Quick answer: To secure customer accounts, CIPC requires customers to verify their profiles. When you log in, you're asked to confirm your details, reset your password and click a verification link sent to your email. South African ID holders are verified directly. Foreign passport holders may first need to complete CIPC's Foreigner Assurance process, which must be approved before they can finish verification. On top of that, many filings now require each director to approve the transaction with a one-time PIN (OTP).
Why CIPC verifies customers
Company hijacking, where fraudsters change a company's directors or details without permission, has been a real problem in South Africa. Verifying the people who log in, and asking directors to approve changes with OTPs, makes it much harder for someone to tamper with your company.
How verification works for South African ID holders
Log in to CIPC with your existing customer code and password.
Complete the verification page with the mandatory information requested.
Reset your password when prompted, following CIPC's password requirements.
Check your email and click the verification link.
Log in again. Once verified, you can transact normally.
If your contact details are out of date, update them during this process, because the verification link and future OTPs go to the email address and cellphone number on your profile.
How verification works for foreign nationals
Log in with your existing credentials and complete the verification page.
If CIPC doesn't have a record of your passport details, you'll be given a link to the Foreigner Assurance process to submit them.
Once approved, return when CIPC confirms approval and complete the verification and password reset.
Click the email verification link and log in again.
Foreign directors should start this early, especially before a company registration or a director change.
Director OTPs on filings
Many CIPC transactions are now completed only when the directors confirm them with an OTP. Examples include:
changing directors;
changing the company name (CoR15.2);
changing the financial year-end;
amending share capital.
The practical effect is that these changes can go through immediately once the directors respond. If a director doesn't respond, or their cellphone number or email is wrong, the filing waits.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The verification email never arrives | Check spam, then confirm the email address on your profile is correct. |
| A director isn't receiving OTPs | The director's cellphone or email on CIPC's records is outdated. Update it before filing. |
| The same email or cellphone is used on several profiles | CIPC now validates profiles to prevent duplicate emails and cellphone numbers. Each person should use their own. |
| A foreign director can't verify | Complete the Foreigner Assurance process first and wait for approval. |
| You're locked out of your profile | Use CIPC's password reset, or contact CIPC's contact centre on 086 100 2472. |
Tips to keep your company safe
Every director should have their own email address and cellphone number on CIPC's records. Don't share one inbox for all directors.
Never share your customer code, password or OTPs, even with someone who says they're from CIPC.
Check your company's details regularly with a disclosure certificate. See our disclosure certificate guide.
Act immediately if you receive an OTP for a change you didn't request. It could mean someone is trying to change your company's details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to verify my CIPC profile?
Yes. CIPC presents the verification process when you log in, and you can't transact until it's complete.
How long does verification take?
For SA ID holders it's usually immediate once you click the email link. Foreign nationals may need to wait for Foreigner Assurance approval.
Why does my director need to approve a filing?
The OTP confirms the director agrees to the change. It protects the company against unauthorised changes.
Can my accountant file for me?
Yes, with the right authority. The directors may still need to approve certain filings with OTPs.
Let us handle your CIPC filings
Smartbook manages CIPC filings for small businesses and coordinates director approvals, so changes go through without delays. We also look after your books, tax and payroll. Email hello@smartbookie.co.za or contact us.
Last reviewed: 2 October 2026. General guidance, not legal advice. CIPC processes change from time to time; follow the instructions on CIPC's platforms.