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Coddan CPM Ltd. – Company Registration Agent in the UK

Your Companies House Personal Code marks the beginning of your long-term relationship with Companies House—understand how to use it confidently throughout your corporate journey.

Step 1
Receive Personal Code
Step 2
Protect Your Identity
Step 3
Link Director Roles
Step 4
Complete Company Filings
Step 5
Manage Multiple Companies
Step 6
Maintain Lifetime Compliance
Companies Registry's e-Services Portal Identity Verification Director ID Verification The Director’s Digital Passport: Understanding Your Companies House Personal Code

The Director’s Digital Passport: Understanding Your Companies House Personal Code

Verify Your Director ID & Receive Your Companies House Personal Code

Understand your Companies House personal code and what comes next

For Companies House identity verification for directors living outside the UK, Coddan CPM Ltd makes a complex process a breeze. Non-UK directors can usually verify entirely online, but if mismatched documents or tricky cross-border records cause roadblocks, our team is ready to help you navigate every detail. We specialise in overseas Companies House verification for non-UK resident directors and PSCs, ensuring ID verification for overseas company directors is clear and easy. Prefer a pro? You can opt for a registered UK ACSP—such as a company formation agent, accountant, or solicitor—supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering body for extra peace of mind. Whether your situation is straightforward or a little more tangled, Companies House identity verification for directors living outside the UK shouldn’t be a headache. Non-UK Based Directors can usually verify entirely online, but we’re here to help with the rest.

Waiting for your code, recently received it or unsure what it means? This page helps directors and PSCs understand who issues it, where to find it and which step remains. Coddan can explain appropriate assistance without assuming you need another identity check.

Personal-manager assistance with your Coddan verification order: your direct contact by email or telephone explains what to provide, gives instructions and keeps you informed about order and verification progress. Priority and continuing services are separately instructed.

✓ Read the guide without ordering | ✓ Optional enquiry | ✓ Suitable work and charges explained before proceeding

Understand your individual code

Companies House issues the 11-character personal code after successful identity verification. It identifies the verified individual, not a company. It differs from the company authentication code used for online filing.

Find the right receipt route

Where you find the code depends on whether you verified through GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Start with the official receipt instructions for your route.

Keep accepted verification

Another company or a second role does not itself mean another identity check. If verification is already accepted, identify whether code receipt, a role submission or a separate filing remains. If everything required is complete, no further action is needed.

Arrange verification if still needed

Coddan sets up supported Credas checks and gives instructions. You participate; we review and clarify the results, then submit ACSP confirmation when satisfied. View verification services and ordering options.

Get help with the remaining step

Tell us which route you used, the last completed step and any message received. Coddan helps clarify the appropriate next action and explains available work and charges before you choose. A missing code does not automatically require another purchase.

Proceed to the right company task

Once you have the code, use the separate guide to providing it for your role. Coddan also handles agreed formation and company-administration work, with scope and charges kept separate from verification.

Verify the UK or Non-UK Director ID for Companies House Personal Code

Your code, your next step and Coddan’s help

Companies House issues the code. Receiving it is separate from providing it for a director or PSC role and completing a company filing. Describe your role, verification position and any relevant date in ordinary language; we can explain suitable help with the remaining task.

For access, protection or replacement questions, see personal-code management guidance. If verification is outstanding, the free GOV.UK One Login route remains available where suitable.

Email info@coddan.co.uk or call 033 0808 0089. An enquiry creates no obligation to order. Identity documents, personal codes and other confidential credentials follow the appropriate secure arrangements, not ordinary initial enquiry email.


Start Your Business Today: Fast Formation Services to Meet All Compliance Standards

Simplify your overseas ID verification with our hassle-free Companies House bundles. Get started today and streamline your compliance process!

Unlock hassle-free overseas ID verification for your business with our tailored Companies House bundles. Ensure compliance effortlessly!
£40.00

IdentityGuard Pro™

Recommended for

1
package

Buy Now IdentityGuard Pro™ — supported verification from outside the UK. Living overseas and need Companies House identity verification for a director or PSC role? You can arrange the supported Credas process through Coddan without making a special trip to our office. We create your case, send your invitation, review the results and explain any information still needed. You provide suitable evidence and complete your own applicable identity and liveness checks. Your personal manager gives instructions, answers questions and updates you by email or telephone. The service is available for supported overseas documents; suitability depends on the evidence, not simply your nationality or country of residence.

£40.00 payable for one individual. UK VAT is not charged on this eligible overseas service. The price covers the supported verification process, professional review and Coddan’s ACSP confirmation when satisfied. Companies House emails your Personal Code to you; the code belongs to you, including where you have more than one UK company. Being both a director and PSC does not itself require two purchases. Formation, role linkage and company filings are separately instructed. Choose IdentityGuard Pro for straightforward supported verification, or ask about document suitability or existing verification before ordering.



£65.00

RapidVerify Pro™

Recommended for

2
package

Buy Now RapidVerify Pro™ — priority attention when you are arranging verification from abroad. If a UK company appointment or filing date is approaching, Coddan can prioritise its work on your supported verification case. We arrange your Credas invitation, review the information and results, clarify outstanding questions and submit ACSP confirmation when satisfied. Your personal manager helps you understand what is needed and communicates progress by email or telephone. Priority handling is the additional service; ordinary personal-manager assistance and the applicable verification standards are part of every package. You complete your own checks using suitable documents.

£65.00 payable for one individual. UK VAT is not charged on this eligible overseas service. Coddan targets processing within one business day where the supported route is suitable, all required information and checks are complete, and no further enquiries arise. This concerns Coddan’s work; Companies House code delivery and the underlying company filing are separate. Choose RapidVerify Pro when this priority service fits your needs. If you are unsure, tell us your relevant date, document type and issuing country before ordering. An enquiry creates no obligation. Company filings remain separately instructed.



£125.00

VerifyFlex Solutions™

Recommended for

3
package

Buy Now VerifyFlex Solutions™ — practical help with an overseas document-check problem. Has the app not accepted your identity document, leaving you unsure what to do next? Coddan manually examines the document to identify the issue and explains what needs attention within the supported Credas process. We arrange your case, review the results, clarify outstanding information and submit ACSP confirmation when satisfied. Your personal manager gives instructions and progress updates by email or telephone. This is document troubleshooting through Credas, not an independent manual-verification route. Living overseas alone does not make this additional service necessary.

£125.00 payable for one individual. UK VAT is not charged on this eligible overseas service. The additional work is investigation and guidance around document-check problems. It does not make every document acceptable or promise successful verification. Before purchasing after an unsuccessful attempt, describe the document type, issuing country and message received. Do not attach identity evidence to the initial enquiry. Coddan confirms suitable work and charges before you decide; another paid check is not automatically required. Companies House issues your Personal Code following Coddan’s ACSP confirmation. Formation and company filings are separate services.



£220.00

FlexiVerify Option™

Recommended for

4
package

Buy Now FlexiVerify Option™ — non-biometric document support for customers abroad. Where your case calls for non-biometric identity documents, Coddan manually reviews them, submits them to Credas and provides further explanations in response to Credas comments where required. Your personal manager explains the evidence needed, coordinates questions and keeps you informed by email or telephone. We also arrange the supported verification process and review the results before ACSP confirmation. The work remains Credas-supported and does not replace the applicable identity checks. Overseas residence alone is not a reason to buy this package; the document work required determines its suitability.

£220.00 payable for one individual. UK VAT is not charged on this eligible overseas service. The fee includes manual review and submission of non-biometric documents to Credas, plus explanations requested by Credas. Coddan submits its ACSP confirmation when satisfied, and Companies House emails your Personal Code. Ask about your available document types, issuing countries and intended company task before ordering, without sending sensitive evidence in the initial email. We confirm suitability and charges before you decide whether to proceed. Formation, role linkage, company filings, translation and document legalisation are separately instructed.





Incorporate with Confidence: Securing the Future of Your Business through Compliance.

Ensure compliance with Companies House through rapid, secure ID verification for Directors and PSCs. Complete the process online with an authorized ACSP

treamline your compliance with Companies House using our fast, secure ID verification for Directors and PSCs, all completed online by an authorized ACSP
£40.00
+VAT

IdentityGuard Pro™

Recommended for

1
package

Buy Now Identity Verification Bundle™ (Professional Director Identity Verification) – Companies House Identity Verification Before Personal Code Issue for £40.
The Identity Verification Bundle™ provides a fast, secure and professionally managed Standard Verification Route for a director who has not yet completed Companies House identity verification. The participant supplies the required personal information and eligible identity evidence through the secure process, the technology performs the applicable identity and document checks, and Coddan reviews the resulting information through its Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) framework. Coddan then decides whether it is satisfied that the applicable Companies House identity-verification standard has been met. Following a successful outcome, Coddan performs its applicable notification responsibility and Companies House separately issues the Personal Code. The package does not sell or create the code itself. It provides the identity-verification stage that must be completed before Companies House can issue it. This straightforward digital pathway is suitable for many UK and overseas directors whose eligible documents and personal records do not require individual manual assessment.

For a fixed fee of £40 plus VAT, the package covers one professionally supported director identity-verification application. It is suitable for a first-time director, an existing director who has not yet verified, an overseas director with eligible evidence or a person preparing for an applicable appointment. Before ordering, establish whether verification is genuinely outstanding. If you have already verified through GOV.UK One Login or another ACSP, you should not repeat the process merely because you cannot find your code or have not yet used it for a role. Check the email address and Companies House account connected with your completed route, or follow our guide to using your Companies House Personal Code. The free GOV.UK route remains available where suitable; Coddan's paid ACSP service is an optional professional alternative. Applicants requiring priority handling may compare the £65 fast-track route. Identity verification does not itself complete an appointment, PSC role, Confirmation Statement, incorporation or another corporate filing.



£65.00
+VAT

RapidVerify Pro™

Recommended for

2
package

Buy Now Fast-Track Expert Director ID Verification™ (Priority Director Identity Verification Service) – Priority Verification Before Companies House Personal Code Issue for £65.
The Fast-Track Expert Director ID Verification™ service provides a professionally managed Priority Verification Route for a director who still needs identity verification and requires Coddan's handling and review to receive priority attention. The participant submits the required information and eligible evidence, secure technology performs the applicable checks, and Coddan reviews the resulting information through its regulated ACSP framework. Where the selected route is suitable, all required information has been received and no additional enquiry or verification issue arises, Coddan targets its applicable processing within one business day. This timing applies to Coddan's priority handling rather than to Companies House's subsequent processing or delivery of the Personal Code. If Coddan becomes satisfied that the required identity-verification standard has been met, it completes its applicable notification responsibility. Companies House—not Coddan or the verification technology—then controls the creation and issue of the individual's Personal Code.

For £65 plus VAT, this package offers faster professional handling for one director identity-verification application. It may be appropriate where verification is required before a proposed appointment, company incorporation, Confirmation Statement or another time-sensitive corporate event. Those connected events remain separate processes and are not completed by purchasing the verification package. Priority treatment cannot reduce the evidence standard, direct the technology to produce a successful result or guarantee when Companies House will issue the Personal Code. If further information is required, Coddan explains what is needed before it can make its satisfaction decision. The package is therefore fast-track verification handling, not priority access to Companies House or a paid Personal Code. If there is no genuine urgency, the standard £40 verification route may be sufficient. If identity verification has already succeeded and the remaining task concerns receiving, locating or connecting the code, use the Personal Code and identity-verification support route instead of starting another verification application.



£125.00
+VAT

VerifyFlex Solutions™

Recommended for

3
package

Buy Now Expert Director ID Verification™ (Professional Director Verification Service) – Two Verification Pathways Before Personal Code Issue for £125.
The Expert Director ID Verification™ service provides a flexible Two-Pathway Verification Route for a director whose documents or circumstances require a choice between digital verification and an alternative professionally managed evidence process. The digital pathway uses applicable identity-document validation technology where the participant and document are suitable. Where that route is not appropriate, the alternative pathway allows the relevant evidence to be examined under the applicable Companies House standard. Coddan reviews the resulting information and makes its own decision on whether it is satisfied that the required standard has been met. The package can assist where the appropriate route is not obvious at the outset, but it does not guarantee that either pathway will produce a successful outcome. Following successful verification and Coddan's applicable notification, Companies House independently issues the Personal Code. The code is personal to the verified individual; using it for a director appointment, PSC position or another applicable role remains a distinct stage.

For £125 plus VAT, the package provides two professionally managed identity-verification pathways for one director application, together with practical guidance on the route appropriate to the evidence presented. It may suit UK or overseas directors whose documents cannot confidently be assigned to the standard digital route without further consideration. The service concerns verification of the individual—it does not verify a company, create a separate code for each company or automatically connect every existing or future appointment. A person normally uses the same Companies House Personal Code whenever they must confirm their verified status for an applicable role. If verification has already been completed, do not purchase this package merely because a director has several companies, is also a PSC or needs to provide the code for a later filing. Read how to use the same Personal Code for applicable roles. Where neither available pathway suits the evidence and individual manual assessment is required, continue to the FlexiVerify Option™. This is route flexibility before verification, not Personal Code management.



£220.00
+VAT

FlexiVerify Option™

Recommended for

4
package

Buy Now FlexiVerify Option™ (Expert Manual Director ID Verification Service) – Individually Assessed Verification Before Personal Code Issue for £220.
The FlexiVerify Option™ provides a professionally managed Individual Assessment Route for a director whose evidence cannot appropriately be progressed through the standard digital verification pathway. It may be suitable where biometric verification is unavailable or unsuitable, identity information requires closer examination, documents are non-standard or the applicable evidence combination needs professional assessment. Experienced compliance professionals examine the information and evidence under the applicable Companies House identity-verification standard rather than relying solely on an automated result. Depending on the prescribed route and evidence, verification may be completed remotely or may require an appropriate in-person element. Coddan can request and assess additional evidence, but cannot order a technology provider to pass an application, overturn an unsuccessful GOV.UK or Post Office outcome, lower the Companies House standard or guarantee verification. When Coddan becomes satisfied and completes its notification responsibility, Companies House separately decides the subsequent issue of the Personal Code.

The fixed fee is £220 plus VAT for one individually assessed director identity-verification application. The package reflects the additional professional work required to examine a non-standard evidence position and maintain the applicable verification record. It does not purchase a favourable decision, guarantee a Personal Code or provide privileged access to Companies House. An earlier incomplete or unsuccessful attempt may justify examining what happened, but it does not automatically mean that manual verification is necessary or that Coddan can overturn the earlier outcome. If the real problem is a missing code, an incorrect email address, unmatched personal details or an unresolved role connection after successful verification, that is a different task and should be diagnosed before another verification application begins. Use our Personal Code management guidance where the code already exists. If either digital pathway remains suitable, consider the two-pathway £125 package. FlexiVerify is the most individually assessed verification option, not a code-recovery, appointment, filing or restoration service.





Understand What the Companies House Personal Code Is

What the code confirms—and what remains separate

Companies House identity verification for directors living outside the UK doesn’t have to be a headache. Overseas directors can usually verify entirely online — living abroad alone doesn’t mean you need specialist support. But when mismatched names, differing documents, or inconsistent personal records across countries complicate things, Coddan CPM Ltd steps in. Describe your situation in plain language, and they’ll explain the right path forward. If direct online matching isn’t practical, Coddan can act as an ACSP—a registered company formation agent supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering body— and handle the process on your behalf. Whether you’re navigating overseas Companies House verification for non-UK resident directors and PSCs or want a professional to take the reins, this service keeps things straightforward, compliant, and stress-free.

If you have completed, or are completing, Companies House identity verification, the next important distinction is between identity verification and the Personal Code issued afterwards.

A Companies House Personal Code is an 11-character code given to an individual after successful identity verification. Companies House issues the code. It belongs to the verified individual, not to a company, employer, agent or professional adviser.

The same Personal Code is normally used whenever the individual needs to confirm that they are verified for an applicable appointment or role. Having more than one company or appointment does not, by itself, mean that identity verification must be repeated.

Need help understanding what remains? Tell Coddan which verification route you used, the last completed step and any message received. We can clarify whether the next action concerns receipt of the code, an account or record question, or a separate role or filing. Any additional work and charges are explained before you proceed.

Ask about your personal-code position

✓ Optional enquiry | ✓ Help identifying the next step | ✓ Scope and charges explained before proceeding

An enquiry creates no obligation to order. Describe the circumstances without attaching identity documents or sending personal codes, company authentication codes, passwords or payment-card details; any required confidential information follows the appropriate secure arrangements.

Current official guidance describes the Personal Code as personal to the individual and explains that it is issued after successful identity verification. Companies House personal codes for identity verification

Begin With Your Present Position

Verification is not complete

Your next job is identity verification itself. Use the appropriate Companies House route rather than treating the Personal Code as something that can be obtained separately.

Prepare for and complete identity verification

Verification was completed through GOV.UK One Login

Check your Companies House account and the email address used for the verification route to locate the Personal Code.

Verification was completed through an ACSP

Companies House sends the code to the email address supplied by the ACSP. If it is missing, first establish which email address was supplied.

The code has been received

You can now check what the code confirms and whether a director or PSC submission remains. Providing it for a role is a separate step.

Continue to using your Personal Code

The code exists but cannot be connected

A code that will not connect may involve a director record, PSC submission or other Companies House information. Describe the stage reached and any message received so the appropriate next action can be explained before you repeat verification.

Get help with an unresolved verification or personal-code issue

Another corporate event remains

Formation, appointment, Confirmation Statement, correction, restoration and other corporate events remain separate from simply receiving the Personal Code.

How Companies House Issues the Personal Code

The Personal Code follows successful identity verification. It is not a separate code that Coddan, another ACSP or the identity-checking technology creates.

If verification is still needed: direct or supported

Free official route: GOV.UK One Login guides you to an available method according to your answers and eligibility. This may involve an app, online security questions or online preparation followed by a participating Post Office. Check the current official requirements for the method offered.

Coddan’s supported service: we create your Credas case and send the invitation. You provide the required information, suitable evidence and personal participation in the supported checks. Coddan reviews the results, clarifies outstanding matters and submits ACSP confirmation when satisfied. Your personal manager gives instructions and order/verification progress updates by email or telephone. Normal assistance is distinct from paid priority, additional investigation and continuing services.

View Coddan verification services and ordering options if that stage is outstanding, or ask about your document type and issuing country before ordering. Charges for selected verification cover the individual, not each company or role. Accepted existing verification is preserved; neither route is a reason to repeat a completed check merely to locate a code.

Stage 1 — Identity verification

The applicable identity-verification route establishes that the individual has successfully met the Companies House identity-verification requirement.

Stage 2 — Companies House issues the code

Companies House issues the unique 11-character Personal Code to the verified individual.

Stage 3 — The individual receives or accesses it

Where and how you find the code depends on whether you verified through GOV.UK One Login or through an ACSP.

Important: receiving the Personal Code does not itself connect every role or complete a corporate filing. Those are separate processes.

If your identity verification is still outstanding and you live outside the UK, the following optional assistance may be useful. If you have already verified, continue below to finding your personal code.

Companies House identity verification Directors living outside the UK Registered ACSP support

Companies House identity verification for directors living outside the UK

Living outside the UK and need Companies House identity verification?

Coddan helps directors understand the suitable route, prepare the required information and complete supported checks. If your names, documents or personal records differ across countries, describe the issue in ordinary language so we can explain the appropriate assistance. Living overseas alone does not mean you need a specialist service.

Practical help from preparation to completion

  • Clear verification route assessment: Living outside the UK alone does not determine the service required. Tell us your document type and issuing country so Coddan can explain suitable supported checks. Residence, nationality and Companies House role are separate facts.
  • Clear preparation and instructions: Your personal manager explains the information and supported evidence required. Tell us about genuine name, address or record differences so Coddan can clarify outstanding matters before the case progresses.
  • Supported personal checks: Coddan sets up your Credas case and provides instructions. You complete the requested individual document and liveness checks. If a step is unclear or interrupted, explain the stage reached so your manager can help identify the supported next action.
  • Professional review and ACSP confirmation: You complete the applicable supported Credas checks. Coddan reviews the results, seeks clarification and submits ACSP confirmation when satisfied. Companies House issues the personal code; role submissions and company filings remain separate.

Suitable work, clearly explained: We help identify what remains, recognise verification already completed and explain the scope and charges before you decide.

Directors outside the UK Optional enquiry

Tell us what you need help with

Tell us your Companies House role, whether verification is already complete and the last step reached. Describe your document type and issuing country, any relevant record differences and any material date. You can explain the situation in ordinary language; Coddan helps identify the suitable next step.

A missing personal code or an outstanding director or PSC submission does not automatically require another verification purchase.

Ask about suitable verification assistance

✓ No-obligation enquiry | ✓ Help with document suitability | ✓ Clear scope and charges before ordering | ✓ No automatic repeat check if already verified

An enquiry creates no obligation to order. The free official verification route remains available where suitable. Already verified? See our personal-code guidance for the next relevant step. If all applicable steps are complete, no further verification action may be needed.

Identity documents and personal or company authentication codes follow the appropriate secure arrangements. Do not send them, passwords or payment-card details through an ordinary initial enquiry email.

Personal help with your verification

Normal email and telephone personal-manager assistance comes with every verification order: instructions, required information, progress and order or verification status. Separately instructed investigation, priority handling and continuing company work retain their agreed scope and charges.

Finding Your Code After GOV.UK One Login Verification

If you verified through GOV.UK One Login, current Companies House guidance says you can sign in to Companies House and open Manage account using the same email address used for verification.

  • If you verified after 8 July 2026, current guidance states that the Personal Code was also sent by email.
  • If you completed the GOV.UK One Login route at a Post Office, that is part of the same GOV.UK One Login verification route rather than a separate Companies House verification regime.
  • After a successful Post Office identity check, current guidance explains that you can access the Personal Code through your Companies House account.
  • The code should not be confused with your GOV.UK One Login credentials.

See the current Companies House Personal Code guidance if you need the official route-specific instructions.

Finding Your Code After Verification Through an ACSP

If an Authorised Corporate Service Provider verified your identity, Companies House sends your Personal Code to the email address supplied by the ACSP. The ACSP does not issue the code itself.

Code not received?

Check with the ACSP which email address was supplied for you before deciding that the verification itself needs to be repeated.

Incorrect information supplied?

If the ACSP supplied an incorrect email address, ask it to contact Companies House through the appropriate process to correct the position.

Want account access?

Current guidance explains that an ACSP-verified individual can save the Personal Code to a Companies House account and then access it through Manage account.

Coddan cannot manufacture the Personal Code, force Companies House to issue it or retrieve it from Companies House on demand.

The Code Belongs to the Verified Individual — Not the Company

Your Personal Code identifies you as the verified individual. It is not a company credential and does not transfer to another person when you change companies, leave an appointment or take on a different corporate role.

Personal code or company authentication code?

Personal code — 11 characters: Companies House issues it to the verified person. It confirms that person’s verification for applicable director or PSC submissions. The same individual does not need a different code for each company.

Company authentication code — 6 alphanumeric characters: this belongs to the company and authorises relevant online filings. Often called the WebFiling code, it does not verify an individual’s identity. See Companies House’s request and management guidance for the correct procedure.

For example, a director’s personal code may be supplied in an appointment or confirmation-statement filing; PSC verification details are supplied separately. A company authentication code may also be needed for the company filing, depending on the route. Neither code replaces the other or a company registration number, GOV.UK One Login password or agent presenter credential. Do not send confidential codes in an initial enquiry.

Director’s Digital Passport is only a metaphor. The official term is Companies House personal code. It is not a passport, a general identity document, a GOV.UK login or a company-owned filing credential, and it does not prove that every company obligation is complete.

The Personal Code also does not automatically connect itself to every company with which you are associated. The applicable role or corporate process must still be addressed through the appropriate Companies House route.

One Personal Code Across More Than One Company or Appointment

One verified individual

The Personal Code remains personal to the individual rather than becoming a separate code for each company.

Several appointments

The same Personal Code can be used where the individual needs to confirm that they are verified for an applicable appointment or role.

No automatic universal linkage

Possessing the code does not automatically complete the separate role or filing requirements for every company.

Director, PSC and Equivalent-Role Responsibilities Remain Separate

A person can hold more than one Companies House role. The Personal Code remains the same individual code, but the requirements applying to each role remain distinct.

Director

Check whether your code has already been provided for each company’s relevant director requirement. A proposed appointment or incorporation and an existing director’s transitional confirmation-statement requirement are different situations; the actual remaining filing determines the next step.

PSC

Provide verification details separately for your PSC role where required; a director submission does not automatically complete it. Check the applicable period shown on the Companies House register. Holding both roles does not ordinarily require a second identity check.

Equivalent roles

Official guidance also refers to a director or equivalent. The applicable legal role should be established before assuming that a particular partnership or entity position follows the director process.

For the next step, follow the linked guidance on using your code for the relevant role. Director and PSC submissions remain separate even when the same person holds both roles.

If the Code or Personal Details Do Not Match Companies House Records

A missing or apparently unusable Personal Code does not automatically mean that identity verification has failed or must be repeated. First identify which part of the record is actually inconsistent.

  • Incorrect Personal Code: check that the code has been entered exactly as issued.
  • Date of birth or other personal-data inconsistency: this may be a Companies House record issue rather than a new verification requirement.
  • Incorrect ACSP information: where an ACSP supplied incorrect information, the appropriate correction route may involve that ACSP.
  • Code-access problem: establish whether the issue concerns the Companies House account or the email route used to receive the code.
  • Director-role linkage: a verified identity and an associated director record are separate stages.
  • PSC-role linkage: PSC requirements are separate from the director requirement.
  • Separate filing problem: a corporate filing problem should not automatically be treated as an identity-verification problem.

If the code or personal details still do not match, use the linked help for an unresolved verification or personal-code issue. Describe what happened rather than starting another check automatically.

If the Code Is Missing, Inaccessible, Shared or Compromised

Missing or inaccessible

Check the route used, the relevant email address and your Companies House account before assuming another verification is required.

Shared

The code should be kept secure, but it may be shared with a trusted person who legitimately needs it to file on your behalf.

Compromised

Companies House can change a Personal Code where it has been shared or compromised. That is a code-management issue, not an instruction to repeat identity verification automatically.

Detailed protection, replacement, access and continuing-administration instructions belong to the personal-code management guide.

Identity Verification and Possession of the Code Are Not Role Linkage

There are several distinct stages between establishing who you are and completing a corporate role or event. They should not be collapsed into one “verification” step.

1. Identity verification

The individual completes the applicable identity-verification process.

2. Code issue

Companies House issues the Personal Code.

3. Code receipt

The individual receives or accesses the code.

4. Role connection

The code is provided for the applicable director, PSC or equivalent role.

5. Corporate event

Any appointment, filing, correction or other corporate event is dealt with separately.

Personal Code Use and Corporate Events Remain Separate

Receiving your Personal Code does not itself:

  • appoint you as a director;
  • connect you to a director role;
  • complete a separate PSC-role requirement;
  • incorporate a company or LLP;
  • update director particulars;
  • complete a Confirmation Statement;
  • restore a company or LLP;
  • complete an outstanding filing;
  • correct inconsistent Companies House records; or
  • satisfy separate AML, KYC or CDD obligations.

The detailed instructions for using the Personal Code belong to the personal-code use guide. This page remains focused on understanding and receiving the code.

Distinguish Current Requirements from Later Implementation Phases

Identity-verification requirements depend on the person’s role and when that role became subject to the applicable requirements. The Personal Code should therefore not be presented as a universal present-day presenter credential for every person who may interact with Companies House.

Current role questions

Directors, equivalent roles and PSCs must be considered according to the current Companies House requirements applicable to their circumstances.

Later implementation

Companies House currently identifies people who file, corporate directors, corporate LLP members, limited partnerships and officers of corporate PSCs among later-phase categories. Their position should be checked against current official guidance rather than treated as a universal present requirement.

No universal November 2026 deadline

18 November 2025 marked the commencement of the phased rollout. Your applicable requirement and date depend on the role and circumstances; there is no single November 2026 deadline for everyone.

Current official timing depends on the person’s role and when they started that role. Later-phase categories should be treated separately from current director and PSC requirements.

Choose Your Next Step

Choose the step that matches what remains. If you are unsure, describe what has happened and Coddan can explain the appropriate assistance; you do not need to diagnose a technical route yourself.

Identity verification remains outstanding

Use the official free route where you meet its requirements.

Verify your identity for Companies House

You need to understand or provide the code

Continue to the personal-code use guide for instructions on when and how to provide your code.

Use your Companies House Personal Code

The code or records do not reconcile

Ask for help if a verification result, personal code or Companies House record does not match what you expected. Explain the last completed step and any message received.

Resolve an identity-verification or Personal Code issue

A corporate event remains

If an appointment, confirmation statement, correction, formation or restoration remains, follow the relevant guidance or ask Coddan about the separately instructed work.

Becoming or appointing a director
Confirmation Statement and director verification
Check the relevant entity and legal role

When Nothing Further Required May Apply

Nothing Further Required can be the correct outcome where the applicable identity-verification process has been completed, Companies House has issued the Personal Code, the code has been received or accessed, and any applicable role or corporate-event requirement has also been dealt with.

A completed identity-verification stage does not create additional work by itself

Do not repeat identity verification simply because you have another company or role unless Companies House requires it. Equally, do not assume that possession of the Personal Code completes a separate role linkage, filing or corporate event.

If nothing remains under the applicable Companies House requirements, the appropriate next step may simply be to retain the Personal Code securely and address any future requirement when it becomes applicable.

Official Companies House guidance checked: 27 October 2026.

Help for your next company task: if you need formation, an appointment, a confirmation statement or other supported company work, Coddan can explain and arrange the separately instructed service. You do not need to have formed the company through Coddan. Selected work, authority and charges are agreed separately; receiving a personal code does not place that instruction. For verification still outstanding, use the supported service and ordering route.

Companies House identity verification: establishes the individual’s verified identity for the applicable Companies House requirements; Companies House issues the personal code. AML, KYC and CDD customer checks: establish the customer relationship and relevant risk/evidence requirements for the provider’s work. Neither a personal code nor a previous customer check automatically completes the other process. Coddan explains the information actually needed and the appropriate secure arrangements; evidence reuse must be confirmed for the case.

Arranging help for several people or clients? Ask for a multi-person or professional-intermediary quotation, including whether any discount is available for the proposed verification work, at info@coddan.co.uk. Tell us the number of individuals, their roles, what is already complete and the remaining company task. Count people rather than appointments or roles. Each individual keeps their required personal participation. Payment or coordination does not itself authorise access to another person’s evidence, code or account, or a filing on their behalf. Any communication authority and confidential handling must be agreed.

Questions about your Companies House personal code

What is the Companies House personal code?

It is an 11-character code issued by Companies House after successful identity verification. It belongs to the individual. “Director’s digital passport” is a description, not a separate official document or another product to buy.

I have already verified. Do I need to buy another check to get my code?

A missing code does not itself require another check. After GOV.UK One Login verification, check Manage account using the same email address. After ACSP verification, check the email address supplied by that agent. Ask about the stage reached if the code is still missing.

Do I need separate verification purchases as both a director and a PSC?

Not automatically. Verification concerns the person, while director and PSC submissions remain separate. More companies or appointments do not, by themselves, require another verification purchase. Tell Coddan what is already complete so we can explain the appropriate remaining work.

Is the personal code the same as a company authentication code?

No. The personal code concerns the verified individual. The company authentication code is a separate company filing credential. Receiving either code does not automatically complete a role submission or company filing. Use the relevant guidance for the task that remains.

What help can Coddan provide?

Describe your verification position, the last completed step and any message received. Coddan can clarify the appropriate next action and explain the scope and charges for any separately instructed work. Normal email and telephone personal-manager assistance accompanies every verification order; priority handling, additional investigation and continuing services retain their agreed boundaries.

Does living outside the UK mean I need specialist verification?

Residence alone does not determine the service required. If verification is outstanding, tell us your Companies House role, document type and issuing country, and any genuine name or record differences. Coddan can explain suitable supported assistance. The free official route remains available where suitable, and accepted existing verification should be recognised.

What should I include in an initial enquiry?

Explain the circumstances in ordinary language, including any material date. Email info@coddan.co.uk without identity-document copies, personal codes, company authentication codes, passwords or payment-card details. Any required confidential material follows separately agreed secure arrangements. An enquiry creates no obligation to order.

What if my verification and all applicable submissions are already complete?

You may need no further verification service. Retain your personal code securely and check any future requirement when it applies. If you need help for another person or a separate company task, describe that work rather than ordering a repeat check for yourself.