SSM Certificate Guide: Which Document Do You Need and How Do You Get It?

Searching for an 'SSM certificate' can mean several different documents. The correct document depends on whether you are dealing with an incorporated company, a registered business, a company that has changed its name or an LLP. Choosing the right certificate matters because banks, tenders, regulators and counterparties can ask for a specific document rather than a generic 'SSM certificate'.

Find and Download an SSM Certificate

Common SSM Certificates and Registration Documents

Certificate of Incorporation

For a company incorporated under the Companies Act 2016, SSM issues a Notice of Registration after incorporation. A Certificate of Incorporation is available upon application and payment of the prescribed fee. That means the certificate should not be described as an automatically issued document for every new company. Source: SSM Starting a Company

Business Registration Certificate

For sole proprietorships and partnerships registered under the Registration of Businesses framework, the relevant business registration certificate is the document used to evidence the business registration.

Company Name Change Certificate

If a company has legally changed its name, the relevant SSM certificate helps establish the documentary continuity between the previous and current registered names.

LLP Registration Document

Limited Liability Partnerships operate under their own registration framework, so LLP registration documentation should be selected rather than a general partnership or company certificate.

Why the Receiving Organisation's Requirement Matters

There is no single universal rule that every bank, court, regulator or tender requires the same SSM document. Before purchase, check the exact document name, whether certification is required, how recent the document must be and whether additional supporting records are requested. Reference: Companies Act 2016

When a Certified Copy May Be Appropriate

Digitally certified SSM information can be useful where the receiving party requires independently verifiable documentary evidence. The certification requirement should be confirmed with the receiving organisation rather than assumed.

FAQ: SSM Certificate

Do all companies automatically receive a Certificate of Incorporation?

No. Under the Companies Act 2016 framework, a Notice of Registration is issued following incorporation. A Certificate of Incorporation is issued upon application with the prescribed fee.

Is a Business Registration Certificate the same as a Certificate of Incorporation?

No. They relate to different entity types and registration frameworks.

What if the company has changed its legal name?

Use the relevant SSM document evidencing the name change when continuity between the old and new name must be shown.

Do I always need a certified copy?

No. Certification requirements depend on the party receiving the document.

Can I search using the registration number?

Yes. The entity can generally be located using its registered name or registration number before the relevant document is selected.

Download the Correct SSM Certificate

Related SSM Search Services

• SSM Company Profile – get broader company information when a certificate alone does not provide enough context.
• SSM Business Profile – verify sole proprietorship and partnership registration details.
• SSM Company Search – find the exact legal entity before choosing a certificate.