What Is a Disclosure Certificate and How to Get One from CIPC?

If you’ve ever applied for a tender, funding, or business verification, you might have been asked for a Disclosure Certificate from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

But what exactly is it — and how do you get one?

This Smartbook guide explains what a CIPC Disclosure Certificate is, what information it contains, why you might need it, and how to download it step-by-step directly from the CIPC website.

What Is a Disclosure Certificate from CIPC?

 A Disclosure Certificate (also known as a Company Disclosure Report) is an official document issued by CIPC that summarises a company’s current registration and compliance details.

It’s essentially a snapshot of your company’s legal record with CIPC.

Your Disclosure Certificate includes:

• Company name and registration number

• Company type (e.g. Private Company, Non-Profit, CC)

• Registration date

• Director or member details

• Registered business address

• Company status (e.g. In Business, Deregistered)

Smartbook Tip: The Disclosure Certificate is the most detailed company summary available directly from CIPC — often used as legal proof of registration and compliance.

Why You Might Need a Disclosure Certificate

Businesses typically need a Disclosure Certificate to:

• Apply for government tenders or funding

• Register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD)

• Verify a company’s active or deregistered status

• Provide proof of registration to a bank or supplier

• Conduct due diligence before doing business with another company

It’s accepted by most banks, corporates, and tender boards as official verification that your company exists and is compliant.

Types of Disclosure Certificates You Can Get from CIPC

CIPC issues several types of disclosure certificates depending on what information you need:

Type	Purpose
Company Disclosure Certificate	Provides full company details, registration info, and current status.
Director Disclosure Certificate	Lists all current and past directors, including appointment and resignation dates.
Close Corporation (CC) Disclosure Certificate	Provides member details for CCs.
Name Reservation or Company History Report	Shows previous company names and amendments.

Smartbook Tip: The Company Disclosure Certificate is the one most often requested for compliance and verification.

How to Get a Disclosure Certificate from CIPC (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to download your Disclosure Certificate online in minutes.

Step 1: Go to the CIPC eServices Website 

Visit https://eservices.cipc.co.za.

Click on “Customer Login.”

Step 2: Log in with Your Customer Code and Password 

Enter your CIPC customer code and password.

If you don’t have these details, Smartbook can retrieve your login information for you.

Step 3: Select “Disclosure and Certificates” 

Once logged in, select the menu option “Disclosure and Certificates.”This section lets you generate various company documents, including:

• Registration Certificates (CoR14.3)

• Letters of Good Standing

• Disclosure Certificates

Step 4: Choose “Company Disclosure Certificate” 

Select “Company Disclosure Certificate.”

Enter your company registration number (e.g. 2023/123456/07) and click “Search.”

Step 5: Generate and Download the Certificate

The CIPC system will pull your company data.Click “Download Certificate” to get a PDF copy of your Disclosure Certificate.

Your document will include all the registered company information, directors, and current status.

Save it in your Google Drive or compliance folder — you’ll need it often.

What If You Can’t Access the Certificate?

If your download fails or your company doesn’t appear, it may be because:

• Your company is deregistered or pending deregistration.

• You’re using the wrong customer code.

• Your annual returns are not up to date.

Smartbook can help by:

• Checking your CIPC compliance status

• Filing outstanding annual returns

• Restoring access and retrieving the Disclosure Certificate for you

How Smartbook Can Help You

Smartbook can help you obtain your CIPC Disclosure Certificate quickly — even if you can’t log into your account.

We’ll:

• Retrieve your CIPC customer details

• Verify your company status

• File any missing returns

• Download and email your official Disclosure Certificate

Just send your company name or registration number, and we’ll handle everything for you within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What is a Disclosure Certificate used for?

It’s used to prove your company’s registration, director details, and compliance with CIPC — often required for tenders, funding, and banking.

2. Is the CIPC Disclosure Certificate free?

No, CIPC charges a small fee (usually under R100) to generate the certificate.

3. How long does it take to get a Disclosure Certificate?

You can download it instantly once logged into the CIPC portal.

4. What’s the difference between a Disclosure Certificate and a Registration Certificate?

The Registration Certificate (CoR14.3) proves your company was registered; the Disclosure Certificate shows your current company details and status.

5. Can Smartbook get my Disclosure Certificate for me?

Yes! Smartbook can retrieve your official Disclosure Certificate and send it to you — fast and fully compliant.

Final Thoughts 

Your CIPC Disclosure Certificate is one of the most important compliance documents your business will ever need — especially for contracts, funding, and verification.

If you don’t have access to your CIPC login or aren’t sure where to find it, Smartbook can retrieve it for you — quickly, accurately, and without any hassle.