Companies House Director Personal Code

Stewart Tan
Apr 15
3 min read

If you are a director of a Residential Management Company (RMC) or a Right to Manage (RTM) company, the clock has already run out on the old way of doing things. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, identity verification is now a hard requirement.

Without a Companies House Personal Code, you cannot file your company’s annual Confirmation Statement. If you miss that filing, your company risks being struck off the register—a disaster that can freeze your block's bank accounts and halt all property sales.

Here is the deep-dive guide on how to get your code and what to do if members of your board are standing in the way of compliance.

1. The Digital Route (The Fastest Method)

This is the standard way to verify. It is free and usually takes about 10–15 minutes if you have the right documents.

What you need:

A biometric identity document (a UK Passport or a UK Photocard Driving Licence).
A smartphone (iPhone running iOS 16.7+ or Android 10+).
A GOV.UK One Login (if you don’t have one, you’ll be prompted to create it).

Step-by-Step:

Start Online: Go to the official Verify your identity for Companies House page and click 'Start Now'.
Sign In/Create Account: Log in with your GOV.UK One Login. Note: This is not your old Companies House WebFiling login.
Download the App: When prompted, download the GOV.UK ID Check app.
Scan your ID: Use the app to take a photo of your ID. If using a passport, the app will ask you to hold your phone against the passport cover to read the biometric chip.
The "Liveness" Check: You will be asked to scan your face using the selfie camera. Follow the on-screen prompts to move your head or hold still.
Receive Your Code: Once matched, you will return to your browser. Your 11-character Personal Code will be displayed on the screen and emailed to you. Save this code immediately.

2. The Post Office Route (Assisted Digital)

If you don’t have a compatible smartphone or a biometric ID, you can verify in person.

Start the Process: Visit the Post Office Verification Guide.
Generate a Letter: Enter your details online. You will be sent a "customer letter" with a QR code (either via email or post).
Visit a Branch: Take your letter and your original photo ID to a participating Post Office.
Verification: A staff member will scan your code, scan your ID, and take your photo.
Finalise: You’ll receive an email within 24 hours confirming your identity. You must then log back into GOV.UK to retrieve your Personal Code.

3. The Professional Route (ACSP)

If your management company uses a solicitor or a professional managing agent, check if they are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). They can verify you through their own professional systems. They will typically charge a fee (often between £50–£100) but can be helpful if you are struggling with the government apps.

When a Director Becomes a Bottleneck

We are seeing a recurring problem in 2026: one or two directors who simply cannot (or will not) get their Personal Code.

Because the Confirmation Statement requires the codes for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), one person’s tech issues can block the entire company’s filing.

The "Removal" Strategy

If a director is struggling to get a code and the filing deadline is looming, the board must prioritize the company's legal standing.

The Reality: It is significantly easier and safer to formally remove a director who cannot provide a code than it is to let the company fall into default.

Once that person is removed from the board via a Companies House filing (which doesn't require their code), the remaining verified directors can successfully file the Confirmation Statement. If the individual eventually secures their code later, they can be re-appointed to the board immediately. It is a pragmatic "quick fix" to ensure the building’s management remains legal and insured.