Log in
company

What is Certificate of Incorporation?

A certificate of incorporation is the document Companies House issues when a company is registered, confirming the company exists, its name, its company registration number and its date of incorporation.

Example

You form a limited company online. Companies House emails the certificate of incorporation showing your company name, number 12345678 and the date it was incorporated. You need it to open a business bank account.

Key Dates

Issued on the day the company is incorporated

How Certificate of Incorporation Works in Practice

A certificate of incorporation is the official proof that a limited company exists. Companies House issues it once your application to form the company has been accepted. It states the company name, the company registration number and the date of incorporation, and confirms that the company is registered as a limited company in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The company registration number is eight characters. For many companies it is eight digits. For companies registered in Scotland or Northern Ireland it starts with letters, such as SC or NI, followed by six digits. This number identifies your company on the public register and is used in many forms, filings and bank applications.

You will be asked for the certificate or the company number when opening a business bank account, applying for finance, registering for Corporation Tax and VAT, and signing contracts. If you lose it, you can order a replacement copy from Companies House. A certified copy carries a fee. The company's details are also visible for free on the Companies House public search.

Sole traders do not have a certificate of incorporation. They are not a separate legal entity and do not register with Companies House. Their business identity is their own name and their tax references from HMRC. If someone asks a sole trader for a company registration number, the honest answer is that they do not have one.

Step by Step

When you apply to form a company, Companies House checks the application, then issues the certificate and registers the company. The date on the certificate is the date the company legally came into existence. From that date, the company has its own legal identity and must meet its filing duties.

After incorporation you need to register the company with HMRC for Corporation Tax, keep company records and file a confirmation statement and annual accounts on time. The certificate is the starting point for all of that.

You can download copies of company documents from Companies House. If you need an official certified copy, for example for a bank or a legal process, order it through the Companies House service and allow time for delivery.

Practical Tips

  • Save a digital copy of the certificate in your company records folder
  • Note your company number somewhere easy to find, as you will use it often
  • Order a certified copy only when someone specifically asks for one
  • Check the company details on the public register match your certificate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing the company registration number with the VAT number or company UTR
  • Losing the original and not knowing a certified copy can be ordered
  • Assuming sole traders can provide a certificate when they cannot
  • Not storing the certificate with other company records for banks and advisers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a copy of my certificate of incorporation?

You can order a copy from Companies House. A certified copy carries a fee. You can also search the public register for free to confirm the company details.

What is a company registration number?

It is the eight character number Companies House gives a company on incorporation. It appears on the certificate of incorporation.

Do sole traders have a certificate of incorporation?

No. Only companies registered at Companies House have one. A sole trader is not a separate legal entity.

Is a certificate of incorporation the same as business registration?

It is the proof that a limited company is registered. Sole traders register with HMRC instead, and have no equivalent certificate.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company

Related Terms

Limited Company

A limited company is a business structure that's legally separate from its owners. Your personal assets are protected if the business fails.

Confirmation Statement

A Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return) is a yearly filing to Companies House confirming your company details are up to date.

Registered Office

Your registered office is the official address of your company, filed with Companies House. All official correspondence goes here.

Confused by accounting jargon?

AccountsOS explains everything in plain English. Ask any question about your books and get a clear, jargon-free answer.

Try Free for 14 Days
View full glossary