How to Get a Company Registration Number in the UK

If you’re planning to set up a limited company in the UK, you’ll need a Company Registration Number (CRN). It’s the unique identifier Companies House assigns to your company on day one - and you’ll use it constantly as you trade and grow.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a CRN is, who needs one (and who doesn’t), how to get it quickly, where to find it later, and the key legal steps to take once you’ve got it. Don’t stress - with a bit of preparation, getting your CRN is straightforward and sets you up for success from day one.

What Is A Company Registration Number (CRN)?

A Company Registration Number is a unique eight-character code issued by Companies House when your company is incorporated. It typically contains two letters followed by six numbers (for example, “OC123456” for LLPs or “SC123456” for Scottish companies) or eight numbers for most private companies registered in England and Wales.

Think of the CRN as your company’s legal identity badge. It:

• Appears on your Certificate of Incorporation
• Is required on official filings with Companies House
• Is used by banks, suppliers and HMRC to identify your company
• Must be displayed on certain business documents and your website under the Companies Act 2006

It’s different from your tax references (like your Unique Taxpayer Reference or VAT number). We’ll explain those distinctions below so you don’t mix them up.

Do I Need A CRN For My Small Business?

You need a CRN if your business is incorporated at Companies House - for example, you register as a limited company (Ltd), limited liability partnership (LLP) or public limited company (PLC). If you’re operating as a sole trader, you won’t have a CRN because you don’t register a sole trade with Companies House.

You might choose a company structure for reasons like limited liability, credibility with customers and suppliers, bringing in investors, or separating business and personal finances. If your long-term plans include growth or outside investment, a company can be a smart foundation.

If you’re still deciding whether to incorporate, it’s worth thinking about governance and ownership from the outset. Clear rules in your Articles of Association and a robust Shareholders Agreement help prevent disputes and make scaling smoother.

How Do I Get A Company Registration Number?

You get a CRN by registering your company with Companies House. Incorporation can be done online, often within 24 hours (or the same day for an additional fee). Here’s the step-by-step process.

1) Choose Your Company Structure And Name

Most small businesses set up as a private company limited by shares (Ltd). Pick a unique company name that isn’t too similar to an existing one and doesn’t include restricted terms without permission. Search the Companies House register to check availability.

2) Prepare Your Key Company Details

You’ll need basic information to incorporate:

• Registered office address in the UK (this will be public)
• Director details (at least one director for a private company)
• Shareholder details and initial share allocations
• Your chosen Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for your business activities
• Information about your People with Significant Control (PSCs)

3) Decide On Your Company Constitution

Companies must adopt Articles of Association (the internal rulebook). You can use the default “Model Articles” or adopt bespoke Articles tailored to how you want to run the company (for example, different share classes, pre-emption rights or board decision-making rules). Getting your Articles of Association right at the start can avoid headaches later.

4) File Your Incorporation

Submit your application to Companies House online with the required details and fee. If you’d like help from a lawyer to structure things correctly and handle the filing, you can Register a company with support to ensure your constitution and share structure match your plans.

5) Get Your CRN And Certificate Of Incorporation

Once accepted, Companies House issues your CRN immediately alongside your Certificate of Incorporation. You can start trading as soon as you’re incorporated (subject to any sector-specific licences your business needs).

How Long Does It Take?

• Standard online applications: usually the same day or within 24 hours
• Postal applications: typically 8–10 days
• Same-day incorporation: available for an additional fee if filed before the cut-off

If your name includes a sensitive word or your structure is more complex, expect additional checks and possible delays.

Where Do I Find Or Use My CRN?

You’ll receive your CRN in the Companies House confirmation email and on your Certificate of Incorporation. After that, you can find it anytime by searching your company on the public register. It also appears on many Companies House filings.

You’ll use your CRN frequently. Typical touchpoints include:

• Opening a business bank account
• Filing your confirmation statement and annual accounts with Companies House
• Registering for Corporation Tax, PAYE and VAT with HMRC
• Signing commercial contracts and supplier onboarding
• Updating company details (directors, registered office, share changes)

Under the Companies Act 2006, companies must display their registered name and number on business letters, order forms, and their website. It’s good practice to include the CRN in your email footer and invoices as well.

If you misplace it, don’t worry - you can look up your Company Registration Number on the public register in seconds.

Common Mistakes When Getting (And Using) Your CRN

Incorporation is straightforward, but a few common pitfalls can cause avoidable issues. Here’s what to watch for.

Mixing Up The CRN With Tax References

Your CRN is not your tax identifiers. After incorporation, HMRC will issue:

• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - linked to Corporation Tax
• VAT number (if you register for VAT)
• PAYE reference (if you employ staff)

Suppliers and lenders may ask for different references at different stages. Keep a clear record so you provide the right number in the right context.

Choosing The Wrong SIC Code

That four-digit code signals what your company does. Pick the closest match to your actual activity. If you pivot or add new lines of business later, you can update your SIC when filing your next confirmation statement. Using an inaccurate SIC can cause confusion with banks, insurers or tenders.

Using A Personal Address As Your Registered Office

Your registered office is public. Many directors prefer to use a service address to protect privacy and keep personal addresses off the register. Make sure you keep the address up to date - missing important post from Companies House or HMRC can lead to penalties.

Forgetting About PSC Information

UK companies must maintain accurate details of their People with Significant Control (those who ultimately own or control the company). Keep this information current - changes must be reflected in your internal registers and filed at the right time.

Not Updating Stationery And Your Website

Once you have your CRN, update your letterheads, order forms, invoices and website footer to include your registered name, CRN, and registered office address as required. Non-compliance with disclosure rules can result in fines.

Skipping The Internal Paperwork

After incorporation, you need to issue share certificates, set up statutory registers (members, directors, PSCs and charges if applicable), and keep board minutes and resolutions. These housekeeping steps matter - banks, investors and buyers will expect them to be in order.

After You Get Your CRN: Essential Next Legal Steps

Getting your CRN is the start of your company’s legal journey, not the end. To be protected from day one and ready to grow, work through these essentials.

1) Finalise Your Company Governance

• Adopt the right Articles of Association for how you want decisions to be made
• Put a Shareholders Agreement in place to cover exits, disputes, share transfers and investment
• Issue share certificates and set up your member and PSC registers properly

These documents are your rulebook - and they’re crucial when adding investors, bringing on co-founders or planning an exit.

2) Register For Taxes And Payroll

• Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC after incorporation
• Register for VAT if you expect to exceed the threshold (or voluntarily, if it suits your model)
• Set up PAYE if you’ll pay directors or employees

Be mindful of tax deadlines and record-keeping - getting systems in place early saves a lot of pain later.

3) Open A Business Bank Account

Your bank will usually ask for your Certificate of Incorporation, CRN, proof of ID and address for directors, and sometimes your SIC code and business plan. Keeping your records neat from day one will make this smoother.

4) Sort Your Core Contracts

Put essential contracts in place with customers, suppliers and contractors. Properly drafted terms can limit your liability, set clear expectations and reduce disputes. Avoid generic templates - get agreements tailored to your model and risk profile.

5) Protect Data And Comply With Privacy Law

If you collect or process personal data (for example, customer emails, staff details or website analytics), you must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. That usually means having a clear legal basis, strong security practices, and a transparent Privacy Policy that reflects your operations.

6) Protect Your Brand

Your company name and brand are separate. Consider trade mark registration to secure your name/logo nationally and deter copycats. If that’s on your roadmap, a streamlined first step is to register a trade mark as you launch.

7) Understand Directors’ Duties

Directors must act in the company’s best interests, avoid conflicts, keep proper records and file on time with Companies House and HMRC. Good governance builds credibility and reduces risk - investors and lenders will look for it.

CRN FAQs For Small Businesses

Is A CRN The Same As A UTR?

No. Your CRN is issued by Companies House at incorporation. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is issued by HMRC for Corporation Tax. You’ll likely have both, and you’ll use them in different contexts.

Do Sole Traders Have A CRN?

No. Sole traders don’t register with Companies House and therefore don’t have a CRN. If you later incorporate, you’ll receive a CRN at that time.

Can I Trade Before I Get My CRN?

You can’t trade as a limited company until you’re incorporated and have your CRN. If you’ve been trading as a sole trader and then incorporate, make sure you transition contracts, bank accounts and VAT registrations properly to the company.

What If I Lose My CRN?

Search your company on the Companies House register - your CRN is displayed publicly. It’s also on your Certificate of Incorporation and Companies House emails.

Can I Change My CRN?

No. Your CRN is permanent. If you change your company name, your CRN stays the same.

Where Must I Display My Company Details?

Under the Companies Act 2006, you must display your registered name on your website, business letters, order forms and certain signage. It’s best practice to include your CRN and registered office on stationery and your website footer to keep things clear and compliant.

Key Takeaways

• You’ll get a Company Registration Number automatically when you incorporate with Companies House - it’s your company’s permanent legal identifier.
• You need a CRN if you set up a limited company or LLP; sole traders don’t receive one because they don’t register with Companies House.
• To get your CRN fast, file online with Companies House, have your details ready (directors, shareholders, SIC code, registered office) and adopt suitable Articles of Association.
• Keep your CRN handy - you’ll use it for banks, suppliers, Companies House filings and HMRC registrations, and you must display it on certain documents and your website.
• Avoid common pitfalls like confusing your CRN with your UTR, choosing an inaccurate SIC code, or neglecting PSC disclosures and statutory registers.
• After you have your CRN, get your legal foundations in place: governance, Shareholders Agreement, statutory registers and Privacy Policy, so you’re protected from day one.

If you’d like help to structure your company correctly and file for incorporation, or you want bespoke documents tailored to your plans, our friendly team is here to help. You can reach us at 08081347754 or team@sprintlaw.co.uk for a free, no-obligations chat.