If you run a limited company in the UK, you need to sign in to Companies House regularly. The process has changed significantly over the past two years. This guide walks you through every step of the new sign in journey, from setting up your one login credentials to managing your company details online.
Key Takeaways
From 2024 to 2026, the old Companies House WebFiling sign in has been replaced by GOV.UK One Login for most users. As of June 2026, Companies House has fully transitioned to GOV.UK One Login for online services.
You now sign in with an email address and password through GOV.UK One Login, and then link or create your Companies House account.
Directors will increasingly need to verify their identity once, using One Login, before forming or managing a limited company. Each director receives a companies house personal code after verification.
Users can still manage company details such as company names, sic code, and persons with significant control after signing in via the new service.
Joint registration with HMRC for Corporation Tax is available when forming a new limited company through the new Companies House service.
Introduction: Signing In to Companies House in 2026
Companies House is the UK government agency responsible for incorporating and maintaining the company register for businesses in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It also has the power to dissolve limited companies when required. If you run a limited company, you must sign in to file annual accounts, submit confirmation statements, update your officers, and keep records of persons with significant control accurate and current.
As of 2026, most companies and agents sign in online rather than by post, using an email-based login. You must use GOV.UK One Login to access your Companies House account. The legacy webfiling service sign in is no longer available as a standalone option. As of October 13 2025, accessing Companies House services requires GOV.UK One Login, and this transition is now complete.
This article gives you a step-by-step overview of how to sign in, link your company, and manage key details such as sic code and significant control. Whether you are a sole director of a single company or an accountant handling filings for dozens of clients, the process starts in the same place.
How to Sign In to Companies House with GOV.UK One Login
GOV.UK One Login is a new sign-in method for services across central government. Approval to access government services is now linked to GOV.UK One Login, meaning the same credentials work for Companies House, HMRC, and other gov services. Your Companies House data (company numbers, filings, company information) remains separate inside the service itself.
Here is how the sign in journey works:
Go to the official GOV.UK Companies House service page.
Click "Sign in" and select GOV.UK One Login.
Enter your email address and password, or create a new One Login if you do not have one.
Confirm your email via a verification code sent to your inbox.
Set up two-factor authentication using SMS, an authenticator app, or a security key.
Sign in requires your email address and password each time you visit. You will not be able to access WebFiling without GOV.UK One Login. The sign-in service is available 24/7 except during essential maintenance windows.
If you are an existing WebFiling user, you may be prompted to connect your existing WebFiling account to GOV.UK One Login the first time you try to access the service. The system will guide you through linking the two accounts so that your filing history and company details carry over.
Keep your One Login credentials private. Passwords must be strong, and you should not share your login with anyone else, including your accountant or solicitor. Each person who needs to file must have their own login.
Creating a New Companies House Account if You Do Not Already Have One
Having GOV.UK One Login alone is not enough. You must also set up or link a Companies House account the first time you use the new service. Think of it as two layers: One Login gets you through the front door, and your Companies House account gives you access to your specific filings and tools.
Here are the on-screen steps to create your account:
After signing in with One Login, choose "Create a Companies House account."
Provide your full name, contact email, and a correspondence address. This is often your firm or home office and does not have to be the registered office of your company.
Accept the terms and conditions and confirm your contact preferences.
This account is used to manage one or more companies. Agents and formation professionals can add multiple company numbers under one login, making it suitable for those who handle filings on behalf of several customers.
If you previously filed using the webfiling service, you will be asked for your old email address and, where relevant, an authentication code to match your old account to your new profile. Make sure you have these details to hand before you start the process.
Once the account is created, you return to a dashboard where you can search for your existing limited company by name or company number, or start registering a new one.
Registering and Signing In to Manage a New Limited Company
Forming a new private limited company online and then continuing to sign in via the same One Login to maintain it is now a seamless process. You can incorporate a company online 24/7, although incorporation applications are processed during working hours, typically monday to friday.
Here is the journey for incorporation through the new service:
Sign in with GOV.UK One Login.
Start a new company application.
Enter your proposed company name and check availability against the Companies House register. The system will flag if the name matches an existing name or includes sensitive words that require prior approval.
Choose the correct sic code to describe your business activity.
Provide director details and details of any persons with significant control.
A private limited company must have at least one director. Incorporation also requires a registered office address in the UK. The online incorporation fee is £15, and you can pay by debit card during the process. You will receive a receipt once payment is confirmed.
The new service typically lets you register the company and Corporation Tax together, so you do not need a separate sign-up with HMRC. This saves time and avoids the confusion that previously came from managing two separate registration processes. Note that the joint online accounts and company tax return filing service closed on 31 March 2026, but the initial registration link between Companies House and HMRC remains available at incorporation.
After the company is formed, you will return to the same sign in page using One Login whenever you need to manage it. Here is a quick reference:
Task | What you use |
|---|---|
File annual accounts | Sign in via One Login, select company, use authentication code |
File confirmation statement | Sign in via One Login, update sic code or share structure as needed |
Change company name or registered office address | Sign in via One Login, submit the relevant online form |
Update director or PSC details | Sign in via One Login, provide personal verification code if required |
Managing Existing Companies After You Sign In
Once signed in, you see a dashboard listing the companies you are authorised to manage. This is where you carry out most of your day-to-day compliance work.
The main actions available from the dashboard include:
Select a company by name or company number to view its public record and any outstanding filings.
File a confirmation statement, including updates to sic code and share structure.
File annual accounts and other statutory forms, for example director appointments or resignations.
Update persons with significant control (PSC) records and company registers kept at Companies House.
You need a company authentication code for filing documents. This is a six-character alphanumeric code assigned to every company at incorporation. You typically need the company number and this authentication code to first link a company to your account. After that, it appears automatically when you sign in, and the company information is displayed on your dashboard.
You can manage multiple limited companies from one account, which is particularly useful for accountants and formation agents handling filings across a portfolio of businesses. Each company you add will appear as a separate entry, and you select whichever one you need to work on.
If you have lost your authentication code, you can request a replacement through your account. It will be sent by post to the registered office address. Plan ahead, because delivery can take 5 to 10 working days.
Verifying Your Identity Before Using Companies House Services
As part of reforms to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, directors and some beneficial owners must verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login before they can form or control a company. You may need to verify your identity before registration of a new company or before certain filings are accepted.
Identity verification became mandatory from 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs to comply. By the end of 2026, full enforcement is expected and those who have not been verified may find their filings rejected.
Here is the verification flow:
Sign in with One Login and choose to verify your identity for Companies House.
Provide documents such as a UK passport, driving licence, or biometric residence permit.
Take a live photo or video to match your face to your document.
Once verified, each person receives a unique companies house personal code stored in their account, confirming that their identity has been checked. Each director must have a unique personal code for verification. You only need to verify your identity once for Companies House, but you must keep your details up to date if your documents expire or your name changes.
Verification can be done online if you lack a personal code already. If you cannot complete the process digitally, for example because you do not have a suitable photo ID or your device is unavailable, alternative routes exist. You can visit a Post Office with your original photo ID and a QR code generated online. Results are usually notified by email the next working day.
One login cannot be shared between multiple directors. Each officer of the company must have their own verified account and personal code.
Updating Key Company Details: Name, SIC Code and Persons with Significant Control
After signing in, directors and authorised agents can update important company information online instead of using a paper form. The online forms you see after signing in are straightforward and guide you through each change step by step.
Company Name
To change your company name, you must check the proposed new name against the register to confirm it is unique and does not match an existing name. The system will also flag if the name is offensive, sensitive, or includes words that require prior approval from a relevant body. For example, words like "British," "Royal," or "Authority" typically need written consent before Companies House will accept them.
Some company names are also subject to rules around similarity to existing names on the register. If your proposed name is too close to another company's name, you may be asked to choose a different one. In addition, you can object if a new company takes a name too similar to yours.
SIC Code
The sic code is a five-digit code that describes your main business activity. Companies House publishes a condensed list of codes, and you must select the one that best represents what your company does. You can usually update the sic code when filing your confirmation statement if the nature of your business has changed since your last filing or since incorporation.
Getting this right matters. The code is displayed on your public company record and is used by government bodies and other organisations to categorise your business. If you are unsure which code is suitable, you can find guidance on the Companies House website or seek professional advice from your accountant.
Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
A PSC is someone who owns or controls more than 25% of shares or voting rights in a company, or who otherwise exercises significant control over it. Every company limited by shares or by guarantee must maintain accurate PSC records.
PSC details must be kept accurate and up to date. If a new shareholder crosses the 25% threshold, or if an existing PSC sells their shares and drops below it, the change should be reported promptly online. The company must have notified the relevant person of their PSC status, and the updated details should be submitted through your Companies House account.
Troubleshooting Sign In Problems and Alternative Ways to File
Even with a streamlined system, sign in problems happen. Common issues include forgotten passwords, lost access to the email used for One Login, expired authentication codes, or difficulty linking an old WebFiling account. Here is how to handle the most frequent problems.
Forgotten One Login Password
You can reset your password via a link sent to your email. On the GOV.UK One Login page, click "Forgot your password?" and follow the prompts. Check your spam or junk folders if the reset email does not arrive within a few minutes. If your email account itself is unavailable, you will need to contact GOV.UK support to recover access.
Issues Linking an Old WebFiling Account
If you cannot link your old Companies House WebFiling account, confirm the email address you originally used for WebFiling and have the company number and authentication code to hand. If the details still do not match, contact Companies House directly. Their support team is available monday to friday and can help reconcile your records.
Authentication Code Problems
If your company has lost its authentication code, the sign in area allows you to request a reminder. The code will be posted to the registered office address. This can take a few working days, so request it well in advance of any filing deadlines. Late filing penalties apply regardless of whether you had the code in time, so do not leave this to the last minute.
Alternative Filing Methods
If you cannot sign in or use the online service, you can still submit many documents by post using the appropriate Companies House paper form. For example, form IN01 is used for new incorporations submitted by post. Postal filings take longer to be processed (often 8 to 10 working days) and typically cost more than online filings. The country of registration and the type of form determine which postal address you use.
If the online service is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, a notice will usually be displayed on the GOV.UK website. Try again later or use a third-party filing tool if your deadline is tight.
FAQ
Do I need a separate login for each company I manage at Companies House?
No. You only need one GOV.UK One Login and one Companies House account, even if you manage multiple limited companies. You add or link each company using its company number and authentication code, and they then appear in your online dashboard. This setup is ideal for accountants and agents who act for several clients, as every linked company can be accessed from a single sign in.
Can I still sign in with my old Companies House WebFiling username and password?
The legacy WebFiling credentials have been phased out in favour of GOV.UK One Login. If you previously used WebFiling, you will be guided to create or use a One Login and then link your old account details the first time you sign in. Once linked, you continue using One Login going forward. You do not need to remember your old WebFiling password, and in other words, the old system is no longer an option.
Is GOV.UK One Login the same as my accountant’s agent login?
No. GOV.UK One Login is personal to you and tied to your identity, especially if you are a director or PSC who has been through identity verification. Your accountant or agent must have their own One Login and be properly authorised to act for your company. Do not share your One Login email and password with anyone else, even if they prepare filings on your behalf. From spring 2026, agents who file on behalf of others may also need to be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
What happens if I cannot verify my identity online for Companies House?
If you cannot complete online identity verification, alternative routes are available. These include in-person checks at a Post Office, where you present your original photo ID and a QR code generated during the online process. Depending on government policy at the date you attempt verification, other methods such as submitting certified documents may also be offered. Follow the on-screen guidance in the verification service and contact Companies House or GOV.UK support if you are stuck. Note that incorporation or certain filing activities may be delayed until the identity check is successfully completed.
Can I change my email address used to sign in to Companies House?
Yes, but there are two separate emails to consider. The GOV.UK One Login email, which you use to sign in, is changed via your One Login profile settings. The contact email stored in your Companies House account, which is used for filing reminders and official notice correspondence, is updated separately in the Companies House account area. Keep both emails current so that password resets, filing reminders, and any public correspondence reach the correct inbox.
