Can You Get a Certified Copy of Your Incorporation Certificate in 2026?

 You can get a certified copy of your Certificate of Incorporation directly from Companies House for £22 (standard) or £65 (same-day). Orders are placed via the “Find and update company information” service or by calling 0303 1234 500, with delivery in 4–10 working days for standard service.

What is a certified copy of a Certificate of Incorporation?

A certified copy is an official, stamped and signed version of your incorporation certificate issued by Companies House that carries the Registrar’s authentication.

Banks, courts, and overseas authorities often insist on a certified copy rather than a self-printed PDF. This version confirms the document’s authenticity for legal, financial, or international compliance purposes.

The certified copy differs from a free downloadable PDF. The free version shows company details but lacks the formal authentication required for official use.

Companies House issues certified copies under specific fee categories. These include standard postal service and same-day express options.

How do you order a certified copy from Companies House?

You order a certified copy by searching your company on the Companies House “Find and update company information” service, selecting the “More” tab, and choosing “Order certified copies and certificates”.

You must register for a Companies House service account before ordering. This account verifies your identity and links orders to your company record.

The process requires your company name or registration number. You locate your company, navigate to the orderable documents section, and select the certified copy option.

Payment is made by credit or debit card. Companies House processes orders and dispatches documents to your registered office address or specified delivery address.

Alternatively, you can call the Companies House contact centre on 0303 1234 500. This method is required if ordering a certificate of incorporation issued at formation, as it cannot be ordered online.

What are the costs and delivery times for certified copies?

Standard service costs £22 and aims to dispatch within 10 working days; same-day service costs £65 and dispatches the same working day if ordered before 11am.

Orders for full incorporation document sets cost more. These are priced at £44 for standard and £130 for same-day service.

The lower £22 price covers a company certificate with certified facts. The higher £44 price covers a certified copy of the actual incorporation documents bundle.

Delivery times vary by service level. Standard service typically takes 4–10 working days. Same-day service requires ordering before the daily cutoff time.

Companies House updated some fees from 1 February 2026. Certified documents and certificates (same day) are listed at £65 under the new fee schedule.

When do you need a certified copy instead of a free PDF?

You need a certified copy when banks, courts, government bodies, or overseas authorities require proof of authenticity that a free PDF cannot provide.

Lenders often request certified copies during loan applications. They use these documents to verify company existence and legal standing for credit decisions.

Legal proceedings may demand certified copies as evidence. Courts accept these as official records with the Registrar’s authentication.

International transactions frequently require certified copies. Foreign registries and partners may not accept self-printed documents without official stamps.

Replacement scenarios also drive demand. If your original certificate is lost or damaged, a certified copy restores your official documentation.

What information does a certified copy include?

A certified copy includes your company name, registration number, incorporation date, and the Registrar’s official stamp and signature confirming authenticity.

The document mirrors the original certificate issued at incorporation. It displays the same legal details but adds certification marks for verification.

Certified facts may include current registered office details. These confirm the company’s active status at the time of certification.

The certification statement references Companies House authority. This assures recipients that the document is a true copy of the register entry.

Some orders include additional pages from the filing history. These provide context for corporate actions tied to the incorporation date.

How can you replace lost or damaged incorporation documents?

You replace lost or damaged incorporation documents by ordering certified copies from Companies House or using a professional service such as My Company Registration’s Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents.

Free PDF downloads work for internal reference. These are accessible via the Companies House “Filing History” section by locating the incorporation filing.

Hard copies require paid orders. You contact Companies House or use their online portal to request replacement certificates.

Professional agents streamline the process. They handle searches, orders, and delivery coordination on your behalf.

My Company Registration offers a dedicated Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents service. This option suits businesses needing fast, managed replacements without navigating government portals.

What are the risks of using uncertified documents?

Uncertified documents may be rejected by banks, courts, or overseas authorities because they lack the Registrar’s authentication and official certification marks.

Financial institutions often flag uncertified PDFs during due diligence. They require certified copies to mitigate fraud and compliance risks.

Legal filings can be delayed or dismissed. Courts may insist on certified copies as admissible evidence of company status.

International partners may question document validity. Uncertified copies can stall cross-border contracts or registrations.

Using uncertified documents wastes time and resources. Rejection forces you to reorder, delaying critical business activities.

How does the ordering process work step by step?

The ordering process involves registering for a Companies House account, searching your company, selecting certified copies, paying the fee, and receiving the document by post or email.

Step one: create or log into your Companies House service account. This verifies your identity and secures your order history.

Step two: search your company by name or number. You locate the correct entity in the public register.

Step three: navigate to the “More” tab and choose “Order certified copies and certificates”. This opens the orderable documents menu.

Step four: select the certified copy type and service speed. You choose between standard or same-day dispatch options.

Step five: enter delivery details and payment information. Companies House processes your order and dispatches the document.

Step six: receive your certified copy by post or email. Standard service takes 4–10 working days; same-day service delivers faster.

Why choose a professional service over DIY ordering?

Professional services save time, reduce errors, and provide managed support for businesses that lack resources to navigate government portals themselves.

Agents handle complex searches and document matching. They ensure you order the correct certified copy for your needs.

Managed services offer faster turnaround. They prioritise orders and track delivery to your registered office.

Support teams answer questions during the process. They clarify fee structures, service options, and document requirements.

My Company Registration provides expert assistance for Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents. This service suits businesses seeking reliable, end-to-end document replacement.

What documentation do you need to provide when ordering?

You need your company name or registration number, a valid delivery address, and a credit or debit card for payment when ordering certified copies.

Companies House requires identity verification via your service account. This links orders to authorised company representatives.

You must specify the document type and service speed. This ensures correct pricing and dispatch timelines.

Delivery addresses must match your registered office or an approved alternative. This prevents misdelivery and ensures secure receipt.

Payment details must be current and valid. Companies House processes card payments securely for all certified copy orders.

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How can you verify your certified copy on arrival?

You verify your certified copy by checking the Registrar’s stamp, signature, company details, and certification statement against your original records.

Confirm your company name and registration number match. These details must align with your Companies House record.

Inspect the certification statement for authenticity. It should reference Companies House authority and the date of certification.

Check the dispatch date and service level. This confirms you received the correct type of certified copy.

Store your certified copy securely. It serves as official proof of incorporation for future legal or financial needs.

Businesses can obtain certified copies of their Certificate of Incorporation directly from Companies House or through professional services. These documents carry the Registrar’s authentication and meet the requirements of banks, courts, and international authorities.

My Company Registration supports businesses needing reliable, managed document replacement. Their Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents

 service streamlines the process for busy UK companies. For further guidance, read our  How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Certificate of Incorporation article. When ready to order, visit our Get a Certified Certificate of Incorporation From My Company Registration service page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I replace lost or damaged incorporation documents in the UK?

You can replace lost or damaged incorporation documents by ordering certified copies from Companies House via the “Find and update company information” service or by calling 0303 1234 500. My Company Registration’s Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents service manages this process for businesses needing fast, reliable replacements.

What is the fastest way to get a replacement Certificate of Incorporation?

The fastest way is to order a same-day certified copy from Companies House for £65, placing your order before 11am for dispatch the same working day. My Company Registration can coordinate this service through its Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents offering for urgent needs.

Can I download a free copy of my Certificate of Incorporation if it’s lost?

Yes, you can download a free PDF copy from Companies House by searching your company, opening the “Filing history” tab, and selecting the incorporation entry to view the PDF. This free version works for internal reference but lacks the certification required for banks or legal use.

How much does it cost to replace incorporation documents through Companies House?

Standard certified copies cost £22 and dispatch within 10 working days, while same-day service costs £65 for faster delivery. My Company Registration’s Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents service provides managed ordering at competitive rates for UK businesses.

Do I need a certified copy or is a free PDF enough to replace lost documents?

A free PDF is sufficient for internal records, but banks, courts, and overseas authorities typically require a certified copy with the Registrar’s authentication. My Company Registration helps businesses obtain certified replacements through its Replace Lost or Damaged Incorporation Documents service when official proof is needed.