Company Formation
Share Certificate Template
A share certificate is the company's confirmation that a person owns a specified number of shares. It's issued when shares are allotted or transferred.
What this share certificate covers
- The shareholder's name
- The number and class of shares
- The company details
- The certificate number
- Authorised signatures
When you need a share certificate
- Issuing new shares
- Transferring shares
- Recording share ownership
The legal framework
Understanding the law behind a share certificate helps you use it well. Here is the key UK legislation that applies:
Companies Act 2006
The principal statute governing UK companies — directors' duties, share capital, filing obligations, articles of association and resolutions all derive from it.
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
Introduced enhanced Companies House identity verification and transparency requirements being rolled out across 2025–2026.
Insolvency Act 1986
Relevant to directors' duties as a company approaches financial difficulty.
On the horizon. Companies House identity-verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 continue to be phased in, affecting directors and persons with significant control.
Frequently asked questions
Is a share certificate proof of ownership?
It's strong evidence of ownership, alongside the company's register of members, which is the definitive record.
When must it be issued?
Generally within two months of allotment or a transfer being registered.
How Legal Lift helps
Answer a few plain-English questions and our AI generator produces a tailored share certificate, ready to edit, download as PDF or Word, and e-sign with LegalSign. Every template is kept current with UK law, and our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are available if you'd like it reviewed.
This page explains the law in general terms to help you understand your share certificate. It is information, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific circumstances, our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are here to help.