Company Registration Number (CRN): Who Needs, Format, and How to Get It

A company registration number is the unique reference Companies House gives to a registered company or qualifying corporate entity. It is commonly called a CRN, company number, registered company number, or Companies House number. Companies House assigns the CRN when the company is incorporated. The number then appears on the certificate of incorporation and the public company record.

A CRN normally remains with the same company throughout its registered history. It does not change when the company changes its name, directors, shareholders, or registered office. A company registration number is different from HMRC references such as a UTR, VAT number, and PAYE reference.

What is a company registration number?

Companies House assigns a company registration number as a unique identifier to a registered company or qualifying corporate entity. It identifies the specific legal entity on the official Companies House public register.

The public register is the online record of companies registered with Companies House. It can show the company’s registered name, registered office, directors, filing history, company status, incorporation date, and previous names. The CRN helps distinguish one legal company from another, even when businesses have similar names or later change their registered name.

For example, a business may incorporate as Green Street Services Ltd. It could later change its name to Green Street Holdings Ltd. The registered name changes, but the company number remains linked to the same entity.

Who needs a CRN?

A Company Registration Number (CRN) is needed by businesses registered with Companies House. A limited company receives this unique number when its incorporation is completed. This includes private limited companies and public limited companies registered in the UK. The CRN identifies the legal company on the Companies House register. It normally remains the same throughout the company’s existence, even if the business changes its name or registered office.

Sole traders do not have a CRN because they are not incorporated companies. Ordinary business partnerships also do not usually receive one. Companies use their CRN when filing annual accounts, confirmation statements and other statutory documents with Companies House. Banks, accountants, lenders and government organisations may also request it when verifying a company. The number therefore helps connect official records and filings with the correct legal entity.

Why do I need a company registration number?

Because a Company Registration Number (CRN) identifies your company on the Companies House register. It connects your business with its official legal records. You need the CRN when filing annual accounts, confirmation statements, and other statutory forms. Companies House uses this number to match each filing with the correct registered company.

Because the CRN acts as a permanent company identifier, it is often required by banks, accountants, lenders, suppliers, and government bodies. It can support business verification, finance applications, and compliance checks. The number also helps distinguish your company from other businesses with similar names. This makes the CRN an important reference throughout the company’s registered life.

What is the format of a company registration number?

A company registration number usually contains eight characters, but its exact format depends on the type of entity and where it is registered.

An England and Wales company commonly has eight digits.

For example:

01234567

Scottish companies normally use the prefix SC followed by six digits.

For example:

SC123456

Northern Ireland companies normally use NI followed by six digits.

For example:

NI123456

Limited liability partnerships use different letter prefixes.

Some older company records can show shorter numbers. A historic number such as 12345 may appear with leading zeroes when used in Companies House systems.

For example:

00012345

Some other registered entities use their own letter prefixes. For example, FC is used for overseas companies registered with Companies House. Limited partnerships can use LP in England and Wales, SL in Scotland, and NL in Northern Ireland.

These prefixes help show the type or registration location of the entity. Because company number formats can vary, it is better to copy the complete number from the official Companies House record rather than trying to work out the format yourself.

How to Get a Company Registration Number in the UK?

To get a company registration number in the UK, you need to register a company with Companies House. The CRN is issued automatically once Companies House approves the incorporation. You do not need to make a separate application for the number. Before registration, you need a suitable company name, registered office address, director details, and shareholder information. Each new director must also provide their Companies House personal code after completing identity verification.

The documents and information needed depend on the company structure. A company limited by shares needs a memorandum of association, articles of association, and statement of capital. The application must also include shareholder details and information about any People with Significant Control (PSCs). When registering online, Companies House normally creates the memorandum automatically if standard arrangements are used. Directors must complete the required identity verification before their personal codes can be used for incorporation.

Common information and documents needed include:

• Proposed company name
• Registered office address
• Registered email address
• Director’s full name and personal details
• Companies House personal code for each director
• Shareholder or guarantor details
• PSC information
• Statement of capital for companies limited by shares
• Memorandum of association
• Articles of association
• Suitable identity documents where identity verification is required

Once Companies House accepts the application, the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation showing its official Company Registration Number. The CRN can then be used for company filings and other official business purposes.

How to find a company registration number at Companies House?

You can find a Company Registration Number (CRN) on the Companies House register by searching for the company using its registered name. The CRN appears on the company’s public profile and helps confirm the correct legal entity. This is useful when several businesses have similar names. You can also use the number to check company filings, directors, registered office details, and filing history.

You can usually find the CRN in the following places:

• Company profile on the Companies House register
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Annual accounts
• Confirmation statements
• Companies House correspondence
• Official company letters
• Company website or business stationery
• Invoices and contracts
• Bank or finance documents
• Previous statutory filings

The CRN normally stays the same throughout the company’s registered life, even if its name changes.

Where to check a company registration number in the UK?

To check a company registration number in the UK, use the official Companies House register. Search for the business by its registered company name and open the correct company record. The Company Registration Number (CRN) appears near the company name and forms part of its official public record. The Certificate of Incorporation also displays the same number.

You can also find a CRN on company websites, invoices, contracts, letters, order forms and other business documents. These sources should not replace an official Companies House check. Business documents can contain old details, especially after a company changes its name or contact information. Always compare the CRN, registered company name, and company status. A business can trade under a different name from its legal registered name.

Is a company registration number the same as other business numbers?

No, A Company Registration Number (CRN) is different from other business numbers such as a UTR, VAT Registration Number, Employer PAYE Reference, and Accounts Office Reference. Each number identifies a different part of the business for a specific legal or tax purpose. Companies House issues the CRN to identify the registered company, while HMRC issues most tax-related references.

A company can therefore have several official reference numbers at the same time. These numbers are not interchangeable because each one links to a different registration, tax, or compliance record.

The difference is that the CRN identifies the legal company, while the other numbers identify specific tax or payroll records. For example, the UTR relates to corporation tax, the VAT number relates to VAT registration, and the PAYE reference relates to payroll. Understanding this distinction helps businesses use the correct reference when dealing with Companies House, HMRC, banks, accountants, and other organisations.

Is my company number the same as my tax number?

No, your company number is not the same as your tax number. Your Company Registration Number identifies your limited company as a legal entity. It stays linked to the company throughout its registered life.

A tax number is used for tax administration rather than company identification. In many cases, people use the term “tax number” to mean the company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). Your UTR is used for Corporation Tax matters, while your CRN is used to identify the company on the Companies House register. Using the correct number helps ensure that records are matched to the right company or tax account.

Is a tax number the same as a UTR?

A UTR is a tax number, but the term “tax number” can refer to different tax identifiers. UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference. HMRC normally issues a 10-digit UTR to identify a taxpayer within its tax system.

The exact number required depends on the tax matter involved. For example, a VAT-related request normally requires a VAT registration number, while a Corporation Tax query may require the company’s UTR. For this reason, businesses should check which tax reference is being requested before providing any number.

Do you need both a CRN and a UTR for a limited company?

Yes, A limited company normally has both a CRN and a Corporation Tax UTR because each reference performs a different function. The CRN starts when Companies House incorporates the company. HMRC uses the company’s UTR to identify its tax record. Use the CRN when identifying the company within the Companies House system. Use the Corporation Tax UTR for relevant dealings with HMRC.

A simple distinction is

CRN = registered company identity.

UTR = taxpayer identity.

Keeping both references available helps avoid mistakes when dealing with different government services.

Can two companies have the same company registration number?

No,  A company registration number identifies one specific Companies House entity. Registered company names can resemble each other. A company can change its registered name after incorporation. The CRN prevents these changes from breaking the link with the original company record. 

How is a company registration number different from a VAT number?

A company registration number identifies a Companies House entity, while a VAT number identifies a VAT registration with HMRC. An incorporated limited company receives a CRN when Companies House registers it. A company does not automatically receive a VAT number at incorporation.

HMRC provides a VAT registration number when it accepts a VAT registration. A standard UK VAT number normally contains nine digits. A company can therefore have a CRN without having a VAT number. Use the company number when identifying the legal entity. Use the VAT number for VAT-specific matters, including VAT invoices and VAT verification.

Do I need a company registration number if I am a sole trader?

No, A sole trader does not receive a Companies House CRN simply by operating a business. A sole trader conducts business personally. There is no separate limited company unless the individual chooses to incorporate one. A sole trader may have a UTR for self-assessment. A CRN would arise if the individual separately incorporated a company with Companies House. This is why the phrase “business registration number can confuse. Not every UK business has a Companies House registration number.

Do charities have a company registration number?

Some charities have company registration numbers, while others do not. The answer depends on the charity’s legal structure. A charity structured as a charitable company registers with Companies House. It therefore receives a company registration number. It may also have a charity registration number. 

A charitable incorporated organisation follows a different registration structure. In England and Wales, a CIO registers with the Charity Commission rather than becoming an ordinary limited company. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different arrangements. Do not assume that a charity number and company number refer to the same thing. Check the organization’s legal structure first.

Does a company registration number ever change?

A company registration number normally stays with the same company throughout its registered history.  Changing the company name does not normally change the CRN. Changing directors does not create a new number. The number also remains unchanged when the company changes its registered office. Share transfers do not create another CRN either.

Why is a Company Registration Number Important for Businesses?

A Company Registration Number gives a registered company a consistent identity across official records and commercial dealings. A company can change significantly during its life. Its directors may change. Shareholders may sell or transfer shares. The registered office may move. The business may adopt a different registered name. The CRN continues to connect those events with the same company record. This makes the number useful for Companies House filings and business checks.

Accountants can use it to locate the correct company record. Banks may use it during verification. Suppliers and customers may use it to check which legal entity sits behind a trading name. The number supports identification only. It does not prove that the company is profitable, solvent, trustworthy, or free from regulatory problems. A buyer or lender should therefore consider other information before making an important decision.

When do you need to use a company registration number?

You may need a company registration number when dealing with Companies House, HMRC, banks, lenders, contracts, or business checks. Companies House forms frequently ask for the number. Banks and payment providers can request it during account verification. A lender may use it when reviewing company information. Solicitors and accountants can use the CRN to confirm they are dealing with the correct legal entity. Suppliers and customers may also check it before entering a significant contract. The number becomes particularly useful when a business operates under a trading name.

Where must a company registration number be displayed?

UK companies must show their registered number on certain business communications, including business letters, order forms, and websites. Relevant materials must also display other statutory company details. These can include the registered office address and the part of the UK where the company is registered.

The place of registration may be:

• England and Wales
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

Companies must also use their full registered name where company disclosure rules require it. Keeping these details accurate helps customers identify the business they are dealing with. It also reduces confusion where a company uses a separate brand or trading name.

How does Companies House use a company registration number?

Companies House uses the company number to connect filings, changes, and public information with the correct company record.

The register can contain details such as the company’s:

• registered office
• officers
• filing history
• previous names
• status
• accounts
• confirmation statements

The CRN provides continuity across those records. This is particularly useful after a company changes its registered name. Searching by an exact company number can often produce a more reliable result than searching only by name. Businesses should therefore copy the number carefully when preparing forms or official records. An incorrect company number can direct information towards the wrong entity or cause a filing problem.

Do dormant companies still have CRNs?

Yes, A dormant company keeps its existing company registration number while it remains registered. Dormancy does not create a new company. It also does not cancel the original Companies House identity. A dormant company can remain on the register even when it carries out little or no trading activity. It can still have filing responsibilities. These commonly include annual accounts and a confirmation statement. If the company later becomes active again, Companies House does not issue a new CRN. The existing number continues to identify the same company.

What happens to a company registration number when a company closes?

A dissolved company’s registration number remains connected with its historic Companies House record. Dissolution ends the company’s legal existence unless it is later restored. The company’s historic record can remain available through Companies House. The CRN continues to identify that historical record.

This becomes particularly relevant when somebody needs to research an old company. Company restoration also shows why the CRN provides useful continuity. When a dissolved company returns to the register through restoration, the process normally restores the existing company rather than creating a completely new entity. Its company number therefore helps connect events before dissolution with the restored company record. The CRN can provide a continuous corporate trail from incorporation through name changes, dormancy, dissolution, and possible restoration.