UK company search: how to use Companies House

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Official services open in a new tab. Guidance reviewed: 6 October 2026. Service interfaces and access may change.

Prepare the legal identity before searching

Start with the name printed in the contract or a company registration number. A website brand may differ from the legal entity behind it. Copy the whole number, including leading zeros and any letter prefix. This reduces the chance of selecting a similarly named organisation.

Companies House provides an official search by company name or number. The service button above opens a new tab, leaving this guide available alongside it. LegalRegistr is independent of Companies House; this page is a guide rather than a live register search.

Work through the search

• Open Companies House and enter the company name or number in its search field.
• Run the search. Where several names match, compare the complete legal name and number.
• Open the relevant entry and compare the address, legal form and incorporation date where shown.
• Review the available information and filing history. Identify the particular document and period relevant to your purpose.
• Keep the entry's URL so later discussions refer to the same legal entity.

Understand what you have found

The service provides free access to certain company details and document images. The GOV.UK guidance explains the available information. The register also links to ordering certificates and certified documents; check the conditions for that order separately.

Finding a record is not a conclusion about commercial reliability. Compare the contracting party with the registered entity. If payment is requested to a different organisation, establish why it is involved. Incorporation and filed documents do not replace an assessment of the particular transaction.

When the search does not identify the company

Check spelling, spacing and the complete number. Use the original legal name rather than a translated name or a brand. If you only know a corporate group, ask which entity will sign the agreement. A service error or temporary interruption should not be interpreted as evidence that the company does not exist.

Choose the document for its intended use

Identify who will receive the document: a bank, business partner or public authority. Ask that recipient for the document name, required date and acceptable format. A file used for background reading may not serve the same purpose as a document requested for a formal procedure. Clarify requirements before arranging translation or certification.

Ask for help with a UK company

Include the name, number, record link and purpose of the enquiry. For example, explain that a registration document is needed for an overseas partner. If your search was unsuccessful, list the name variants you tried. Document availability, scope, cost and timing are discussed for your particular request.