Quick answer: To check a UK company number, search Companies House by company number, then compare company status, registered office, officers, filing history, confirmation statements, accounts, and recent changes before relying on the company record.
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. |
What to check first
- Search Companies House by the exact company number.
- Confirm the company name, status, incorporation date, and registered office.
- Open filing history and check accounts, confirmation statements, appointments, and name changes.
- Review people, charges, insolvency, and previous names where relevant.
- Save the Companies House link and Last checked date for your own record.
How to read the record
| Field or claim | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Company number | A unique Companies House identifier for the company record. |
| Company status | Active, dissolved, liquidation, or other status should be read before relying on the company. |
| Filing history | Shows submitted documents and dates; late or missing filings can be a warning sign. |
| Previous names | Can explain why a brand, invoice, or website uses a different name. |
What this record does not prove
- It does not prove the business is financially healthy.
- It does not prove the person contacting you is authorized to act for the company.
- It does not prove a website or marketplace seller is controlled by that company.
Red flags
- The company is dissolved or in liquidation.
- The company number points to a different legal name than the seller claims.
- Recent filings show major changes that conflict with the seller's story.
Related checks
UK company registry guide Company status active vs dissolved
FAQ
Can I search Companies House by company number?
Yes. Company number is usually the cleanest search path because names can be similar.
Does active mean trustworthy?
No. Active only describes registry status, not reputation, solvency, or seller legitimacy.
Should I check filing history?
Yes. Filing history often reveals name changes, appointments, accounts, confirmation statements, and other useful context.