How To Retrieve Your Company Registration Certificate From CIPC
A step-by-step guide for BizPortal and eServices, what to do, where to click, and what it costs.
- 20 September 2026
Your company registration certificate, formally known as the CoR 14.3 (for companies) or CK1 (for close corporations), is one of the most frequently requested documents in business. Banks, funders, government tenders, and compliance applications all ask for it. The good news: if your company is a private company or non-profit, you can download it yourself in minutes, for free via eServices. This guide walks you through step by step.
BizPortal
Best for new company registrations, UIF, Compensation Fund, B-BBEE Certification, Company Changes, and other services in one place.
CIPC eServices
Best for all company document retreavals. Issues formal disclosures (CoR 14.3) for R30, if you’re not a director, and free if you are a director. Also used for director amendments, annual returns, and more.
Step-by-step guide:
Register as a customer (if not already registered)
Visit eservices.cipc.co.za. If you don’t yet have a CIPC customer code, click Register as a customer and complete the process. You’ll receive a customer code and password by email. Keep these safe, you’ll need them for all future CIPC eServices transactions.
1
Deposit funds into your customer code (if not a director)
eServices works on a pre-paid basis. You need at least R30 in your customer account before requesting a Disclosure Certificate, if you’re not a director in the company. To deposit: go to CIPC banking details, make an EFT or bank deposit using your customer code as the reference. Funds reflect within 2–3 business days, if you use a different bank. Check your balance under BALANCE on eServices.
2
Go to Transact and select “Incorporation (MOI) Documents” or “Disclosure Certificate”
From the top menu, select Transact, then for a standard company registration certificate (CoR 14.3), select Incorporation (MOI) Documents. For a formal Disclosure Certificate that shows all company information including incorporators, select Disclosure Certificate.
3
Enter registration number
Enter your company registration number when prompted. The documents will typically be emailed to the address linked to your customer code immediately.
4
Note: CIPC has also introduced a New eServices portal (accessible via cipc.co.za → Online Transacting → New E-Services). This is gradually replacing the older eServices portal. The steps are similar: log in, navigate to Documents or Certificates, and request your CoR 14.3. Both portals remain active as of 2026.
What to do if it doesn’t work
Close corporations
eServices does not support close corporation document retrieval. In this case, a third-party retrieval service or a CIPC walk-in centre visit may be required. Documents can also be requested via email to the relevant CIPC unit.
Company has been deregistered
If your company status shows as “Final Deregistration” or “AR Deregistration,” you will not be able to download a standard certificate. You will need to first reinstate the company (R200 fee via eServices) and ensure all outstanding annual returns and Beneficial Ownership filings are up to date.
Portal is down or unresponsive
CIPC portals occasionally experience downtime. Check the CIPC website for maintenance notices or log a query via the CIPC Customer Enquiry Management System at enquiries.cipc.co.za. Turnaround for CEMS queries can be 8 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the downloaded certificate legally valid?
Yes. The CoR 14.3 downloaded from eServices is an official CIPC document. It is accepted by SARS, banks, and most institutions as proof of company registration. You do not need a physical stamp or separate certification for most purposes, the electronic version is sufficient.
Does the certificate expire?
No. Your CoR 14.3 or CK1 is valid as long as your company remains in good standing and has not been deregistered. Some institutions may request a certificate issued within the last 3–6 months, in which case you can simply download a fresh one via eServices.
Can I retrieve a certificate for someone else's company?
Yes. Anyone with a CIPC customer code can request a Disclosure Certificate for any registered South African company via eServices, provided they know the registration number. The R30 fee applies. This is useful for due diligence, compliance checks, and tender verification purposes.
What is the difference between the CoR 14.3 and the Disclosure Certificate?
The CoR 14.3 is the original incorporation certificate issued when your company was registered, it shows your company name, registration number, current director(s), and type. The Disclosure Certificate is a more comprehensive document that also reflects incorporators details and other registered information. For most purposes (bank account opening, tender applications), the CoR 14.3 is sufficient. Some institutions may require the full Disclosure Certificate.
I used a different person's ID to register, can I still access the certificate?
If you didn’t register the company yourself, you can still download your documents. Any customer with the company registration number can request a Disclosure Certificate regardless of who originally registered the company.
Need help retrieving your certificate or checking your company’s compliance status?
Our team at Cream Legal can assist with CIPC document retrieval, company reinstatements, and compliance checks, quickly and affordably.
