How to find your VAT Certificate: Step-by-step guide for small businesses
Your VAT certificate proves your business is registered for VAT. Learn how to find and access it quickly.
Written by Lena Hanna—Trusted CPA Guidance on Accounting and Tax. Read Lena's full bio
Published Friday 3 October 2025
Table of contents
Key takeaways
• Access your VAT certificate instantly through your HMRC online account by logging into your Government Gateway account and selecting 'View your VAT certificate' under the 'Manage your VAT' section.
• Register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in the last 12 months or when you expect to exceed £85,000 in the next 30 days, as this threshold determines your legal obligation to obtain a VAT certificate.
• Include your VAT registration number on all invoices where you charge VAT and keep your certificate for financial records and tax compliance purposes.
• Update your business details with HMRC within 30 days of any changes using your VAT online account, as VAT certificates remain valid indefinitely but require current information to maintain compliance.
What is a VAT certificate?
A VAT certificate is your official proof of VAT registration issued by HMRC. It contains essential business information you'll need for invoicing and supplier relationships.
Your certificate includes:
- VAT registration number: Required on all VAT invoices
- Registration date: When your VAT obligations began
- First return deadline: Your initial VAT submission date
While HMRC aims to send your certificate within 30 working days, accounting bodies report that it usually takes around 40 working days to process applications.
A VAT certificate – sometimes called a VAT registration certificate – includes:
- your business’s unique VAT number
- your VAT registration date
- when to submit your first VAT return
Why do you need a VAT certificate?
Your VAT certificate is official proof that your business is registered for VAT with HMRC. You need it for:
- include your VAT number on invoices where you charge VAT
- keep your VAT certificate for your financial records and tax compliance
- provide your VAT number to other VAT-registered businesses when requested
How to find your VAT certificate online
You can view, download or print your VAT certificate instantly through your HMRC online account.
1. Sign into the HMRC website
2. Select view your VAT account
After you log in, select 'View your VAT account'.
3. Select view your VAT certificate
Under 'Manage your VAT', select 'View your VAT certificate'.
Who needs a VAT certificate?
You must register for VAT when your business reaches the turnover threshold. This means you need a VAT certificate.
You must register if:
You can voluntarily register if:
- Your turnover is below £85,000 but you want to reclaim VAT on business expenses
How to register for a VAT certificate
Register online to get your VAT certificate quickly. Most businesses can register through the HMRC website.
If you cannot register online, you can register by post.
How long does it take to get a VAT certificate?
VAT certificate delivery takes up to 30 working days after registration. You can start trading immediately after registering – you do not need to wait for the physical certificate to arrive.
Can I download my VAT certificate?
You can download and print your VAT certificate from your HMRC online account. Save it as a PDF or print copies for suppliers.
Do VAT certificates expire?
VAT certificates do not expire. Your certificate stays valid as long as your business is active, but you must keep your details up to date.
Update HMRC within 30 days if your details change. From 5 August 2024, you must use your VAT online account to make updates, as paper forms will be restricted.
- business name, trading name or main address
- accountant or VAT agent details
- partnership members or partner addresses
Notify HMRC immediately for:
- Business closure or change of ownership
- No longer meeting VAT registration requirements
How do I get a new VAT certificate?
You only need a new VAT certificate if you start a new business entity. Your current certificate stays valid for your business.
If you lose your certificate, you can access a copy instantly through your HMRC online account.
Handling VAT for small businesses
If you run a small business, you can stay VAT compliant with the right support. Recent threshold changes mean 28,000 fewer micro businesses will need to register for VAT in 2024–25. Xero’s free VAT Guide offers practical advice on registering for VAT, claiming back VAT, and filing VAT returns through Making Tax Digital.
FAQs on VAT certificates
Find answers to common questions about VAT certificates below.
What information is included on a VAT certificate?
Your VAT certificate contains key details about your registration, including your unique VAT number, the date your registration became effective, and the due date for your first VAT return.
What should I do if I can't access my VAT certificate online?
Can someone else access my VAT certificate on my behalf?
Once authorised, they can view your VAT certificate and handle returns on your behalf through their own HMRC agent services account.
What’s the difference between a VAT certificate and VAT registration?
VAT registration is the process of signing your business up for VAT with HMRC. The VAT certificate is the official document you receive after you've successfully completed that registration. The certificate acts as proof of your VAT status.
Disclaimer
Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.
Start using Xero for free
Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.