How to verify a SIRET?
Discover all methods to verify the authenticity and validity of a SIRET number.
Last updated: January 2026
Why verify a SIRET number?
- Ensure the legal existence of a business before collaborating
- Verify that the establishment is still active
- Obtain reliable information about the company (address, activity, creation date)
- Avoid fraud and undeclared businesses
Official verification methods
INSEE
The official and free source to verify a SIRET. SIRENE database updated daily.
avis-situation-sirene.insee.fr
What you get :
- • Establishment status (active/closed)
- • Company name and denomination
- • Complete establishment address
- • APE code and main activity
Infogreffe
Trade and Companies Register. Detailed legal and financial information.
www.infogreffe.fr
What you get :
- • Official Kbis extract (paid)
- • Company bylaws
- • Information about executives
- • Filed annual accounts
Société.com
Private platform offering detailed information on French companies.
www.societe.com
What you get :
- • Detailed company profiles
- • History and evolution
- • Financial rating
- • Company relationships
Pappers
Modern service with API to access French company data.
www.pappers.fr
What you get :
- • Modern user interface
- • Developer API
- • Company alerts and monitoring
- • Financial and legal data
API verification
For developers, several APIs allow automatic SIRET verification:
INSEE Sirene API
Official and free API (registration required)
Pappers API
Paid API with free quota, enriched data
What to check in a SIRET?
Valid SIRET indicators
- The establishment is marked as active
- The information matches the company
- The address is consistent and verifiable
- The creation date is logical
Red flags
- SIRET not found in official databases
- Establishment marked as closed
- Inconsistency between SIRET and provided information
- Very recent creation date (caution required)
Check digit verification (Luhn Algorithm)
The last digit of the SIRET (as well as the SIREN) is a check digit calculated using the Luhn algorithm. This basic verification detects input errors but does not guarantee the actual existence of the SIRET.
Note : A SIRET can be mathematically valid according to Luhn but not exist in the INSEE database. Always verify with official sources.
Best practices
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Always verify with official sources
Favor INSEE or Infogreffe for important verifications
-
Request a recent Kbis extract
For important partnerships, request a Kbis less than 3 months old
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Cross-check information
Verify consistency between SIRET, denomination, address and activity
-
Be wary of very recent creations
Newly created companies may present more risks
FAQ about SIRET verification
No, a SIRET can be valid according to the Luhn algorithm but not exist in the INSEE database. Mathematical verification only detects input errors. You must always verify on official databases.
A closed establishment can no longer legally operate. If a partner provides a closed SIRET, ask for their new active SIRET or check if they have other open establishments under the same SIREN.
Yes, basic verification is free on INSEE, Pappers, or the Business Directory. Some additional documents (Kbis, financial statements) may be paid on Infogreffe or other services.
The INSEE SIRENE API is free (registration required). Pappers also offers an API with a free quota. These APIs allow you to automate verification in your applications or business processes.
Yes, via APIs (INSEE, Pappers) or by downloading the complete SIRENE database in Open Data. For occasional needs, services like DataGouv offer downloadable files.
Important notice
Official Sources
This content is based on official French government sources:
Need test SIRET numbers?
Use our generator to create fictitious SIRET numbers for your tests and developments.