Introduction
Understanding what the GOV.UK One Login means – The UK government is replacing the long-standing Government Gateway with a unified sign-in system known as GOV.UK One Login — designed to give every individual and business one secure account to access multiple government services, from HMRC to Companies House.
From 13 October 2025, this new system will become mandatory for Companies House WebFiling, meaning directors, company secretaries, and authorised users will no longer be able to file company accounts or make updates without a verified One Login account.
The change forms part of the government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms, aimed at improving security, reducing fraud, and ensuring accountability across UK companies.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Change | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 13 October 2025 | Companies House WebFiling migration | All users must link their existing WebFiling account to a GOV.UK One Login to access or submit filings. |
| 18 November 2025 | Mandatory identity verification | All existing directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity; new directors must verify before appointment. |
| End of 2027 | Full rollout target | GOV.UK One Login becomes the single digital identity for all central government services, including HMRC and Companies House. |
💡 F9 Insight:
These deadlines are critical. From November 2025, even long-standing directors will be required to prove identity directly to Companies House. The aim is to eliminate false or anonymous directorships and increase transparency across the corporate register.
Why This Matters for Directors and Businesses
If you or your accountant currently submit annual accounts, confirmation statements or officer changes through Companies House, you’ll need to migrate to GOV.UK One Login before October 2025.
Each individual user must create and verify their own One Login — shared or generic credentials (like “accounts@company.com”) will no longer work.
You’ll also need to ensure your email address matches across GOV.UK services, and that each authorised user has the relevant company authentication code to link their One Login account to your company.
This represents one of the most significant operational changes to the UK company filing system in over a decade — and preparation is essential to avoid access or filing disruptions.
How GOV.UK One Login Works – Step by Step
Setting up One Login is straightforward, but each user must complete the process individually:
- Go to www.gov.uk/one-login and create your account using your personal email address.
- Verify your email and set up two-factor authentication (2FA) via text or authenticator app.
- Prove your identity using one of the following methods:
- The GOV.UK ID Check app (using passport, driving licence, BRP, or BRC).
- In person at the Post Office, if you don’t have suitable ID.
- Online verification using your bank and National Insurance details.
- Link your Companies House account by entering your company’s authentication code.
💡 F9 Insight:
Expired BRPs and BRCs may still be accepted for up to 18 months after expiry. If your ID is due to expire in 2025, renew or verify early to avoid delays.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
As with all digital transitions, preparation will save you significant time and frustration. The most common issues we’re already seeing include:
- Email mismatches between HMRC, Companies House, and GOV.UK One Login.
- Shared logins that cannot be migrated.
- Lost or outdated authentication codes preventing companies from linking accounts.
- Non-UK directors requiring in-person or Post Office verification.
- Old WebFiling profiles that haven’t been transitioned before the deadline.
💡 F9 Insight:
F9 Consulting can review your current WebFiling access, verify company authentication codes, and identify where your directors or staff may face issues connecting their accounts.
How to Prepare Now – F9’s Recommended Checklist
| Step | Action | Who Should Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm who in your organisation will need a verified login (directors, secretaries, authorised users). | Company / Accountant |
| 2 | Check and record your Companies House authentication code for each entity. | Company / Accountant |
| 3 | Verify that your email addresses match across WebFiling, HMRC, and GOV.UK accounts. | Company |
| 4 | Assist all directors to complete identity verification before November 2025. | Company |
| 5 | Review all filing authorisations to ensure compliance with the new rules. | Company / Accountant |
| 6 | Test your login connection with at least one live company filing. | Company / Accountant |
The Benefits – Beyond Compliance
Once established, GOV.UK One Login will provide:
- A single, secure sign-in for Companies House, HMRC, and other services.
- Enhanced security via two-factor authentication and future passkey support.
- Clarity and transparency on who is submitting filings.
- Simplified access for companies managing multiple entities.
In time, this unified system will also support wider digital identity initiatives, including right-to-work checks and verified digital credentials.
How F9 Consulting Can Help
At F9 Consulting, we’re already helping our clients prepare for the One Login transition:
- Reviewing Companies House access and authentication codes.
- Ensuring directors and PSCs are properly verified.
- Managing client communications and timelines for migration.
- Preventing disruptions to statutory filings after the October 2025 deadline.
📅 Now is the time to act. The GOV.UK One Login rollout is already underway, and by November 2025, identity verification will be mandatory for all company officers.
Contact F9 Consulting to arrange a readiness review and ensure your company is fully compliant ahead of the transition deadline.
📞 Call us: 01277 223278
✉️ Email us: sales@f9consulting.co.uk
🌐 Visit us: www.f9consulting.co.uk
Disclaimer
This article reflects guidance published by GOV.UK and Companies House as of October 2025. The One Login rollout is ongoing and requirements may evolve. Please refer to the official GOV.UK One Login portal for updates.
