What is a Company Registration Number (CRN) and How to Obtain It?
What is a Company Registration Number (CRN)?
A Company Registration Number (CRN) is a unique alphanumeric code issued by Companies House when a company is incorporated in the UK. This number, typically consisting of eight characters, serves as a primary means of identifying the company in legal and official contexts.
The number stays with your company permanently. Even if you change your company name or directors, the CRN stays the same. The only way to get a new CRN is to register a new company.
The Purpose and Legal Significance of the CRN
The CRN is essential for a wide range of official activities. It is required for filing annual returns, tax returns, and various legal documents. The CRN ensures that a company can be distinctly identified in government databases, thus preventing confusion between entities with similar names.
This number also helps in tracking a company's history, ownership changes, and financial records, providing transparency and accountability within the business environment.
Who gets a CRN?
Not every business needs a company registration number – you'll only be assigned a CRN if you incorporate. This means you'll only have a CRN if your business is registered as a limited company or a limited liability partnership (LLP). Sole traders and freelancers registered as other types of businesses aren't assigned CRNs, but they may have other types of registration numbers, such as a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or VAT number.
What Does a CRN Look Like?
A CRN consists of 8 figures (numbers) or 2 letters followed by 6 figures. The exact combination depends on the company structure and where it is incorporated.
Where to Find Your CRN
You can find your CRN in several places:
Certificate of Incorporation – issued by Companies House as soon as your company was registered.
Official correspondence from Companies House – filing reminders, annual return notifications, etc..
Companies House public register.
Your accountant or formation agent – if you used one to register.
Business bank account documents – banks require your CRN during account setup.
If you've lost your CRN, the quickest way to recover it is through the free Companies House search tool. Simply type in your company name and your CRN will appear at the top of the company profile.
When Do You Need Your CRN?
You'll use your CRN regularly across many business activities:
With Companies House:
Filing annual accounts and confirmation statements;
Updating company details (address, directors, shareholders);
Reporting changes to people with significant control (PSC).
With HMRC:
Paying Corporation Tax;
Registering for VAT (required once your turnover exceeds £90,000);
Setting up PAYE if you employ staff.
In everyday business:
Opening a business bank account;
Signing contracts and legal agreements;
Applying for business loans or grants;
All official documents – letterheads, invoices, order forms, and your company website.
A limited company applies for a business loan. The lender looks up the CRN on Companies House to verify the company exists, check its filing history, and confirm it's in good standing. A missing or incorrect CRN can delay or block the application entirely.
How to Get a CRN: The Registration Process
Company registration numbers are assigned automatically when businesses incorporate, which means that you don't need to follow a separate process in order to get your CRN. The CRN is generated the moment your company is successfully registered.
You can register in three ways:
Directly online via Companies House - It costs £100 and can be paid by debit or credit card. Your company is usually registered within 24 hours.
By post - Postal applications take 8–10 days and cost £124 (paid by cheque).
Through a formation agent or accountant - Many formation agents can complete the process within a few hours. Their fees vary, but all charge the Companies House fee on top.
What you'll need to register:
A unique company name (checked against the Companies House register);
A registered UK office address;
Details of at least one director (must be 16 or older);
Shareholder and share structure information;
A SIC code (classifies your business activity);
Memorandum and articles of association.
FAQs:
1. Can I choose my own CRN?
No. Your CRN is assigned automatically by Companies House when you register. You cannot choose it or change it.
2. Does a sole trader have a CRN?
No. Sole traders are not incorporated through Companies House, so they don't receive a CRN. Instead, they register with HMRC and receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
3. Does my CRN change if I rename my company?
No. Your CRN is permanent. Even if you change your company name, it stays the same. You'll find it on both your original Certificate of Incorporation and any name-change certificate.
4. What's the difference between a CRN and a UTR?
A CRN is issued by Companies House and identifies your registered company. A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is issued by HMRC and is used for tax purposes. They are separate numbers serving different functions.
Conclusion
The Company Registration Number is a fundamental aspect of the corporate identity in the UK. It serves not only as a legal identifier but also as a tool for maintaining business transparency and accountability. Understanding its purpose and applications is essential for anyone involved in company management or legal compliance. By ensuring that the CRN is correctly used and understood, businesses can operate more effectively within the UK's regulatory framework.
