New companies

The person who incorporates the company online will be automatically granted Company Authority.

If that user has incorporated the company on behalf of an organisation (for example, his employer) Company Authority will be granted to that organisation.

Existing companies 

Step 1 - Log on

Step 2 - Search the register for the company you want authority for.

Step 3 - Select My Tools then choose Request Authority.

There are three ways to obtain Company Authority.

1. Use the existing company key
   The first and easiest way to confirm to the Companies Office that you should have Company Authority is to provide the company key.  If you have forgotten your company key use the automated service to retrieve it.
   
   There is one exception to the above which is for directors.  Once the first director has used the company key to confirm authority the key will not be able to be used by other directors. Instead they must obtain authority by requesting it from the first director.
    
2. Request authority from an existing Company Authority holder
   The second way to confirm that you should be granted Company Authority is to request it from someone that already has Company Authority in respect of the company.  When you use this option the system will notify the existing holder and ask them to either accept or reject the your request.
3. Apply to the Registrar of Companies
   You can request Company Authority from the Companies Office through the Registrar Approval Service.  Note | You can only use this third option if you are unable to obtain Company Authority through either of the first two methods.

Registrar Approval Service

You can only use this service if you are unable to confirm authority through either of the first two methods described above.

Individuals

If you are an individual wishing to use this service you will need to provide proof of identity (in the form of a drivers licence or passport).  You will need to upload or fax a copy of this ID to the Companies Office before authority can be granted.

The Companies Office will process authority requests within two working days and confirm whether the authority request has been accepted or rejected via email.

Organisations

If you are requesting authority on behalf of your organisation, we will require a signed 'Letter of Authorisation'.  This letter of authorisation must:

• be printed on your organisation's letterhead.  
• state that your organisation has authority to affect change over the company that you are requesting authority for.
• include the company name and number for the company you are requesting authority for.  Each authority request is specific to a company.

• Download a template for a 'Letter of Authorisation' here [25 kB PDF]

You will need PDF viewing software

To view or print our forms you will require PDF viewing software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.  If you are experiencing problems downloading our forms, make sure you have updated your PDF reader to the latest version.

Upload an electronic copy of the signed letter using the online Registrar Approval Service.  Alternatively you can fax it to us at 0508 288 467 (0508 AUTHORITY).  The Companies Office will process authority requests within two working days and confirm whether the authority request has been accepted or rejected via email.

Please note | Only the following file formats will be accepted when using the online Registrar Approval Service:

• .doc
• PDF