If you are planning to start a business, working with a company, or simply checking whether a company is genuine or not, one term you will often come across is Company Registration Number. Many people see this number on invoices, websites, or official documents but don’t fully understand what it means or why it matters.
In this article, I’ll explain what a company registration number is in India, why it is important, how it is structured, and how you can identify or verify it — all in simple and easy language.
What Is a Company Registration Number?

A Company Registration Number is a unique identification number provided by the Government of India to every company at the time of its registration.
In official terms, this number is called the Corporate Identification Number (CIN) and is issued by the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
👉 In short, the company registration number India works like a legal identity card for a company.
Without this number, a company is not legally recognised.
Why Is a Company Registration Number Important?
The company registration number is extremely important for both the company and the public.
- Legal Proof of Existence
It confirms that the company is registered under the Companies Act and is legally allowed to operate in India.
- Helps in Company Verification
Anyone—customers, investors, banks, or partners—can verify company details using this number on the MCA website.
- Mandatory for Compliance
A company must mention its registration number on:
- Letterheads
- Bills & invoices
- Email signatures
- Official notices
- Annual reports
- Builds Trust
Displaying a valid company registration number increases credibility and transparency, especially for new businesses.
What Does a Company Registration Number Look Like?
Many people ask for a company registration number example to understand it better.
Here is a sample company registration number:
U72900DL2022PTC123456
Now let’s understand what each part means.
| Part | Meaning |
| U / L | U = Unlisted Company, L = Listed Company |
| 72900 | Industry code (type of business activity) |
| DL | State code (DL = Delhi, MH = Maharashtra, etc.) |
| 2022 | Year of company registration |
| PTC / PLC | Type of company (Private / Public) |
| 123456 | Unique registration number issued by RoC |
So, this company registration number example itself tells you:
- Where the company is registered
- When it was incorporated
- What type of company it is
Who Gets a Company Registration Number in India?
The company registration number India is issued to:
✔ Private Limited Companies
✔ Public Limited Companies
✔ One Person Companies (OPC)
✔ Section 8 (Non-profit) Companies
✔ Government Companies
❌ LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) do NOT get a CIN.
They receive a different number called LLPIN.
Is Company Registration Number Different from GST Number?
Yes, they are completely different.
| Company Registration Number | GST Number |
| Issued by MCA / RoC | Issued by GST Department |
| Proves legal company registration | Proves GST tax registration |
| 21 characters | 15 characters |
| Only for companies | For all GST-registered businesses |
A company can exist without GST, but it cannot exist without a company registration number.
Where Can You Find a Company Registration Number?
You can find the sample company registration number or actual CIN on:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MCA official website
- Company’s invoice or letterhead
- Official company website (usually in footer or “About Us”)
If you know the company name, you can easily search its registration number on the MCA portal.
Why Common People Should Care About Company Registration Number
For everyday Indians, knowing about company registration numbers helps you:
✔ Avoid fraud companies
✔ Check if an online business is genuine
✔ Verify employers or vendors
✔ Make safe investments
✔ Build trust while doing business
Even before paying money to any company, checking its company registration number India is a smart habit.
Simple Summary
- A Company Registration Number is a unique legal identity of a company
- It is officially called Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
- Issued by the Registrar of Companies (RoC)
- A company registration number example helps understand company details
- Every genuine company in India must have one
Final Words
Whether you are a businessman, job seeker, freelancer, or a common consumer, understanding what a company registration number is gives you power and awareness. It protects you from fake companies and helps you deal only with legally registered businesses.