Toll Collection in NH 544 SC Questions 12-Hour Traffic Block
20 Aug, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 20 Aug 2025
Category Company Registration
A Company Registration Number (CRN) is the first step in giving your business a legal identity. In India, every registered business must obtain a Company Registration Number (CRN) that works as an official identity card. This number is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This number confirms that the business is a legally recognised and authorised to operate. It helps in bank account opening, filing taxes, and meeting government regulations. Knowing its importance and how to find it helps save time and avoid legal issues later. In this blog, you will learn about the Company Registration Number in India.
A Company Registration Number (CRN) refers to a temporary and system-generated reference number assigned to a company during the incorporation application process. It is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) when an applicant submits the company registration forms. The CRN helps track and manage the application until the company is officially incorporated. Once incorporation is approved, the CRN is replaced by the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which serves as the company’s permanent legal identity.
The Company Registration Number (CRN) does not have a fixed public format like the Corporate Identification Number (CIN). It is a system-generated numeric or alphanumeric code issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) during the company incorporation application process.
Key points about its format:
Here is the key importance of a Company Registration Number (CRN):
The Company Registration Number (CRN) helps to confirm that the company is officially incorporated under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It shows that the business follows Indian company law and continues to uphold legal rights.
The authorities of the government necessitate a CRN for every compliance process. It consists of the submission of annual returns, the payment of corporate taxes, and updates to company information in official records. Thus, this is helpful for the company to complete the mandatory filings.
A Company Registration Number (CRN) helps to open a current account in the name of a company for financial institutions. It is also considered a key detail for loan approvals, credit facilities, and investment transactions to confirm the legally organised business.
Showing the CRN on official documents helps prove that the business is genuine. The official documents can include invoices, contracts, and company websites. It helps customers, suppliers, and partners to trust the company. It also helps to increase the company’s credibility in both domestic and international markets.
The Company Registration Number does not change for the company for its entire life. It means the CRN number always remains the same even if there a changes in the company’s name, address, or directors. This consistency helps in easy tracking and verification of the business over time.
Below is the step-by-step process to register and get a Company Registration Number (CRN):
As a business owner, you must first choose the legal structure of the company. You can choose a Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company, One Person Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or Section 8 Company for non-profit purposes. The choice or the type of company depends on the scale of operations, ownership pattern, funding needs, and compliance requirements. This decision will help in the registration process, annual filings, and tax obligations.
Every proposed director must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate to submit documents securely on the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. The DSC is issued by the government-recognised certifying authorities after verifying identity and address proof. The DSC serves as a secure online key that helps to prove the identity of the applicant. This certificate helps a director to sign or submit forms on the official MCA portal.
Each company director must obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN). A DIN means a unique number that allows MCA to track the involvement of an individual in different companies. As a company director, you need to provide identity proof, address proof, and a photograph to obtain a DIN. The DIN remains valid for the lifetime of the director. The DIN remains the same even if the director joins or leaves other companies.
You must choose a unique company name that does not match any other existing company or trademark. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) provides a “Reserve Unique Name” (RUN) service to verify and reserve the name. You must always check that the name follows the MCA naming guidelines. MCA guidelines restrict certain words and require proper endings like “Private Limited” or “Limited”. A good company name helps to specify the brand and nature of the business.
Compile all necessary documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), identity and address proof of directors and shareholders, proof of registered office (with NOC from property owner if rented), and passport-size photographs. Accurate documentation is crucial to avoid delays.
In the next step, you are required to file the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form, which is the main application for company registration. As an applicant, you are required to enter the company details, information of the director, and capital structure in this form. This form also required the Permanent Account Number (PAN), Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) registration.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) reviews the application and supporting documents to confirm accuracy and compliance. If the details meet all legal requirements, the MCA approves the incorporation. If there are errors or missing details, the MCA sends a request for correction, which must be addressed promptly.
Once approved, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation, containing your Company Registration Number (CIN/CRN), company name, incorporation date, and registered office address. This certificate officially confirms the company’s legal existence.
Conclusion
In India, a Company Registration Number is more than a legal formality. It serves as the foundation of a company’s identity in India. This number confirms that the business is genuine and recognised under the law (MCA). It also allows the company to carry out operations with full legal backing. The MCA’s online process makes getting this number faster and easier. Securing it fulfils compliance, builds trust, and creates opportunities for growth and partnerships. If you want to do a company registration, contact Online Legal India to get assistance.
A Company Registration Number (CRN) is a unique identification number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs when a business is incorporated. It acts as the company’s legal identity in official records.
Yes, in India, the Company Registration Number is generally referred to as the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which is a 21-character alphanumeric code issued at incorporation.
You can find it on the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the MCA or search for it online through the “View Company/LLP Master Data” service on the MCA portal.
No. Once issued, the Company Registration Number remains the same throughout the life of the company, even if its name, address, or directors change.
It is mandatory only for businesses registered as companies under the Companies Act, 2013. Sole proprietorships and partnerships that are not registered as companies do not receive a CRN.
Redirecting to payment page...
