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Check a UK VAT number

Confirm that a UK VAT registration number is valid and match it to the business name and address held by HMRC.

Official HMRC service

Check the VAT number on GOV.UK

Have the VAT number ready. The service does not accept a business name as the search input.

What to compare with the result

  1. 01

    Validity

    Confirm that HMRC reports the VAT registration number as valid.

  2. 02

    Business name

    Match the registered name to the supplier shown on the invoice or receipt.

  3. 03

    Address

    Check whether the registered address is consistent with the supplier's details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a UK VAT number?
Use the free GOV.UK Check a UK VAT number service. Enter the VAT registration number to confirm whether it is valid and see the name and address of the business registered to it.
Can I search for a VAT number by business name?
No. The GOV.UK checker requires the VAT number and cannot search by a business or organisation name. VAT numbers are commonly shown on VAT invoices, receipts and business websites.
Can I prove that I checked a VAT number?
Yes, if your own business is UK VAT-registered. The official service lets you enter your own VAT number so you can save evidence of when you checked another UK VAT number.
Why does a new VAT registration not appear in the checker?
A newly issued registration or recent change may not appear immediately. Check HMRC's service-status page for current issues. If you have only applied and are still waiting for HMRC's decision, the checker cannot confirm the pending application.
Does a valid VAT number mean the supplier is trustworthy?
No. A valid number confirms the registration details held by HMRC; it is not a credit check, fraud guarantee or endorsement of the supplier. Match the registered name and address to the invoice and carry out normal supplier checks.
Should a VAT number appear on an invoice?
A VAT invoice from a VAT-registered supplier should show its VAT registration number along with the required invoice details. If the number is missing or does not match the official result, ask the supplier to correct the invoice.

Official sources

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