A Company Registration Number (CRN) is a unique code provided by Companies House when you register a company. In this article, we will explain what a company registration number is, who gets one, and why it matters.
- CRN is essential for validating incorporation with Companies House, identifying legal entities like limited companies and LLPs.
- Limited companies in England and Wales receive CRNs starting with 0; Scotland and Northern Ireland use letter prefixes.
- Use your CRN for actions such as opening a bank account, applying for loans, and communicating with HMRC.
- Companies must display their CRN in official documents to comply with the Companies Act (2006) and enhance transparency.
What is a Company Registration Number (CRN)?
A Company Registration Number is a unique alphanumeric code provided to newly incorporated companies in the UK by Companies House, also often called a Companies House number, company number, or CRN.
Example: Tesco Plc’s CRN is 00445790
Having registered your new limited company, limited liability partnership or public limited company, the CRN provided by Companies House will remain the same, even if you change your business name, industry, or location.
What is the purpose of a Company Registration Number?
Your company’s CRN is a unique ID allowing it to be identified in relation to any dealings with Companies House. For example, when you file your accounts and confirmation statement each year, Companies House will use your CRN to ensure that the documents are filed against the correct company.
The main purposes of the CRN include:
- Identifying your company in all dealings with Companies House, HMRC, banks, and third parties
- Making it possible to track company filings, including accounts, confirmation statements, and changes to directors or your registered office
- Validating your company’s legitimacy for due diligence checks undertaken by customers, suppliers, and regulators, and
- Meeting your legal compliance requirements, including displaying your CRN on business letters, invoices, emails, and websites.
Do all businesses have a Company Registration Number?
Not all businesses in the UK will receive a CRN. Only incorporated businesses receive a company registration number in the UK, including:
- Private limited companies (Ltd)
- Public limited companies (PLC)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Certain overseas companies registered with Companies House
If your business is a sole trader or ordinary partnership, you will not have a CRN because they are not registered with Companies House. If you are classed as a ‘freelancer’ or self-employed person, other identifiers such as a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or National Insurance number will be used to identify your business.
What is the format of a Company Registration Number?
A CRN consists of 8 characters and may contain numbers only or a combination of letters and numbers, depending on where and how the business was incorporated, as follows
| Jurisdiction/Entity Type | CRN Format |
|---|---|
|
England & Wales Ltd company |
8-digit number |
|
LLP (England & Wales) |
OC followed by 6 digits |
|
Scotland Ltd company |
SC followed by 6 digits |
|
LLP (Scotland) |
SO followed by 6 digits |
|
Northern Ireland Ltd company |
NI followed by 6 digits |
|
LLP (Northern Ireland) |
NC followed by 6 digits |
For example, a CRN that begins with ‘SC’ confirms that the company was registered in Scotland.
Your CRN will never change, even if you move your company to a different legal jurisdiction within the UK. If you move your company’s head office from Scotland to England, for example, its CRN will remain unchanged.
Where can I find my Company Registration Number?
Your CRN will be provided to you on the certificate of incorporation issued by Companies House when you first register your company. In addition, you will find your registration number in a range of other places, including:
- Our online customer portal if you used our company formation service to incorporate your business
- The Companies House online register
- Emails or letters from your accountant or company formation agent
- Statutory letters or reminders from Companies House, and
- Any correspondence you have sent to Companies House in the past
Note, however, it may not be shown as CRN or Customer Registration Number; rather, it may just be under ‘company number’.
Why is your CRN important?
Your CRN signifies to others, including customers, suppliers, investors, and banks, that you have a legitimately registered business in the UK. In other words, it shows that you have a legally formed company and that you are required to adhere to the strict compliance rules defined by Companies House and the Companies Act 2006.
Your CRN is required throughout the life of your business when:
- Dealing with customers, banks, and HMRC
- Filing accounts
- Updating any details held by Companies House (i.e. when filing your Confirmation Statement)
- Closing your company
- Applying for business loans, signing commercial leases, or bidding for contracts
- Applying for grants, and
- Writing invoices, websites, emails, and legal documents
Not only is your CRN used by all business stakeholders and banks to verify that your enterprise is legitimate and compliant with company law, but it tells Companies House which company they are dealing with when they receive communications and filings.
Legal requirements for displaying your CRN
Section 25 of the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 requires registered companies to disclose their CRN on any business letters, order forms, and websites. You do not need to display your CRN on social media or marketing materials, but it should be included in your invoices or official correspondence. Remember, these are legal requirements. If you do not show your CRN when you are required to do so, you risk financial penalties or other enforcement action by Companies House.
What is the difference between a CRN, UTR, and VAT Number?
Throughout the life of your company, you will regularly find yourself being asked to provide your CRN, UTR, or VAT number. These all serve different purposes, as explained below:
| Identifier | Issued By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
CRN |
Companies House |
Confirms legal company registration |
|
UTR (Unique Taxpayer Ref.) |
HMRC |
For Corporation Tax and Self-Assessment |
|
VAT Number |
HMRC |
For businesses registered for VAT |
Your CRN proves that your company legally exists and is on the register of companies in the UK. A UTR, on the other hand, is needed when you are paying tax (personal or corporate). A VAT number is a unique identifier to denote that you are registered for Value Added Tax and that any VAT paid to HMRC is correctly assigned against your company. This is not provided automatically. You will only be issued a VAT number by HMRC if you register for VAT; this is only mandatory for businesses earning over £90,000 annually.
How to register a company and get a CRN
You will only receive a Company Registration Number if you apply to Companies House to set up your company, and your application is approved. You can incorporate/register your company either through a company formation agent such as Uniwide Formations or the Companies House website.
To register a company using the formation service, the steps are as follows:
- Choose a unique company name that is not the same or too similar to an existing company registered with Companies House – you can use our free company name checker service to make sure your company name is valid and will be accepted by Companies House
- Choose which company formation package you would like to use
- Provide your company details – including your company name, registered office address, directors, shareholding, and standard industry codes (SIC). Remember, you will need to appoint at least one director
- Submit your company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association – or use model articles if you prefer
- Pay the company formation fee – the fee will depend on the package you choose
Once approved, you will receive your certificate of incorporation, typically on the same day or within 24 hours. Your certificate of incorporation will include your Company Registration Number. It is important to keep your certificate of incorporation for future reference, for example, when opening a business bank account.
FAQs – Company Registration Number
Can two companies share the same CRN?
No two companies can share the same CRN in the UK. Each CRN is unique and permanently linked to one company.
What if I lose my CRN?
If you lose your CRN, you will find it on your certificate of incorporation, company documents, or the Companies House website. In addition, if you used our company formation service to register your company, you can find your CRN on your Uniwide customer portal.
Is my company’s CRN confidential?
CRNs are public information and are freely available through Companies House.
Can I change my CRN?
CRNs cannot be changed at any time. As such, it identifies your company for life.
Do all businesses in the UK have a CRN?
Only incorporated businesses in the UK have a CRN, such as limited companies and LLPs. Sole traders and traditional partnerships are not incorporated and, therefore, do not have a CRN.
How do I prove my company has a valid CRN?
To show that your company has a valid CRN, you can simply point them to your Companies House profile or provide a certified copy of your certificate of incorporation.
Final words
We hope you found this guide to Company Registration Numbers useful and enlightening. Your CRN is a strong signal to investors, customers, suppliers and lenders that you have a fully registered business in the UK. Companies and their officers are held to a high standard of legal compliance, instilling in others a great deal of confidence.
