featuring your unique VAT registration number (VRN), also known as your VAT number.

This certificate will be sent to your registered office address if you have a limited company or LLP, or to your business address if you operate as a sole trader or business partnership.

Besides your VAT registration certificate, you can find your VAT number on VAT-related letters from HMRC, in your VAT online account, or by calling HMRC’s VAT general enquiries helpline at

+4478 4587 0007

When will I need to use my VAT registration number?

Your VAT registration number is a unique code that HMRC and other businesses use to identify your business for all VAT-related matters. A valid number confirms that you are VAT registered.

Once registered, you will use your VAT number when:

• Creating a VAT online account with HMRC
• Completing quarterly VAT returns for HMRC
• Completing an EC sales list (for Northern Ireland businesses only)
• Paying your VAT bill
• Reclaiming VAT paid on goods and services bought for business use
• Issuing VAT invoices to clients and customers
• Setting up accounts with certain suppliers
• Buying goods from certain VAT-registered suppliers
• Contacting HMRC to discuss your VAT account
• Appointing an accountant or agent to handle your tax affairs

If your business has a taxable turnover exceeding the VAT registration threshold, you are legally required to register for VAT. For the 2024/25 tax year, this threshold is £90,000.

However, even if your taxable turnover is below this threshold, you can choose to register for VAT voluntarily. This can be advantageous for many small businesses.

What does a UK VAT number look like?

For businesses based in England, Scotland, or Wales, VAT numbers consist of 11 characters: the letters ‘GB’ followed by 9 digits. For example, GB 123 4567 89.

Businesses in Northern Ireland have VAT numbers that start with the letters ‘XI’ instead of ‘GB’. For example, XI 123 4567 89.

Other countries have different VAT number formats, featuring an identifying country code followed by a series of numbers or characters.

HMRC provides more information on EU country codes and VAT numbers.

Where should I display my VAT number?

As soon as you receive your VAT registration number, you are legally required to display it on your business website (if applicable) and on invoices and certain receipts issued to clients or customers.

You must provide your VAT number when submitting VAT Returns to HMRC, paying or reclaiming VAT, and dealing with certain suppliers.

If you purchase goods or services from VAT-registered businesses in the EU, you should also supply your VAT number. This allows them to zero-rate (0%) the VAT charge on your order.

Do all businesses have a VAT number?

No, not all businesses have a VAT number. Only businesses that are registered for VAT are issued a number, which includes those required to register as well as those who choose to register voluntarily.

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All business structures can register for VAT, including public limited companies (PLCs), private companies limited by shares or guarantee, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships, unlimited companies, general (traditional) business partnerships, and sole traders.

We hope you found this blog helpful.