companies House. This code is unique to each person, meaning that every appointed officer, including directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), must obtain their own code.
How to Obtain a Personal Code
You can obtain your personal code free of charge by completing identity verification through the GOV.UK One Login service.
To do this, you’ll need to:
- Register for a UK One Login account.
- Complete the required identity verification checks by submitting your personal details and supporting documentation.
Alternatively, you can choose to verify your identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), who can complete the checks on your behalf.
Once verified, your personal code will be sent directly to the email address you provided.
Can Small Firms Services Help with Obtaining a Personal Code?
Small Firms Services is not registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and therefore cannot assist with obtaining personal codes. This decision reflects the increased scope and cost of compliance checks introduced under the new Companies House regulations.
When Will You Need Your Personal Code?
You will need to provide your personal code in the following situations:
- When being appointed as a Director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), or member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) during the incorporation of a new company.
- If you are already appointed in any of these roles, you must supply your personal code during the 12-month transitional period after the regulations take effect. This will usually be when the company files its next Confirmation Statement (CS01).
Once you have received your personal code, it can be securely saved to your Companies House account for future use. In most cases, you will only need to verify your identity once.
Confirmation Statement
- Includes Companies House fee
In Summary
The introduction of personal codes marks a significant step in enhancing transparency and security in UK company reporting. All company officers should ensure they complete the verification process ahead of the 18 November 2025 deadline to avoid any disruption to company filings or appointments.
