A Brief Guide on Company Registration Numbers

From 2021 to 2022 there were 753, 168 company incorporations recorded by Companies House. This was a slight decrease of 7.1% from the data in 2020 to 2021, despite the expectations that there will be more incorporations during the pandemic. The executive agency has put easements in place to give businesses more time to arrange their affairs.

As a business owner, there are a few things you need to do to stay compliant with government regulations. One of these is registering your company with Companies House. This article is a brief guide on company registration numbers and what they mean for your business.

Key Takeaways

• A company registration number (CRN) is a unique identifier issued by Companies House when your business is incorporated and it remains the same for the life of the company.
• Using the CRN, anyone can verify your company’s existence, structure and filing history via the public companies register.
• The format of a CRN varies depending on jurisdiction (for example England & Wales vs Scotland) and typically consists of eight characters or a letter prefix followed by digits.
• You must display your CRN on all official company stationery (such as letterheads, invoices, emails and website footers) to comply with legal requirements.
• A CRN is not the same as tax numbers (such as your UTR or VAT number); each serves a distinct regulatory purpose, so you should never confuse them.
• If you change your company name or move its registered office, your CRN remains unchanged; it continues to identify the same legal entity through any alterations.

What is a Company Registration Number?

When you set up a new business, you first need to obtain a company registration number from the relevant authority in your jurisdiction. This eight-digit number uniquely identifies your company and is required for various legal and administrative purposes.  It’s also worth noting Companies House is the registrar of all UK Limited Companies as well as the provider of the company registration number. 

In most countries, the company registration number is issued by the national registry of companies, which is typically part of the ministry of justice or commerce. In some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, the registration number is also known as a “company number” or “corporate number”. 

In other jurisdictions, such as Ireland, it is called a “CRO number”. Regardless of what it is in your jurisdiction, this number is an integral part of your company’s identity and should be prominently displayed on all your business correspondence.

Why is it Important?

A company registration number is essential due to being the primary company identifier. It’s possible that two or more businesses have similar names, and/or that individuals are conducting business under slightly similar names as your limited company. The company registration number is what separates one company from another and validates it as a legal entity.

The number can also verify a company’s financial status. By having your identifier,  you build trust and credibility with stakeholders. It also makes it easier for customers and suppliers to find your business contact information. 

How to Find Your Company Registration Number

Company-Related Documents

If you’re unsure where to find your company’s registration number, the best place to start is your paperwork. Check documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, annual accounts, and tax returns.

Companies House

Another option is to simply enter the company’s name into the search bar of the Companies House website. The registration number will be displayed in the search results. Once you have the registration number, you can look up information about the company, such as its filing history, officers, and registered address.

Company Admin Portal

If you worked with a company formation agent, you can log in to their portal and use the search bar and filter features to find your company registration number. Businesses formed with Companies MadeSimple can log in here and select “My Companies”. Your registration number will appear on the next page. 

Helping Businesses Thrive

Company registration numbers are like fingerprints, each is unique and helps to identify a company. Overall, having a company registration number is essential for any business owner who wants to protect their assets and create a successful enterprise.

Companies MadeSimple will handle all the legalities of company formation so you can focus on what you do best, running and growing your business. Learn more about our services by visiting our website or contact us for more information.

FAQs

What is a company registration number (CRN)?

A company registration number is a unique identifier issued by Companies House to every incorporated company in the UK. It stays with the company for its entire life and is used to verify its legal identity.

It’s not the same as tax numbers or VAT numbers; it specifically identifies your company in the Companies House register.

Who needs a company registration number and who doesn’t?

Every limited company and limited liability partnership (LLP) registered at Companies House gets a CRN. Sole traders and general partnerships do not need one because they are registered with HMRC instead.

If your business is incorporated, then the CRN is essential for filings and compliance.

Where can I find my company registration number?

You can find your CRN on your certificate of incorporation, any official correspondence from Companies House, and via the Companies House public register.
It is usually printed alongside the company’s name and registration details, keep it handy for official uses like bank accounts or tax forms.

What format does a UK company registration number follow?

The format depends on where the company is incorporated. For example:

• Eight digits (e.g., 01234567) for England & Wales companies
• Two-letter prefixes such as “SC” (Scotland) or “NI” (Northern Ireland) followed by six digits

Understanding the format helps you recognise the CRN correctly and avoid confusion with other numbers.

When and why must I display my company registration number?

You must display the CRN on all official stationery, invoices, the website, and in any promotional material where company details appear.

It’s required to show transparency and regulatory compliance. Failure to include it could lead to legal or administrative issues.

Can the company registration number change if I change the company name or address?

No, your CRN remains the same even if you change the company name, address or officers. The CRN is tied to the legal entity, not its name or details.
This continuity ensures the company’s identity remains consistent across its lifespan and history.

How is the company registration number used in everyday business tasks?

You’ll use the CRN when filing annual accounts, submitting confirmation statements, registering for Corporation Tax or setting up a business bank account.
It serves as a key reference number for official bodies, financial institutions and legal processes, so it’s not just a formality.