Verify company registration

    How to check if a company is registered in United Kingdom

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in United Kingdom

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    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: Companies House

    How do I check if a company is registered in United Kingdom?

    To check if a company is registered in United Kingdom, search its name or registration number on Companies House (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Open the official Companies House

      Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house. This is the primary government-operated source.

      https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
    2. 2

      Search by name or number

      Enter the trading name or the registration number. Companies House returns exact and near matches.

    3. 3

      Check status and legal name

      A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.

    4. 4

      Cross-check the registered address

      Compare the registered office address on Companies House with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.

    5. 5

      Download the official extract (optional)

      Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.

    Open Companies HouseAll United Kingdom records

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I check if a company is registered in United Kingdom?

    Search the company's name or registration number on Companies House at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.

    How can I check if a United Kingdom company is still active?

    Read the status field on the company's Companies House record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.

    Is a United Kingdom company with a website automatically registered?

    No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in Companies House with a matching legal name and registration number.

    What proves a United Kingdom company is legally registered?

    An entry in Companies House with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by Companies House is the authoritative identifier.

    How do I look up a UK company?

    You can search by company name or registration number. Companies House provides free public access to all registered company data including directors, filing history, and accounts. Enter a name above to try it.

    People also ask about check if a company is registered in United Kingdom

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the United Kingdom company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Companies House are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official United Kingdom business registry?

    The Companies House is the official public register of companies incorporated in United Kingdom. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house.

    How can I check if a United Kingdom company is legitimate?

    Look the company up on the Companies House. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.

    What information can I get about a United Kingdom company for free?

    Free public data from the Companies House typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.

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