Quick answer: Active, dissolved, inactive, struck off, suspended, and similar company registry statuses are not interchangeable. Check the official registry status, status date, filing history, jurisdiction, and recent documents before trusting a company claim.
Last checked: June 4, 2026. Registry Check Guide is not a government agency, regulator, certification body, law firm, or official registry. Use this page as a practical guide to read official records before you rely on them.
Official sources to start with
| Official source | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Companies House company search | Official UK company search by company name, company number, or officer name. |
| Canada.ca directories of Canadian companies | Canada.ca entry point for business registries, incorporation status, federal corporations, and business number searches. |
What to check first
- Find the official registry for the company's jurisdiction.
- Search by company number or exact legal name.
- Read the status, status date, incorporation date, and filing history.
- Check whether the company changed names, moved jurisdictions, merged, dissolved, or revived.
- Compare the record with contracts, invoices, website claims, and seller profiles.
How to read the record
| Field or claim | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Active | The entity is currently active in that registry, but this does not prove trustworthiness. |
| Dissolved | The entity is no longer active in that registry; check date and any successor entity claims. |
| Suspended or struck off | Usually a warning status that requires more context from the official registry. |
| Status date | Shows when the registry applied or updated the status. |
What this record does not prove
- Active status does not prove solvency, reputation, or authority.
- Dissolved status does not explain every related brand or successor entity.
- A registry status does not replace contract, tax, license, or compliance checks.
Red flags
- The company is dissolved but still requesting payment under the same name.
- The legal name on the registry does not match the payment recipient.
- The company recently changed names or officers without clear explanation.
Related checks
UK company number check Canada corporation number vs business number UK company registry guide
FAQ
Does active status mean a company is legitimate?
It means the entity is active in that registry, but it does not prove reputation, solvency, or seller authority.
What should I do if a company is dissolved?
Check the dissolution date, successor claims, payment recipient, and whether the person contacting you has a valid legal entity behind the transaction.
Why do company statuses differ by country?
Each registry uses its own status terms and legal rules, so always read the official registry's meaning in context.