What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
A certificate of incorporation officially establishes limited companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and other business entities at Companies House. This document confirms the company’s legal existence and provides crucial details, including the company registration number and the date of incorporation.
Where and when do I get a certificate of incorporation?
When Companies House approves a company registration, they issue the certificate of incorporation. Whether you apply online or through a company formation agent, you will typically receive a PDF version via email within 24 hours. This process is fast and convenient, especially for those seeking quick approval.
However, if you choose to register using a postal application, you can expect to receive the certificate by mail a few days after approval. Because postal applications take 8 to 10 days, many businesses prefer online registration for its speed and efficiency.
For those ready to begin the registration process, you can reach out to support@startxpress.io for seamless assistance.
What information does a certificate of incorporation state?
A certificate of incorporation includes the following key details:
- Registered company name
- Company Registration Number (CRN)
- Jurisdiction of registration (England and Wales, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- Date of incorporation
- Type of company (limited by shares, limited by guarantee, LLP, Public Limited Company, etc.)
- Issuing Registrar (Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast)
- The legislation under which the company was incorporated (e.g., Companies Act 2006, LLP Act 2000)
- The official seal of the Registrar of Companies (Companies House)
- The Royal Coat of Arms
These elements are essential for verifying the legal status of your business in various situations.
I have lost my certificate of incorporation – how do I get a replacement?
If you’ve lost your certificate of incorporation, there are a few ways to obtain a replacement:
- Companies Registered through Startxpress
If your company was registered through Startxpress, you can easily log into your account and download another copy. The PDF version of the certificate will be available there for instant access.
- Companies House service
For companies registered directly through Companies House, follow these steps to retrieve your certificate:
- Go to the Companies House Service website.
- Enter your company name in the search box.
- Select your company from the results.
- Click on Filing history.
- Scroll down and choose View PDF next to the “Incorporation” document.
The certificate will be on the first page of the PDF.
- Certified Copy from Companies House
If you require a certified copy, you can contact Companies House directly at +44 (0)303 1234 500. When requesting this, make sure to provide your Company Registration Number (CRN). Two services are available:
- Standard service for £15, which takes 4 working days.
- Same-day service for £50, though orders must be placed by 2 pm.
When will I need to use the certificate of incorporation?
You will need the certificate of incorporation in several important scenarios. For example, it is required when:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for business loans
- Selling shares to investors
- Entering contracts that require proof of company registration
Therefore, it’s crucial to keep this document safe and accessible, as you may need it frequently.
Do I need a new certificate of incorporation if I change my company name?
If you decide to change your company’s name, Companies House will issue a new document called a certificate of incorporation on change of name. While the company name will be updated, all other details, including the company registration number and the date of incorporation, will remain the same. For easy reference, it’s advisable to keep both the old and new certificates at your registered office.
In summary, understanding the importance of your certificate of incorporation ensures that your business remains legally compliant and runs smoothly in various transactions. By maintaining proper records and knowing how to obtain replacements when needed, you can avoid unnecessary delays in your business operations.
Do you have any other questions?
For more details, check out the Startxpress Help Center and Blog.
If you have any further questions about the certificate of incorporation or other aspects of company registration, feel free to reach out for clarification. Whether you’re unsure about the application process, need assistance retrieving lost documents, or want to understand when and where to use your certificate, we’re here to help.
You can contact our support team at support@startxpress.io, and we’ll gladly assist you with your inquiries. Additionally, if you need help with any other company-related services, don’t hesitate to ask. We are dedicated to providing clear and timely answers to ensure your business runs smoothly from the very beginning.
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