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Companies House personal codes: What you need to know

  • Writer: Dan Burnell
    Dan Burnell
  • Nov 19
  • 2 min read

From this week, identity verification has become mandatory for millions of individuals involved in UK companies. This change, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), is designed to improve transparency and reduce fraud. Once verified, each individual will be issued a Companies House personal code.


With the change happening you may have acted to verify your identity at companies house and have been issued a code, this code is unique to you and you must keep it safe!


What is a Companies House personal code?

It’s an 11-character identifier issued after successful identity verification. The format includes three sets of characters separated by dashes (e.g. FT5-15ED-7JY5). This code will be required for anyone performing key roles in UK companies.


Who needs one

  • Individual directors of UK companies

  • Individual LLP members

  • Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

  • General partners of UK limited partnerships (details pending)

  • Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) filing on behalf of companies

This applies regardless of residency — even non-UK residents must comply if they hold one of these roles.


Who doesn’t need one

  • Company secretaries (unless they hold other roles)

  • Shareholders not classified as PSCs

  • Corporate officers and legal entities

  • Individuals who resign before the rules take effect


How to get one

Identity must be verified either directly with Companies House or via an ACSP like BlueFox Accounting. Verification options include physical document checks or electronic services. Once verified, Companies House will issue the personal code. See our blog from last week for more information!


Why it matters

Without a personal code, individuals won’t be able to act in their roles or file documents with Companies House. It’s essential for compliance and will be a prerequisite for future filings and appointments. So if your accountant does these filings on your behalf it is important that you provide them with this code!


At BlueFox Accounting, we’re preparing our clients for ECCTA changes with clear guidance and support. Whether you're a director, PSC, or LLP member, we’ll help you verify your identity and manage your Companies House obligations with confidence.

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