Lost your Companies House authentication code? Here is what to do
How to request a new Companies House authentication code if you have lost or forgotten it, and how long it takes.
Your company authentication code is the 6-character code you need to file anything for your company. If you have lost it, you cannot file until you get a replacement. The good news is that requesting a new one is simple.
How to request a new code
Sign in to WebFiling, choose "Request an authentication code", confirm your country of incorporation, enter your company number, and select "Request code". Companies House will post a new code to your registered office address.
How long it takes
The code is sent by post and usually arrives within 5 to 7 working days. For security reasons Companies House will never email it or read it out, so you cannot get it instantly over the phone.
If you used a formation agent
If you set your company up through a formation agent, your authentication code may be in your account on their website, so it is worth checking there before requesting a new one.
If you cannot access your registered office
If you can no longer receive post at your registered office, you can ask Companies House to send the code to the home address of a current director instead, through an online request.