Understanding the 2025 Companies House Login Changes

On 13 October 2025, Companies House switched its online access to the GOV.UK One Login single sign-on platform. This means that instead of using the old WebFiling credentials, all users must connect their WebFiling account to a One Login account. The goal is to provide a more secure, unified login for multiple government services. When you first sign in after this change, you’ll be prompted to either log into an existing One Login or create a new One Login account using the same email address as your WebFiling account. Only after linking these can you access the WebFiling portal.

If you manage filings for multiple companies, ensure that each company is associated with your One Login. During the linking process, you may be asked to enter each company’s authentication code (the 6-digit code issued by Companies House) to confirm you are authorised to file for that company. Once linked, all your companies will appear under your One Login profile. You should also update your WebFiling contact email to match your One Login email (if they differ) before the switchover, to avoid any access issues.

Only one person can link a given WebFiling account to their One Login, so shared credentials are no longer allowed. If multiple people previously shared a login, each person now must create their own One Login and be separately authorised for the company filings. You can manage which companies you are authorised to file for by removing any you no longer need on your “Your companies” page in the Companies House account portal.

New Identity Verification Requirements (Directors and PSCs)

In addition to the login change, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced mandatory identity verification for company officers. From 18 November 2025, all newly appointed company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. Existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month transitional window (until late 2026) to complete their verification. Companies House has been contacting businesses with instructions and due dates for each person. For example, in the public company register, you might see notices like “Identity verification due by [date]” next to a director’s name.

Each individual can verify their identity either by using the free online GOV.UK One Login identity verification service (which involves a biometric photo ID check or alternative methods) or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (such as an accountant or solicitor) who submits verification on their behalf. Once verified, the person receives a unique Companies House personal code linking their verified identity to their roles. You will need to provide these personal codes when filing certain documents — notably, when filing a Confirmation Statement (CS01) after November 2025, you must enter each director’s personal code and confirm that they are verified.

Ensure your company’s directors and PSCs complete the One Login verification as early as possible.

It’s important to complete identity verification well before filing deadlines. Companies House will not accept filings like annual confirmation statements if the relevant officers haven’t been verified by the time of filing. This identity check requirement doesn’t directly prevent you from filing an SH01, because an SH01 can technically be filed by any authorised presenter (not necessarily a director).

However, in practice, many SH01 filings are done by directors or company secretaries, so it’s best that those individuals are verified to avoid any future compliance issues.

The transition to One Login and the implementation of identity verification are aimed at making the UK’s company registry more secure and reliable. While it adds a few extra steps for users, using these systems can streamline your filings in the long run by consolidating logins and adding trust to the data submitted. Always keep your Companies House authentication codes and login credentials secure. If you use an agent or accountant to file on your behalf, ensure they are aware of the new procedures and that they too have their own One Login.

What is Form SH01 and When Must It Be Filed?

The SH01 form (Return of Allotment of Shares) is the official form used to notify Companies House that your company has allotted (issued) new shares. You need to file an SH01 every time you allot new shares, and it must be submitted within 1 month of the allotment date. The SH01 filing updates the public record of your company’s share capital. It includes details such as the date of allotment, the class of shares, number of shares allotted, nominal value per share, and the amount paid (or unpaid) on each share.

Filing the SH01 is mandatory even if the new shares are allotted to existing shareholders. Skipping or delaying this filing can lead to penalties and could invalidate the allotment resolution. Note that if there are multiple allotment dates or different share classes involved, the SH01 form allows multiple entries to cover each set of shares allotted. The form also requires you to update the statement of capital, which reflects the company’s total share capital after the allotment.

There is no fee for filing an SH01, and in the One Login era it is generally done online via the WebFiling service (which is now accessed through GOV.UK One Login as described above). While a paper version of form SH01 can be downloaded and posted, Companies House strongly encourages online filing for speed and accuracy. In fact, many routine filings are now primarily handled online for efficiency — for example, confirmation statements can be filed online through your account, rather than using the paper form.

Preparing to File an SH01 under the New System

Before you begin the SH01 filing, take a moment to ensure you have everything ready and your accounts set up correctly:

• One Login access: Confirm that you can log in to Companies House WebFiling using your GOV.UK One Login credentials. If you haven’t connected your account yet, do so by following the prompts on the login page. Make sure the email for your One Login matches the email on your old WebFiling account.
• Company authentication code: Have the 6-digit company authentication code handy for the company in question. If your company is already listed as “Authorised” in your account (as discussed above), then you’ve likely entered the code already. If not, you’ll be prompted to enter it when selecting the company to file the SH01.
• Board resolution for allotment: Ensure that the company’s board has officially approved the share allotment. It’s good practice to have a board meeting minute or written resolution authorising the allotment, as you might need to confirm the allotment date and details when filing.
• Allotment details: Gather the details required for the SH01 form:
  • Date of allotment (or the date range if shares were allotted over a period).
  • Class of shares issued (e.g. Ordinary, preference, etc.) and currency if not GBP.
  • Number of shares allotted in each class.
  • Nominal value per share (for each class).
  • Amount paid up on each share, and amount (if any) unpaid.
  • Whether the shares were paid for in cash or via non-cash consideration (if non-cash, details of that consideration).
• Updated statement of capital: Determine what your new total share capital is after the allotment. The online SH01 process will usually calculate this once you input the new shares, but you should verify it matches your records. You’ll need to report the aggregate nominal value of the total issued shares and the aggregate amount paid up (and unpaid) on them after this allotment.
• Director/Presenter verification (if applicable): As noted, the person filing the form doesn’t need special clearance beyond the company authentication code, but if you are a director filing it, you should be identity-verified by Companies House by now. Ensure your verification (and personal code) is in place, especially if you anticipate filing other documents concurrently (like a confirmation statement).

Step-by-Step: How to File an SH01 Online (Using One Login)

Once you have all prerequisites sorted, follow these steps to file your SH01 return of allotment:

1. Sign in to Companies House WebFiling: Go to the Companies House WebFiling sign-in page (which will redirect to the GOV.UK One Login interface). Sign in with your One Login email and password, and complete the two-factor authentication if prompted. After signing in, you will be returned to the Companies House WebFiling dashboard. Make sure you see your name or email indicating you are logged in.
2. Select the company: If you have access to multiple companies, the dashboard will show your list of saved companies. Click on the company for which you need to file the SH01. If the company isn’t listed yet, use the option to add a company to your account by entering its company number and authentication code. Once the company is selected, you’ll enter that company’s filing overview page.
3. Go to the SH01 form: On the company’s filing page, look for an option like “File a form” or “All forms”. Companies House categorises forms by topic. An SH01 is under the category of “Share Capital” or “Changes to share capital”. Navigate to “Return of allotment of shares – SH01”. Click on the SH01 form to begin the filing process.
4. Fill in the allotment details: The online form will prompt you through the required information:
   • Enter the date of allotment (or start and end date if it covers a range). If multiple allotments on different dates, you can usually add separate allotment entries.
   • Specify the class of shares issued (e.g. Ordinary) and the currency.
   • For each class, input the number of shares allotted, the nominal value per share, and the amount paid (and unpaid, if any) per share. If shares were issued for no consideration, record 0 as appropriate.
   • If the shares were paid for with a non-cash asset or service, provide a brief description under “Non-cash consideration”. Otherwise, leave this blank or as “None”.

   The online system may automatically calculate totals for the new shares based on your entries. Be careful to double-check all figures for accuracy.

5. Update the statement of capital: After entering the allotment specifics, the form will display your company’s updated share capital summary. This typically includes:
   • Total number of shares in each class after the allotment.
   • Total aggregate nominal value of those shares (for each currency).
   • Total aggregate amount paid up and unpaid on those shares.

   Review this information. It should reflect the new shares added to whatever share capital existed prior. If something looks incorrect (for example, if a previous allotment wasn’t accounted for), you may need to correct the inputs or ensure that earlier filings were in order.

6. Submit the form: Once all details are filled in and you’re satisfied they are correct, proceed to submit the SH01. The system will ask for confirmation. Since there is no fee for SH01, you will not be taken to a payment page (unlike some other filings). Submit the form electronically. You should see a confirmation on screen that the submission was successful.
7. Confirmation and email receipt: After submission, the WebFiling system typically provides a reference number or confirmation page. Additionally, an email should be sent to your registered email address confirming that the SH01 has been received (and later another email when it’s been accepted and registered by Companies House). Save or print the confirmation for your records. The new allotment will usually appear on the public register within a day or two, updating your company’s “People and Capital” section with the new shares.

Congratulations – you have filed the SH01 form.

If you realise after submission that something was wrong (for example, incorrect numbers or dates), you should contact Companies House immediately.

Post-Filing Obligations: Updating Internal Records

Filing the SH01 updates Companies House, but your responsibilities don’t end there. You must also update your company’s internal records to reflect the new share allotment:

• Update the Register of Members: Your company’s statutory Register of Members (shareholders) must be updated to include the details of the new shares and who holds them. Each allottee’s shareholding entry should reflect the increase in shares from the allotment. This register should always match the information filed at Companies House regarding share capital.
• Issue Share Certificates: Prepare and issue share certificates to the shareholders for the newly allotted shares. Each new share certificate should be dated with the allotment date and signed according to your company’s constitution (usually by a director or secretary). If you have an existing share certificate template or use an electronic system, generate the new certificates accordingly.
• Board Minutes/Resolution: File away the board resolution or shareholders’ resolution that approved the allotment, along with minutes of any meeting where the allotment was authorized. Keep these with your company records. They may be needed for future reference or audits.
• Consider PSC implications: If the allotment significantly changes ownership percentages, consider whether there are any new People with Significant Control (PSC) to report or changes in PSC status. For instance, if a shareholder’s holding went above 25% due to this allotment, that person needs to be recorded as a PSC (via a PSC01 form, etc.), and they must verify their identity as discussed.
• Next Confirmation Statement: When you file your next annual confirmation statement (CS01), it will include the updated share capital from this allotment. By that time, ensure that all directors and PSCs are identity-verified. You will need to provide their personal verification codes on the confirmation statement form. Companies House typically sends reminders for confirmation statements; these reminders now include guidance to file online and complete ID verification.

Online Filing vs. Paper Filing

With One Login and the new digital system in place, it’s highly recommended to file documents online. Online filings are processed faster (often within 24 hours) and you receive immediate confirmation. Paper filings, on the other hand, can take much longer to process and there’s a greater chance of rejection if forms are filled out incorrectly.

Companies House provides paper forms (like SH01 or CS01) in PDF format for download, but these are intended as secondary options. For example, if you were to file a Confirmation Statement by post, you’d have to download the CS01 form and mail it in — a slower process. The reminder communications from Companies House emphasise the online route.

The same principle applies to the SH01: while you could post a paper SH01, filing it online through the One Login-linked account is the preferred method in 2025 and beyond. It not only saves time but also helps ensure the data is entered correctly (the system validates many fields as you input them). Additionally, using your account means the form is tied to an authenticated user and company, adding a layer of security.

Adapting to the new One Login system and compliance rules is essential for company administrators and directors. In summary, make sure you’ve linked your Companies House WebFiling account to GOV.UK One Login well before any filing deadlines. Verify the identities of directors and PSCs early to obtain their personal codes, as these will be required for certain filings like confirmation statements moving forward.

When issuing new shares, file your SH01 on time (within 1 month) and double-check all information, since errors can cause delays or complications on the public register.