Kbis extract: what is its purpose and how to apply for it ?

Also known as the Kbis extract, the Kbis extract is a document that makes it possible to justify the legal existence of a company. This document is more than just the company's identity card, which has been verified and is issued by the Registry of the Commercial Court. It proves that the company concerned has been registered with the RCS (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés). Find out in this content the interest of the K extract and the steps required to obtain it.

What is the purpose of the Kbis extract ?

Registration with the RCS is mandatory for companies operating in the commercial sector, regardless of their form. The Kbis extract (or simply en french extrait kbis) is issued to the company manager as soon as the company is officially registered with the RCS. This official document issued by the commercial court clerk's office demonstrates the legal existence of a commercial enterprise. It can be used to apply for public tenders, purchase professional materials and so on. However, it should be noted that the K extract must be less than three months old in order to fulfil these functions. For a company that carries out a craft activity, registration with the Chambre des Métiers et de l'Artisanat (CMA) is required. At this institution, the company can obtain the D1 registration certificate. This is nothing more than the equivalent of the Kbis extract required for commercial companies.

How to apply for the Kbis extract ?

As mentioned above, the application for the Kbis extract of a registered company is made at the clerk's office of the competent commercial court. This must be done at the place of domicile of the company concerned. To do so, go to the dedicated platform and follow the steps below. Fill in the search form by notifying the SIRET/SIREN number or the name of the company concerned. As soon as the query is launched, you will see the Registry Info sheet. On this page, click on the tab: View official documents. Then select the box of your choice to receive the Kbis extract online. You can obtain it by download or by mail. To receive it by post, click on : Complete my request. The Kbis will then be certified and delivered by the clerk of the commercial court. It is also possible to receive this document periodically through certain platforms. It should also be noted that the Kbis is public and anyone can request it.