What is a company registration number?

The company registration number (CRN), or company number, is the unique identifier Companies House gives every company and LLP on incorporation. It never changes, even when the company changes its name.

Format

Always 8 characters. Companies in England and Wales use 8 digits (e.g. 01234567). Others use a 2-letter prefix: SC Scotland, NI Northern Ireland, OC LLPs in England and Wales, SO Scottish LLPs, LP/SL limited partnerships, FC overseas companies, CE/CS charitable incorporated organisations, RS/IP registered societies.

Where to find it

On the certificate of incorporation, invoices, letters and the company website (companies must show it), or by searching the name on UK Company Lookup. See how to find a company number.

Company number vs other numbers

It is not the VAT number (GB + 9 digits, see VAT number check), the UTR (10-digit tax reference from HMRC) or the PAYE reference.