Once you have successfully formed a new limited company in the UK, Companies House will issue a certificate of incorporation.
What does the certificate contain, and what happens if you require a certified copy?
What is a certificate of incorporation?
This document confirms that the company has been registered with Companies House in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
It contains:
- Your company name
- Your company registration number
- The date on which the company was formed
- Where the company is registered (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- The Registrar of Companies’ official seal
How to get a certificate of incorporation
If you use the Companies House online incorporation service or a third-party formation agent, you will automatically receive a PDF certificate via email. This is usually issued within 24 hours, often much quicker.
If you use the Companies House postal (paper) service, you should receive a paper copy within 8–10 working days.
When do you need to show your certificate?
- When opening a new business bank account
- If you apply for a business loan or credit facility
- When seeking funding, such as a grant
- If you are bringing in new investors
- If you plan to sell your company
These days, company information can usually be validated online, so you may not always be asked to provide a paper certificate. In certain situations, a certified copy remains useful.
Get a copy of your company’s certificate of incorporation
Visit the Companies House search service, look up your company, and click on ‘filing history’. Scroll to the incorporation documents, download the PDF, and print the certificate if you need a hard copy.
How do I get a certified copy?
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a certified copy, for example to a lender or when dealing with overseas authorities.
Read this Companies House guidance to see how to order a certified copy.
You can also request that extra information, such as the registered office address and company officers, be included. You need to set up a Companies House service account and pay a £15 fee. The certified copy will be delivered within a few working days.
What if I want to change my company’s name?
If you decide to change your company name in the future, you will need to follow the naming process again, just as you did when you formed the company.
Check that the new name is available and does not breach Companies House naming rules.
The change must be authorised either by the board of directors via a special resolution or by provisions in the Articles of Association.
You can use the Companies House online service if a special resolution has been passed. This costs £30 or £83 for same-day processing. Alternatively, you can submit a paper form NM01 with a copy of the resolution for £30.
If you change the name via provisions in your Articles, you must use Form NM04. The fee is also £30.
FAQs
Is the PDF certificate legally valid?
Yes. The PDF you receive from Companies House is an official certificate and is usually accepted in the same way as a paper version.
Do I have to pay for the original certificate?
No. The original certificate is included with your incorporation. You only pay if you later need a certified copy.
Can I download the certificate again if I lose it?
Yes. You can download it from your company’s filing history on the Companies House service at any time.
What is the difference between a certified copy and the original certificate?
A certified copy is an official duplicate produced by Companies House. It carries the same legal standing as the original.
Do sole traders or partnerships get a certificate of incorporation?
No. Certificates of incorporation only apply to limited companies and LLPs registered with Companies House.
Does the certificate update if I change directors or shareholders?
No. The certificate only shows details from the date of incorporation. Later changes are recorded separately in Companies House filings.
Can I order a certificate with additional details?
Yes. You can request that information, such as the registered office and officer details, be included when you order a certified copy.
