Last updated Sep 22, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

How Do I Find a Company's VAT Number by Name?

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The quickest place to look is the company's own website or a recent invoice, since VAT numbers are usually displayed in the footer or header of both. If you can't find it there, ask the company directly, they're required to provide it once requested.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the company's website footer or header, and any invoice they've sent you, before asking directly.
  • VAT numbers are a legal requirement on invoices, so any VAT-registered business should have one ready to share.
  • Once you have the number, verify it through HMRC's VAT checker to confirm it's genuinely valid.
  • For EU or Northern Ireland companies, use the VIES tool instead.

Where Do I Actually Look?

Start with the company's website, VAT numbers are commonly listed in the footer, alongside company registration details. If you've already got an invoice from them, check there too, it's usually clearly labelled "VAT" followed by the number, in the header or footer.

If neither turns anything up, contact the company directly and ask. Since VAT numbers are a legal requirement on invoices, any genuinely VAT-registered business should be able to share theirs without issue.

Once I Have the Number, How Do I Confirm It's Genuine?

Run it through HMRC's VAT number checker for a UK business, or the VIES tool if you're dealing with an EU or Northern Ireland company. Our fuller guide on checking VAT registration covers both tools properly, along with what to watch out for.

FAQs

Where's the easiest place to find a company's VAT number? Their website footer or a recent invoice, both commonly display it.

What if I can't find a company's VAT number anywhere? Ask them directly. It's a legal requirement on their invoices, so they should be able to provide it.

Do I still need to verify the number once I've found it? Yes, it's worth confirming it's genuinely valid through HMRC's checker, or VIES for EU and Northern Ireland businesses.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. For the fuller picture, see our guide to checking if a company is VAT registered.