If you lose your certificate of incorporation for a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), it is relatively easy to get a new one. Below, we explain the different ways you can get a replacement copy of a lost certificate of incorporation.
If you need to recover a lost certificate, there are a few options depending on whether you want a digital or hard copy.
If you registered your company through an online company formation agent, you may be able to obtain an e-copy from them. Rapid Formations clients can simply download a PDF copy of their lost certificate of incorporation by signing in to the Online Admin Portal. Scroll to the bottom of this blog for more information on how to do this.
If you formed your company online – whether through an agent or directly via Companies House – you would have received a digital certificate via email immediately after incorporation. Simply search your emails using the keywords ‘Certificate of Incorporation’, ‘Companies House’, or the name of your company formation agent. Remember to check your ‘deleted items’ folder in case you accidentally deleted the email.
A file copy of your certificate of incorporation is available to view online on the Companies House register. Following these steps to find your copy:
If you prefer a hard copy, you can order a certified certificate of incorporation directly from Companies House for just £15.00. Simply call their contact centre on +44 (0)303 1234 500 and provide your company registration number (CRN) to request this. You’ll also need to:
Orders are normally processed within four working days. A same-day option is also available for £50.00 as long as you place the order by 2pm.
Before ordering a copy of your certificate, it’s a good idea to check that all your company information is correct and up to date. Remember, directors are legally responsible for ensuring that all company details held at Companies House are accurate.
Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation to all limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) as soon as they are registered. This document confirms that the company or LLP has been legally incorporated as a legal entity in the UK, separate from its owners.
The certificate also verifies that the organisation complies with the legal requirements of the Companies Act 2006 or the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2000 and allows it to lawfully conduct business activities.
You will have to provide your certificate on a number of occasions, such as:
You’ll find several important details about your company on the certificate of incorporation, including:
Customers who form a company through Rapid Formations can download a free e-copy of their lost certificate of incorporation at any time. Simply sign in to your client account on our website and follow these steps:
If you register a company through Rapid Formations, you can also purchase a hard copy of your certificate of incorporation for just £10.00. Simply sign in to your online client account and head to the ‘Shop’ tab to make a purchase.
The Rapid Formations free Online Client Portal is available to all UK-registered limited companies and limited liability partnerships . Our sophisticated Software Filing system allows you to access and manage your company details online, report changes to Companies House, and file confirmation statements .
You can also download digital copies of incorporation documents or order paper copies, including a replacement for a lost certificate of incorporation.
Existing customers are automatically registered for this service during the company formation process. Non-clients can register free of charge at any time to take full advantage of the benefits. Simply visit the Rapid Formations homepage and create a new account by clicking ‘Log in’ in the top right-hand corner.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions or comments, please post them below, and we’ll get back to you. In the meantime, take a look at the Rapid Formations blog for more useful tips and advice.