GOV.UK One Login is replacing the Government Gateway
The UK Government is introducing a major shift in how individuals and businesses access public services. The long-standing Government Gateway is being replaced by GOV.UK One Login — a unified, secure digital identity that enables users to access multiple services, including HMRC and Companies House, through a single verified account.
From 13 October 2025, this new system became mandatory for Companies House WebFiling. Directors, company secretaries, and authorised users will no longer be able to submit company accounts or make statutory updates without a verified One Login account.
This change forms part of the Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms, aimed at reducing fraud, improving data accuracy, and enhancing corporate accountability across the UK.
Important Dates
| 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 their identity 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. |
These deadlines are critical. From November 2025, every company director will need to prove their identity directly to Companies House. This will significantly reduce false or anonymous directorships and strengthen transparency within the UK business 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 must transition to GOV.UK One Login before October 2025.
Each individual must create and verify their own login — shared or generic credentials (such as accounts@company.com) will no longer be accepted. Additionally, email addresses must be consistent across GOV.UK services, and each authorised user will require the correct company authentication code to link their account.
This represents one of the most significant digital transformations in the UK corporate filing process in over a decade. Early preparation is vital to avoid disruption or filing delays.
How GOV.UK One Login Works
- Go to www.gov.uk/one-login and create an account using your personal email address.
- Verify your email and set up two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message or authenticator app.
- Confirm your identity using one of the following options:
- The GOV.UK ID Check app (using your passport, driving licence, Biometric Residence Permit, or Biometric Residence Card).
- In person at the Post Office if you do not have suitable ID.
- Online verification using your bank and National Insurance details.
- Link your Companies House account by entering your company’s authentication code.
Note: Expired BRPs or 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 prevent complications.
How to Prepare – Pearson McKinsey’s Recommended Checklist
| Step | Action | Who Needs to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify all directors, secretaries, and authorised users who will require a verified login. | Company / Accountant |
| 2 | Locate and record your Companies House authentication code for each entity. | Company / Accountant |
| 3 | Ensure all email addresses match across WebFiling, HMRC, and GOV.UK accounts. | Company |
| 4 | Assist all directors in completing identity verification before November 2025. | Company |
| 5 | Review all filing authorisations and internal procedures to ensure compliance with the new system. | Company / Accountant |
| 6 | Test your login connection by completing at least one live company filing. | Company / Accountant |
The Benefits of GOV.UK One Login
Once implemented, GOV.UK One Login will offer:
- A single, secure sign-in for multiple government services, including Companies House and HMRC.
- Improved transparency over who is submitting company filings.
- Simplified access management for organisations overseeing multiple entities.
- Enhanced security with two-factor authentication and upcoming passkey support.
In time, One Login will also integrate with the UK’s digital identity framework, enabling verified credentials for right-to-work checks and other business compliance processes.
Common Issues to Avoid
As with all major digital transitions, a proactive approach will save both time and frustration. The most common issues we’re already seeing include:
- Email mismatches between HMRC, Companies House, and One Login accounts.
- Shared logins that cannot be migrated under the new system.
- Lost or outdated authentication codes that prevent linking of company accounts.
- Non-UK directors requiring in-person or Post Office verification.
- Old WebFiling profiles not transitioned before the October 2025 deadline.
Pearson McKinsey can assist by reviewing your Companies House access, validating authentication codes, and identifying where your directors or team members may face difficulties connecting to One Login successfully.
How Pearson McKinsey Can Help
At Pearson McKinsey, we’re already working with clients to prepare for the GOV.UK One Login transition by:
- Auditing Companies House access and authentication code validity.
- Supporting directors and PSCs through the identity verification process.
- Managing communications and migration timelines.
- Preventing disruptions to statutory filings beyond the October 2025 deadline.
Now is the time to act. The GOV.UK One Login rollout is progressing rapidly, and from November 2025, identity verification will be mandatory for all company officers. Preparing early will ensure seamless compliance and uninterrupted business continuity.
Get Expert Support Today
Stay compliant and confident as digital transformation reshapes company reporting in the UK. Pearson McKinsey’s compliance and corporate advisory teams can guide your organisation through every step of the One Login migration.
Need help navigating these changes or switching to approved accounting software?
Get in touch with us today:
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Disclaimer
This article is based on guidance from GOV.UK and Companies House as of October 2025. The One Login rollout is ongoing, and requirements may evolve. For the latest updates, visit the official GOV.UK One Login portal.