Every day, businesses in the UAE lose money and face compliance issues because they didn’t take two minutes to verify a supplier’s Tax Registration Number.
Whether you’re processing an invoice, signing a contract, or starting a business relationship, TRN verification protects you from fake VAT numbers, rejected tax claims, and potential legal problems.
The Federal Tax Authority provides a free online tool that instantly confirms whether a TRN is valid and active, yet many businesses skip this crucial step.
This guide shows you exactly how to verify TRN numbers, where to find them, and why this simple check is essential for your business operations.
What Is a TRN Number in the UAE?
A Tax Registration Number (TRN) is your business’s unique 15-digit identifier for VAT purposes in the UAE, issued by the Federal Tax Authority.
Key Points About TRN:
- TRN and VAT number are the same thing in the UAE
- Format: 15 consecutive digits (example: 123456789012345)
- Required on all tax invoices and official VAT documents
- Only issued to businesses registered for VAT
Who Gets a TRN:
- Businesses exceeding AED 375,000 in annual taxable supplies (mandatory registration)
- Companies voluntarily registering for VAT
- Businesses conducting taxable activities in the UAE
📚 Also read: UAE Tax Registration Number: Complete TRN Guide
Why You Need to Verify TRN Numbers
TRN verification isn’t optional paperwork. It directly protects your business from financial loss and compliance risks.
Critical Reasons to Verify:
- Protect VAT Claims: Invalid TRNs mean rejected input VAT claims, costing you real money
- Avoid Fraud: Confirm you’re dealing with legitimately registered businesses
- Ensure Compliance: Valid invoices are essential during FTA audits
- Due Diligence: Verify partners before contracts, investments, or major purchases
- Prevent Legal Issues: Invalid documentation creates contract and tax complications
Real Consequences of Skipping Verification:
- Thousands in lost VAT deductions from invalid invoices
- FTA audit flags and potential penalties
- Contract disputes when TRNs prove invalid
- Wasted time correcting documentation errors
How to Verify TRN in UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
The Federal Tax Authority provides a free, public verification tool that takes just minutes to use.
Using the FTA Portal (Official Method)
Step 1: Access the Federal Tax Authority Website
- Visit tax.gov.ae (official FTA website)
- Navigate to “Status Check” or look for the “TRN Verification” tool
- No login required for public verification
📚Also read: EmaraTax Login Guide UAE: How to Access and Fix Login Issues
Step 2: Enter the TRN Number and Verification Code
- Input the complete 15-digit TRN number
- No spaces, dashes, or special characters
- Enter the verification code (CAPTCHA) displayed on the screen
- Double-check for accuracy (even one wrong digit fails verification)
Common Entry Mistakes to Avoid:
- Adding spaces: 123 456 789 012 345 (incorrect)
- Confusing 0/O or 1/l
- Copying partial numbers
- Skipping the CAPTCHA verification code
Step 3: Submit and Review Verification Results
Click “Search” or “Verify” to submit. The system instantly displays whether the TRN is valid. For active registrations, you’ll see:
- Business legal name
- TRN confirmation
- Registration status (active/inactive)
- Registration date
- Business activity type
Invalid or inactive TRNs receive a clear error message.
Where Can I Find a TRN Number?
TRN numbers appear on multiple business documents, making them easy to locate once you know where to look.
Standard Document Locations
Tax Invoices:
- Displayed near the company name and address
- Labeled as “TRN,” “Tax Registration Number,” or “VAT Registration Number”
- Required on every VAT invoice
Official Certificates and Documents:
- VAT registration certificate from FTA
- Business quotes and purchase orders
- Contracts and agreements
- Email signatures (professional companies)
Finding Your Own TRN
Quick Access Methods:
- EmaraTax account dashboard (immediate access)
- Original VAT registration certificate
- Accounting software company settings
- Tax configuration sections
Professional accounting services like OPAB maintain organized records of all tax registration details for their clients, ensuring TRN numbers are always accessible when needed.
Finding Another Company’s TRN
Best Approaches:
- Ask the company directly (legitimate businesses share readily)
- Check their invoices, quotes, or proposals
- Verify through FTA portal if you have concerns about validity
How to Check VAT Registration Status in the UAE
Checking registration status confirms a TRN is not just valid but currently active and compliant.
Your Own Status
Steps:
- Log into your EmaraTax account
- Navigate to registration details or dashboard
- Review active status and compliance standing
If Status Shows Inactive:
- Contact FTA immediately
- Common causes: missed returns, unpaid penalties, deregistration
- Take corrective action quickly
Another Company’s Status
Use the public FTA verification tool with these considerations:
- Active Status: Business is registered and compliant, invoices are valid
- Inactive Status: Proceed cautiously, invoices may not support VAT claims
- No Results: Request clarification and proper documentation before transactions
How to Download and Get Your TRN Certificate
Your TRN certificate is official proof of VAT registration needed for banking, licensing, and business agreements.
Download from EmaraTax Portal
Process:
- Log in to your EmaraTax account
- Find the “My Correspondences” section
- Selectthe VAT registration certificate
- Download as PDF
Storage Best Practices:
- Keep copies in accounting files
- Store with legal documents
- Maintain digital backup in cloud storage
Alternative Access Methods
If you cannot access your portal:
- Request via registered email with FTA
- Use authorized tax agent services
- Contact the FTA customer service helpline
Accounting firms handling tax compliance often maintain certificate copies for clients, ensuring documents remain accessible.
📚 Also read: E-invoicing to be Implemented Next Year, 2026
Common Issues When Verifying TRN Numbers
Even straightforward verification sometimes encounters problems. Here’s how to resolve them.
TRN Not Found or Invalid:
- Double-check the entered number (one wrong digit invalidates it)
- Verify you entered the CAPTCHA code correctly
- Businesses may be deregistered or recently registered
- Request a VAT registration certificate for verification
TRN Shows Inactive:
- Business no longer maintains active registration
- Voluntary deregistration, compliance issues, or threshold changes
- Cannot claim input VAT from inactive registrations
System Errors:
- FTA portal maintenance during off-peak hours
- Browser compatibility issues (try Chrome or Safari)
- CAPTCHA verification timeout (refresh and try again)
- Contact FTA technical support if problems persist
Best Practices for TRN Verification
Making verification routine protects your business and demonstrates professional diligence.
When to Verify:
- Before the first transaction with new suppliers
- Quarterly or annual checks for regular suppliers
- When documents appear suspicious
- During contract renewals
Record-Keeping:
- Screenshot verification results
- Note verification date
- Attach confirmations to supplier records in accounting software
- Maintain documentation for audit purposes
Staff Training Checklist:
- Obtain TRN from all new suppliers
- Verify through the FTA portal (including CAPTCHA entry)
- Confirm business name matches
- Save verification results
- Update supplier records
Conclusion
TRN verification takes minutes but prevents costly mistakes, rejected tax claims, and compliance issues. By making it a standard business practice, you protect your company’s interests and maintain professional financial standards.
Whether verifying potential suppliers, checking documentation, or conducting due diligence, the FTA’s free tool provides the information you need for informed decisions. Verify TRN numbers before important transactions, keep proper records, and stay updated on FTA guidelines.
If you need expert support for setting up accounting software or ensuring smooth compliance with tax and accounting requirements, consider reaching out to Outsource Prime Accountants and Bookkeepers (OPAB).
OPAB works with businesses across Dubai and the UAE to implement and optimize software like Odoo, Zoho Books, and QuickBooks, ensuring clarity and compliance. Contact OPAB today for tailored guidance that fits your business.
FAQs About TRN Verification
How to verify GST registration certificate?
The UAE uses VAT, not GST. For countries with GST systems (like India or New Zealand), use their official tax authority portal to verify GST numbers following a similar process.
What’s the difference between verifying a TRN and checking VAT registration status?
TRN verification confirms if a 15-digit number is valid and matches a business. VAT status checking provides broader compliance details about the business’s registration standing.
Can I verify TRN numbers for businesses outside the UAE?
No, the FTA portal only verifies UAE-issued TRN numbers. Each country has its own tax authority with separate verification systems.
Is there a fee to verify TRN numbers in the UAE?
No, TRN verification is completely free through the FTA portal with no login required.
What should I do if a supplier’s TRN verification fails?
Contact the supplier immediately for clarification and request their VAT registration certificate. Do not process the invoice or claim VAT until the TRN is confirmed valid. Consider alternative suppliers if they cannot provide valid documentation.
