How to order certified Companies House documents
Companies House can supply a certified company certificate or a certified copy of a document on the register. These are paper products dispatched by the authority and are different from ordinary filing-history downloads.
Certified products are not ordinary downloads
The public Companies House service provides many filings as ordinary digital images. A certified copy or certificate is a separate authority product carrying registry certification and dispatched on paper.
The correct product depends on whether the recipient needs proof of incorporation and current facts, or certification of a specific filing such as articles, accounts, or a confirmation statement.
Standard and express refer to dispatch
Companies House says standard orders are aimed for dispatch within 10 working days. Same-day dispatch is available at the higher authority fee when the order is placed before the cut-off and the service is available.
Postal arrival is separate from dispatch. Destination, postal service, courier choices, and later legalization can extend the end-to-end delivery time.
Legalization may require an original signature
If the document will be legalized for use abroad, confirm the recipient's requirements before ordering. Companies House says FCDO legalization requires the original signature of a British public official, which can change how the certified product must be requested.
Recommended ordering sequence
- 01Identify the company by registered name or company number.
- 02Identify the certificate or exact filing that must be certified.
- 03Confirm whether the recipient also requires legalization or an apostille.
- 04Choose standard or same-day authority dispatch.
- 05Submit the request and track authority dispatch and final delivery separately.
Common questions
Can I use a free filing-history PDF instead?
Only if the recipient accepts an ordinary register copy. A free download is not the same as a Companies House-certified copy.
Does same-day service mean same-day arrival?
No. It refers to authority dispatch when the request meets the cut-off; postal or courier delivery follows afterward.
How much is an incorporation-document order?
Companies House currently lists £44 standard and £130 same-day for incorporation-document orders. Registly confirms the selected bundle and total before payment.