How do I change the company name and registered office address after incorporation?

As a business grows or rebrands, you may need to change your company's name or move its registered office. Both are straightforward under the Companies Act 2006 if you follow the right steps and file the correct forms at Companies House. Here is how, in England and Wales.

Changing the company name

The usual way to change a company's name is by special resolution of the shareholders (a 75% majority), though the articles can also provide other means.

The steps are:

1. Check the new name is available and permitted, it must not be the same as, or too similar to, an existing name, and must not include restricted or sensitive words without approval. Note: Companies House approval does not clear third-party intellectual property rights, so also check relevant trade marks and branding risks (including potential passing off) before adopting a new name.
2. Pass a special resolution approving the change (at a meeting or as a written resolution).
3. File with Companies House, submit form NM01 (change of name by resolution), the resolution, and the fee.
4. Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. The change takes effect from the date on that certificate.

After the change, update your stationery, website, contracts, bank and HMRC, and display the new name as required.

Changing the registered office address

The registered office is your company's official address for receiving legal documents and where certain records can be inspected. To change it:

1. The directors usually approve the change (a board decision).
2. File form AD01 (change of registered office address) with Companies House.
3. The change takes effect when Companies House registers it, and note that documents may still be validly served at the old address for a short period afterwards.

Important constraints:

• The registered office must remain in the same part of the UK in which the company is registered, an England-and-Wales company cannot move its registered office to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
• The address must be an appropriate address where documents will come to the attention of someone acting for the company (recent reforms tightened the rules on registered office addresses).

A note on related details

• You may also need to keep your appropriate email address and other Companies House details up to date.
• Changing your trading name (a name you trade under that is different from the registered name) does not require a name change at Companies House, but you must still display your registered name and number where required.

Key takeaways

• Change the company name by special resolution and form NM01; it takes effect when Companies House issues the new certificate.
• Change the registered office by board decision and form AD01; it must stay in the same UK jurisdiction and be an appropriate address.
• Update your contracts, bank, HMRC and stationery after a name change.
• A trading name is different from the registered name and does not need a formal name change.

Sources

• Companies Act 2006 (change of name by special resolution; registered office requirements)
• Companies House forms NM01 (change of name) and AD01 (change of registered office)
• Reforms tightening registered office ("appropriate address") requirements

--- This article is general information about the law of England & Wales as at 2026, not legal advice. For advice on your circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor or accountant.