What is a VAT certificate and how do you get a copy?

A VAT certificate is HMRC’s record that your business is registered for VAT, showing your VAT number and the date your registration took effect. HMRC no longer sends it routinely by post. You view, print or download it from your VAT online account, as often as you need.

What is a VAT certificate?

A VAT certificate, known inside HMRC as the VAT 4, confirms that HMRC has registered your business for VAT. HMRC’s VAT Registration Manual, at VATREG03650 (updated 27 October 2026), says certificates “are not routinely issued and can be found in the VAT online account.”

It also says the certificate has no legal significance beyond telling you that HMRC has acknowledged your registration and registered you. Your registration rests on the decision HMRC records, not on the piece of paper.

What does a VAT certificate show?

A VAT certificate shows the core facts of your registration. These include:

• your 9-digit VAT registration number
• your effective date of registration, the date you can start charging and reclaiming VAT
• the business name and address registered with HMRC

GOV.UK confirms that after you register, HMRC sends your 9-digit VAT number, the effective date and when your first return and payment are due. HMRC does not publish a full field list for the certificate, so check your own copy for other details such as return periods.

How to get a copy of your VAT certificate

You get a copy from your HMRC online account. The steps are:

1. Sign in to your HMRC business tax account with your Government Gateway user ID.
2. If VAT is not listed, add it: GOV.UK says to choose Add a tax, duty or scheme, then VAT and VAT Services.
3. Open your VAT account.
4. Select the option to view your VAT certificate.
5. Print it or save it as a PDF.

The menu wording on HMRC’s screens changes from time to time, so look for the certificate within your VAT account or registration details if the link name differs.

The 19 January 2026 change

Since 19 January 2026, adding VAT to a business tax account needs the application reference number from your VAT registration application, according to the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), writing on 26 January 2026. HMRC emails that reference after you apply, and it also appears on your registration approval letter. Keep both.

Which applies to you?

• You have just registered: wait for your VAT number, then add VAT to your business tax account and view the certificate there.
• You have lost your certificate: download a new copy from your VAT account. You do not need HMRC to reissue it.
• Your accountant handles VAT: ask them for a copy, or sign in to your own business tax account.
• You cannot access the account: call the VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700 and ask about a letter confirming your registration.
• You need to prove someone else is VAT registered: use the Check a UK VAT number service rather than asking for their certificate.

Who asks to see a VAT certificate?

Customers, suppliers, banks, marketplaces and public bodies sometimes ask for proof of VAT registration. Common reasons are:

• a new customer setting you up as a supplier
• an online marketplace checking your VAT status
• a bank or lender reviewing your business
• a grant or tender application

A PDF from your VAT account is usually enough. Some organisations will check your number online instead.

How to check a VAT number

HMRC’s free Check a UK VAT number service tells you whether a number is valid and shows the name and address of the business it is registered to. You cannot search by business name, and it will not show a business that has applied but not yet been registered. If you are VAT registered, you can enter your own number to keep proof of when you checked.

Do you need to register for VAT?

You must register if your taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days. You can register voluntarily below that. See our guides to VAT registration and voluntary VAT registration, and work out prices with our VAT calculator.

For other HMRC reference numbers, read our guide to UK tax identification numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Does HMRC still send VAT certificates by post?

Not routinely. HMRC’s VAT Registration Manual says certificates are not routinely issued and can be found in the VAT online account.

How do I download my VAT certificate?

Sign in to your HMRC business tax account, open your VAT account and choose the option to view your VAT certificate. You can then print it or save it as a PDF.

What is a VAT 4?

VAT 4 is HMRC’s name for the certificate of registration. It confirms your VAT number and effective date of registration.

Is a VAT certificate a legal document?

HMRC’s manual says it has no legal significance beyond telling you HMRC has registered you. Your registration itself is what counts.

How do I check if a business is VAT registered?

Enter its 9-digit VAT number in HMRC’s Check a UK VAT number service. It shows whether the number is valid and the business name and address.

What if I cannot get into my VAT account?

Call HMRC’s VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Lines are less busy between 8:30am and 11am.