Have you received notification that the Authentication Code stored on Inform Direct for a company is invalid?


There is only one reason that this could be. Since importing your company onto Inform Direct, the authentication code has been changed at Companies House.


This could have happened if someone has contacted Companies House and asked for the authentication code for your company be changed. Whilst Companies House will have done this, for security purposes it is not possible for Inform Direct to be notified or updated.


Note: Companies House will automatically change your authentication code if they ever receive post bounced back from the registered office address.


Since the security of all company details hinges on the authentication code issued from Companies House, if Inform Direct recognises an outdated code, then it will flag up as invalid. This results in all filings from Inform Direct to Companies house being rejected. 


Why do I need to provide the authentication code?


To change the Authentication Code you will need the existing Authentication Code so this is not an option. Therefore you will need to either:

  • get a reminder of the new authentication code
  • or contact Companies House directly if you believe this has been done without authority
  • or speak to whomever else is involved in and/or files for the company to see if they can shed any light on the situation


Once you have established what the new and correct authentication code is, this is easy to update on Inform Direct.