One of the requirements for a business in the United Kingdom is a company authentication code. This code has six characters which are alphanumeric and it is awarded by Companies House during the creation of the business. It is an important piece of information because it is used as an electronic signature of businesses. A business should use this code each time they file a document electronically. In cases when a business has to change its details online, this code should also be used.
Businesses should keep their company authentication code secure. It is what they would need to file any changes or to make any updates online. Keeping it safe would be highly encouraged. This code is usually compared to a PIN that people use for bank cards and ATM cards.
How does one get a company authentication code?
A lot of owners of businesses are clueless about the company authentication code and they have no idea how they can get one. However, it is not really difficult. According to the government website of the United Kingdom, a new business owner must follow four steps.
- Visit Companies House online. There, they should register the business’ email address and use a secure password.
- Choose the option which states “Request an authentication code.”
- They would be asked to provide the new company’s registration number.
- After completing that, choose the option for “Request code.”
It is important though that business owners who follow the mentioned rules should not expect to get their company authentication code right at that moment. Their code will be sent to them by Companies House through registered post. It will be sent to the registered office address that the business has indicated in their application. This should take around five days maximum to be delivered. In cases where business owners already have their company authentication code but forgot all about it, what Companies House will send them would be a reminder instead and it will be sent via registered post.
The code is sent via registered mail not to make things difficult but for security purposes. Providing the code via phone or through email may not be a good idea because these channels may not be secure.
Can the company authentication code be changed?
A business owner would need to register via the WebFiling service which can be found on the website of Companies House. Once that is done, they can change the company authentication code. Here is how to do that.
- Login to the WebFiling portal.
- Find the country where the business has been registered in and choose that.
- Fill out the needed information which would include the company number and the current company authentication code.
- Choose “Company authentication.”
- Type in the new and preferred company authentication code. It should have six characters and uses a alphanumeric combination. Business owners will be required to type in the new code twice.
- Once completed, confirm the information by choosing the option for “Change code.”
Companies House will send a letter to business owners as confirmation that changes have been made to the code. This letter will be addressed to the business’ registered office address.
Business owners should always make sure that their company authentication code is kept safe and secure. This serves as their code when making any business transactions online and it should be shared only with authorized individuals connected to the business. The company authentication code is only one of the many requirements that a business in the UK should have. A registered office address is another and Company Address can help you with that.
published under Starting a Business
