What Is a Certificate of Incorporation? And How to Get It

When you're setting up a new company, there's a lot of paperwork to keep track of—and the certificate of incorporation is one you definitely don’t want to overlook.

It’s a key part of the company formation process, and you’ll often need it when opening a business bank account, registering for taxes, or confirming your company information with banks, clients, or government agencies.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a certificate of incorporation is, what details it includes, how to get one through Companies House or a formation agent, and what to do if it goes missing. You’ll also find practical tips for keeping it secure and how it relates to other documents like your articles of association.

A certificate of incorporation is issued by Companies House when your limited company is officially registered in the UK. It confirms that your business has legal standing and exists independently from its company directors and shareholders.

This legal document plays a central role in the company formation process and is often required when verifying your company name, confirming registration, or providing official company information to banks, partners, or government agencies.

As part of your incorporation documents, it appears on the UK’s public register and works alongside other key records such as your articles of association and registered office address.

In the next sections, we’ll explore what the certificate includes, when you’ll need it, and how to retrieve it if lost.

Understanding the UK Certificate of Incorporation

The certificate of incorporation is a key legal document that confirms your company has been officially registered under the Companies Act 2006 and exists as a separate legal entity in the UK. It applies to all types of companies, including a private limited company, public limited company, or limited liability partnership (LLP).

Once your company formation is approved, Companies House, the official registrar of companies, issues this certificate automatically. You’ll receive your certificate directly from Companies House or through your company formation agent, depending on how your company was registered.

This certificate forms part of your official incorporation documents and is often required when verifying your company information with banks, regulators, or potential partners.

When You’ll Need to Use It

You may need to present your certificate of incorporation during a range of business activities that require proof of your company’s legal status. Some common situations include:

• Opening a business bank account – most providers will ask for this document to confirm your limited company is officially listed on the UK’s public register.
• Registering with HMRC – essential when setting up Corporation Tax or applying for a VAT number.
• Applying for loans or business credit – lenders often require your incorporation documents as part of their due diligence.
• Working with clients, suppliers, or landlords – to demonstrate that your company is legally established and overseen by authorised company directors.

Most company formation agents or banks will provide a digital copy of your certificate of incorporation by default. It’s still a good idea to store a backup in a secure folder, along with other key documents like your articles of association, in case you’re asked to share them with partners, banks, or HMRC.

In some cases, such as when working with overseas authorities or opening an international business bank account, you may be asked to provide a certified copy rather than a digital version.

What Information Is Included in the Certificate

A UK certificate of incorporation includes key company details that confirm your business is officially registered with Companies House. These details appear on the UK’s public register and form part of your formal incorporation documents:

If you need to retrieve your certificate of incorporation after registering your limited company, the process is straightforward. You can access a digital copy for free or request a certified copy through the official Companies House Service.

Whether you completed your company formation directly with Companies House or through a company formation agent, you can follow the steps below to find or order your certificate on the UK’s public register.

Steps to Retrieve or Order Your Certificate

1️⃣ Go to the Companies House Service

Visit the Find and update the company information page and search for your company name or CRN.

2️⃣ Select your company from the search results

This will take you to your public company profile.

3️⃣ Click the ‘Filing history’ tab

You’ll see a list of your company’s incorporation documents and updates.

4️⃣ Find the ‘Incorporation’ entry

Click View PDF to download a free digital copy of your company’s certificate.

5️⃣ Need a certified or hard copy?

You can order a certified copy via GOV.UK for legal or formal use. 

• Standard service: £15
• Same-day service: £50 (if ordered before 11 am)

Check current fees on GOV.UK

Misplacing your certificate of incorporation happens more often than you'd think, but the good news is that getting a replacement is quick and simple. Depending on how your limited company was registered, you can retrieve either a digital copy or request a certified copy directly from Companies House or your company formation agent.

Before ordering a replacement, it’s worth checking where your original certificate might be stored: in your email confirmation, through your company formation platform, or among your incorporation documents, such as your articles of association or official seal.

In the next few sections, we’ll walk you through how to:

• Contact your formation agent to retrieve a stored copy
• Download a digital certificate directly from the Companies House Service
• Order a certified copy if you need an official version for legal or overseas use

Check with Your Company Formation Agent

If you used a company formation agent to register your limited company, they’re often the quickest route to retrieving your certificate of incorporation, especially if you no longer have access to your original files or email confirmation.

Here’s how a formation agent may help:

• Access your client portal – Most company formation agents provide a secure dashboard where you can download your digital certificate and other incorporation documents.
• Check your original confirmation email – Many agents attach the certificate of incorporation as a PDF once your company registration is approved.
• Contact support – If you’ve lost access to your portal or files, the agent may be able to resend the certificate or help verify your company information.

Download a Digital Copy from Companies House

If you didn’t use a company formation agent or prefer to retrieve the document yourself, you can access a digital copy of your certificate of incorporation through the Companies House Service.

To retrieve it, search your company name or CRN, navigate to the Filing History tab, and click View PDF next to the incorporation entry.

Order a Certified Copy from Companies House

If you need an officially verified replacement, such as one with a Companies House seal or digital authentication, you can order a certified copy via GOV.UK.

To request one, search for your company on the Companies House Service and follow the Order a certified copy instructions on your company profile.

You’ll have the option to choose between standard and same-day service, depending on urgency.

Your certificate of incorporation is just one of several documents you’ll rely on as a business owner. Keeping it safe and accessible makes it easier to manage tasks like registering for taxes, opening a bank account, or dealing with legal and financial partners.

Stay organised from the start, save digital and certified copies, and revisit your company formation documents when needed.