GOV.UK One Login replacing Government Gateway
The UK Government is phasing out the long-standing Government Gateway in favour of a new unified sign-in system known as GOV.UK One Login. This secure digital identity will enable individuals and businesses to access multiple government services, from HMRC to Companies House, using a single verified account.
From 13 October 2025, GOV.UK One Login will become mandatory for Companies House WebFiling. This means that directors, company secretaries, and authorised users will no longer be able to file company accounts or make updates without first setting up and verifying a One Login account.
The move is part of the Government’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms, designed to improve security, reduce fraud, and enhance corporate accountability across the UK business landscape.
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. |
Plan A Insight: These deadlines are non-negotiable. From November 2025, even long-standing directors will be required to prove their identity directly to Companies House. This measure is designed to eliminate false or anonymous directorships and improve transparency within the corporate register.
Why This Matters: Directors and Businesses
If you or your accountant currently submit annual accounts, confirmation statements or officer changes through Companies House, you’ll need to transition to GOV.UK One Login before October 2025.
Each individual must create and verify their own login – shared or generic credentials (e.g. accounts@company.com) will no longer be accepted. You’ll also need to ensure your email address is consistent across GOV.UK services and that each authorised user has the correct company authentication code to connect their One Login account to your business.
This marks one of the most significant operational changes to UK company filing in over a decade, and preparation is crucial to avoid disruptions or loss of filing access.
How GOV.UK One Login Works
- 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 message or authenticator app.
- Prove your identity using one of the following methods:
- 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 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.
Plan A Tip: 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 avoid complications.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
As with all major digital transitions, planning ahead will save time and frustration. Some of 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 rules.
- Lost or outdated authentication codes preventing users from linking company accounts.
- Non-UK directors needing in-person or Post Office verification.
- Old WebFiling profiles not transitioned before the deadline.
Plan A Insight: At Plan A, we can review your current WebFiling access, verify company authentication codes, and help identify any risks preventing your team from connecting to One Login successfully.
How to Prepare: Plan A’s Recommended Checklist
| Step | Action | Who Need To Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify all directors, secretaries, and authorised users who will require a verified login. | Company / Accountant |
| 2 | Locate and record the 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 to complete identity verification before November 2025. | Company |
| 5 | Review filing authorisations and internal procedures for compliance with the new system. | Company / Accountant |
| 6 | Test your login connection by submitting at least one live company filing. | Company / Accountant |
The Benefits
Once implemented, GOV.UK One Login will provide:
- A single, secure sign-in for multiple government services, including Companies House and HMRC.
- Enhanced security via two-factor authentication and future support for passkeys.
- Greater transparency around who is submitting company filings.
- Simplified management for organisations overseeing multiple entities.
In the longer term, One Login will also form part of the UK’s wider digital identity ecosystem, supporting right-to-work checks and verified digital credentials.
How Plan A Can Help
At Plan A, we’re already supporting clients in preparing for the One Login transition by:
- Reviewing Companies House access and authentication codes.
- Assisting directors and PSCs through the identity verification process.
- Managing communication and migration timelines.
- Preventing disruptions to statutory filings post-October 2025.
Now is the time to act. The GOV.UK One Login rollout is well underway, and from November 2025, identity verification will be compulsory for all company officers. Early preparation will ensure a seamless transition and prevent costly compliance delays.
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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.