If you have lost your WebFiling authentication code, you can get a reminder from Companies House. Simply sign in to your WebFiling account – or register for the service if you don’t already have an account – and select ‘Request an authentication code’.
Your code will be delivered to your registered office address within approx. five working days. For security reasons, Companies House cannot send you an authentication code reminder by email or tell you over the telephone.
What is a WebFiling authentication code?
A WebFiling authentication code is a unique digital password made up of six alphanumeric characters. Companies House provides one of these codes when a new limited company is formed. It is the electronic equivalent of a director’s signature.
You should have received a WebFiling authentication code shortly after company registration. It will have been included in an official letter that Companies House sent to your registered office address. If you can’t find this letter or you didn’t receive it, you can request a reminder from Companies House.
What is the WebFiling authentication code used for?
Your WebFiling authentication code authorises you to file company information online via Companies House WebFiling or a third-party software filing service provided by company formation agent. You need to use your WebFiling authentication code, in addition to your company registration number and account password, to deliver information to Companies House online.
You can use these online services to carry out a variety of essential tasks, such as:
- filing a confirmation statement (this used to be called an ‘annual return’)
- updating a previously filed confirmation statement
- submitting annual accounts, incl. dormant company accounts
- changing your registered office address
- notifying Companies House about a SAIL address
- appointing/removing company officers (directors and secretaries)
- updating company officers’ details
Your authentication code is an important security measure designed to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing your account and filing information without your consent. Therefore, you must not give this code to anyone who is not entitled to such privileges.
Can I change my WebFiling authentication code?
You can change your existing WebFiling authentication code to something that you will find easier to remember (as long as it’s not too easy for other people to guess), or you might need to change your code if it’s known by someone who’s left the company or someone you don’t trust.
To change your company authentication code, simply sign in to WebFiling, click ‘Company authentication’ on the left of the screen, enter your new six-character code, and click ‘change code’. Companies House will send confirmation to your registered office address.
1st Formations Software Filing facility
Our Online Company Manager is a free service available to all limited companies incorporated in the UK. Existing clients can sign in to their online account to file information with Companies House.
Non-clients can create a free account, import their companies onto our system, and file information with Companies House using their unique authentication codes and passwords.