Free tool

Is your company name available?

Check a limited company name against the live Companies House register, using the same “same as” rules the registrar applies. Free, instant, no sign-up.

Live Companies House data Statutory “same as” rules Register in minutes if it's free
How it works

What this check does — and doesn't

1

We apply the registrar’s rules

Companies House ignores things like "Ltd", "The", "UK", punctuation and case, and treats "&" and "and" as the same. We apply the same statutory rules before searching.

2

We search the live register

Your name is checked against the official Companies House register in real time, including recently dissolved companies.

3

You get a clear answer

If a company on the register has a name treated as the same, we show you which one. If not, you can register the name straight away.

Important: This tool checks whether a name is “the same as” one already on the register under Schedule 3 of the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2015. It is a guide only. Companies House can also refuse a name that is “too like” an existing one, that contains a sensitive word or expression without the required permission, or that is offensive. A registered name does not give you trade mark rights — check the UK trade mark register separately. Only Companies House's decision at incorporation is final.

Bee Compared Ltd introduces customers to Tide for company formation and receives a commission from Tide if you register through our link. Company formation is subject to Companies House processing and Tide's identity checks.

Starting a new business?

Once your name is sorted, you'll need a business bank account, payments and utilities. We compare across our panel — free.