How to Get a CIS Card

How Do I Get a CIS Card?

If you work in the UK construction industry as a subcontractor or plan to start soon, you may be wondering how to get a CIS card. The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) helps HMRC regulate tax deductions for construction workers who are self-employed or working through a limited company. While there is no official "CIS card" issued by HMRC, many people use the term to refer to proof of their CIS registration.

In this article, we explain what a CIS card really is, how to register for the Construction Industry Scheme, and what documents you can use as evidence of your CIS status.

What Is a CIS Card?

A CIS card is not a physical card issued by HMRC. Unlike the CSCS card, which proves your skills and qualifications for site access, a CIS card is simply a term people often use to describe proof of CIS registration.

In practice, your CIS status is managed by HMRC and linked to your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). When you register for CIS, your name, UTR, and National Insurance number are added to HMRC’s database. Contractors then use this information to verify your status before paying you.

You will not receive a plastic ID card, but you may be given a letter or confirmation email when your registration is complete. Some workers choose to carry a printed copy of their HMRC confirmation for site purposes, but it is not required by law.

Who Needs to Register for CIS?

You need to register for CIS if you are:

• A subcontractor carrying out construction work for a contractor

• A contractor who pays subcontractors for construction work

• A business that spends over £3 million on construction over 12 months (even if not a construction business)

Construction work includes building, decorating, repairs, demolition, civil engineering, and more.

If you are a subcontractor, registering ensures you are taxed at the standard 20 per cent rate instead of the higher 30 per cent applied to unregistered workers.

How to Get a CIS Card (Register for CIS)

Here’s how to register for CIS and get proof of registration:

Step 1: Get a UTR Number

Before you can register, you must have a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). You’ll receive this when you register as self-employed with HMRC.

To register as self-employed, visit www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed and follow the steps.

Once completed, HMRC will post your UTR number to your home address.

Step 2: Register for CIS

You can register for CIS online at www.gov.uk/what-you-must-do-as-a-cis-subcontractor. You will need:

• Your UTR number

• National Insurance number

• Business name (if applicable)

• Business address

• Bank account details

• Government Gateway user ID and password

During registration, make sure you indicate that you are working as a subcontractor. If you are also paying other subcontractors, you must register as a contractor as well.

Once registered, you will receive confirmation from HMRC, which may be by letter or email. This confirmation acts as your “CIS card” for practical purposes.

Can I Get a CIS Card from a Third Party?

Some training centres and industry bodies issue ID cards that include your CIS details. These are not official HMRC documents but can be useful on-site to show your registration status.

These cards may include:

• Your name

• UTR

• Company name (if applicable)

• Confirmation that you are registered for CIS

However, always make sure that your official registration is with HMRC. Having a third-party ID card does not mean you are CIS-registered unless your details are logged with HMRC directly.

How Do Contractors Check My CIS Status?

Before paying you, contractors are required to verify your CIS status with HMRC. They do this by submitting your:

• Name

• UTR number

• National Insurance number (for individuals)

• Company name and registration number (for limited companies)

HMRC then confirms:

• If you are registered under CIS

• What deduction rate should be applied (20 per cent, 30 per cent, or gross payment status)

You do not need to provide a physical card — just ensure your details are correct and up to date with HMRC.

Do I Need a CSCS Card as Well?

The CSCS card and CIS registration are separate.

• CSCS proves you have the right qualifications and training to work on a construction site

• CIS confirms your tax registration and status with HMRC

In most cases, you will need both. Many construction sites require a CSCS card for access, and contractors will also check your CIS registration for payment purposes.

What If I Am Paid Under CIS but Not Registered?

If you’re working as a subcontractor and not registered for CIS, your contractor will deduct 30 per cent tax from your payments instead of the standard 20 per cent. You can still reclaim any overpaid tax through your Self Assessment tax return, but you may experience cash flow issues in the meantime.

To avoid this, it’s always best to register as soon as you begin subcontracting in the construction sector.

Final Thoughts

There is no physical CIS card issued by HMRC, but you can register online and receive confirmation of your CIS status. This registration is essential for subcontractors to avoid higher tax deductions and to ensure they’re paid correctly by contractors. If you want a card for on-site use, some training bodies and providers offer ID cards that reference your CIS details, but the real proof of your status always comes from HMRC’s records.

Taking a few simple steps to register properly will save you time, stress, and money in the long run.