Eight-Digit Numeric Number
Many companies in England and Wales use an eight-digit numeric registration number, including leading zeros where required.
Search by Companies House number
UK Company Number Search – Find a Company by Registration Number
Enter a Companies House registration number to locate the matching UK company record. A company number identifies a specific registered entity and is often the most precise way to find the correct business.
Precise company lookup
Companies House identifier
Public company details
Company identifier
What Is a UK Company Registration Number?
A Companies House company number is used to identify a registered company or other registered entity. Unlike a company name, which can change, the registration number is tied to the legal entity and is therefore especially useful when you need to locate the exact record.
If you already have a company number, searching by that identifier can avoid confusion between businesses with similar names. If you only know the name, use our UK company search first.
Why the Company Number Is the Strongest Search Identifier
Company names may be similar, may contain small wording differences or may have changed over time. The Companies House number is designed to identify the registered entity itself.
When you are checking a contract, invoice, supplier, customer or other business relationship, matching the company number helps confirm that you are reviewing the intended legal entity rather than a similarly named company.
Number formats
What Does a UK Company Number Look Like?
Companies House uses eight-character company numbers. Some are numeric, while others use letter prefixes followed by digits. Older short numeric numbers are normally represented with leading zeros to make eight characters.
Prefix + Digits
Some company numbers include a letter prefix that reflects the type or jurisdiction of the registered entity, followed by digits.
Where to find it
Where Can You Find a Company Registration Number?
The company number is commonly shown wherever the legal company identity needs to be clear. Before relying on a number, make sure it belongs to the business you intend to check.
Search the official register or our company search to locate the company number attached to a registered entity.
UK companies commonly display registered company details in website legal information or footer sections.
The company number may appear on invoices, order documents, terms, contracts and other corporate paperwork.
Company filings, notices and other formal documents can also include the registered company number.
How to search
How to Find a UK Company by Company Number
Enter the Registration Number
Type the Companies House number exactly as shown, including any letter prefix and leading zeros where applicable.
Open the Matching Record
The number should identify a specific registered entity, allowing you to review the corresponding public company record.
Confirm the Company Details
Check the registered name, status, address and incorporation details to confirm that the record matches the business you expected.
Search method
Company Number Search vs Company Name Search
Best when you already have the identifier
A registration number points to a specific registered entity and reduces the risk of selecting the wrong company when names are similar.
Best when the number is not known
Search by company name first, compare the results and then use the registration number from the correct record for future checks.
Related checks
What Can You Check After Finding the Company?
Once the number identifies the correct entity, you can review its registration details and wider public company information. For registration-focused checks, see our company registration check. For broader Companies House data, use our Companies House search.
Common questions
UK Company Number Search FAQs
How do I search for a UK company by registration number?
Enter the Companies House number into the search box. The number identifies a specific registered entity, making it a precise way to locate the company record.
How many characters are in a Companies House number?
Companies House uses eight-character company numbers. Some are eight digits, while others include letter prefixes followed by digits.
What if my company number has fewer than eight digits?
For short numeric company numbers, leading zeros may be used so the number is represented as eight characters. For example, 12345 can be shown as 00012345.
Can a company number contain letters?
Yes. Some registered entities use company numbers with letter prefixes, such as numbers associated with Scottish companies, Northern Irish companies, LLPs and other entity types.
Is the company number the same as the company name?
No. The name identifies the company in words and may change, while the registration number is the identifier attached to the registered legal entity.
Search a UK Company Number
Enter the Companies House registration number and open the matching public company record.