Definition
A company registration number is the eight-character number Companies House gives each UK limited company and LLP when it is incorporated. It identifies the company on the public register and stays the same for its whole life. UK companies usually show it on invoices, letters, and websites along with their registered office address.
Also called: Company number, CRN, Companies House number, Registered number
Company registration number in practice
Trading disclosure rules require a company to show its registered name on all business documents, including invoices. Its registered number, the part of the UK where it is registered, and its registered office address must appear on business letters, order forms, and its website, and most companies add them to invoices too.
Companies registered in England and Wales usually have numbers made of eight digits. Scottish companies start with SC, Northern Irish companies with NI, and LLPs with OC, SO, or NC.
Sole traders and partnerships do not have a company registration number. A sole trader's invoice should show their own name and any business name they trade under, plus a business address.
Example
The footer of a Leeds agency's invoice reads "Example Studio Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 01234567, registered office 1 Park Row, Leeds".
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my company number on invoices?
The law requires your registered company name on invoices and your number on letters, order forms, and your website. Including it on invoices as well is standard and helps clients verify you.
How do I look up a company registration number?
Search the company name on the free Companies House service on GOV.UK. It shows the number, registered office, officers, and filing history.
Related terms
- VAT registration number A VAT registration number is the unique number HMRC gives a business when it registers for VAT in the UK, made up of nine digits with a GB prefix.
- UTR number A UTR number, or Unique Taxpayer Reference, is the 10-digit reference HMRC issues to individuals who register for Self Assessment and to limited companies for Corporation Tax.
- Tax ID A tax ID is the number a tax authority assigns to a business for reporting and collecting taxes.
- Invoice An invoice is a document a seller sends to a buyer to request payment for goods or services that have been delivered.
This page is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by location, so consult a qualified lawyer or accountant about your situation.