There are many reasons why a UK limited company might need to change its registered office address. You may have moved home, switched to a professional address service, outgrown your current arrangement or simply decided it is time to protect your privacy with a dedicated business address. Whatever the reason, changing your registered office address is a straightforward process. Here is exactly how to do it.
What Is a Registered Office Address?
Your registered office address is the official address of your limited company as recorded at Companies House. It is publicly visible on the Companies House register and is the address to which all official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC is sent. Every UK limited company must have a registered office address, and it must be kept accurate and up to date at all times.
Can I Change It at Any Time?
Yes. You can change your registered office address at any time — there is no restriction on when you can make the change or how many times you can change it. The new address must be in the same part of the UK as your company is registered. For example, if your company is registered in England and Wales, your new registered office address must also be in England or Wales.
How Do I Change It Online?
The quickest and easiest way to change your registered office address is online through the Companies House WebFiling service. You will need your company number and your Companies House authentication code — a six-character code that acts as your company’s online password. Once logged in, select “Change registered office address” and enter the new address. The change is usually processed and visible on the public register within 24 hours.
Can I File a Paper Form Instead?
Yes. If you prefer to file by post, you can use form AD01 — the Change of Registered Office Address form — which is available to download from the Companies House website. Complete the form and post it to Companies House along with the applicable fee. Paper filings take longer to process than online filings, so allow additional time if you are using this method.
Is There a Fee?
There is currently no fee for changing your registered office address online. It is a free filing. If you file by paper using form AD01, a fee may apply — check the current Companies House fee schedule for the latest information before submitting.
When Does the Change Take Effect?
The change takes effect as soon as it is registered by Companies House and appears on the public register. For online filings, this is typically within 24 hours. Until the change is registered, your old address remains the official registered office, so it is important to ensure that any correspondence sent to the old address during this period is still being received and monitored.
What Do I Need to Update After the Change?
Once your new registered office address is registered at Companies House, you should update it everywhere it appears in your business. This includes your company website (where it is a legal requirement to display your registered office address), your email signature, your invoices and quotes, your letterheads and any printed marketing materials. Keeping everything consistent avoids confusion and ensures you remain compliant.
What About My Director Service Address?
Your registered office address and your director service address are two separate things. Changing your registered office address does not automatically change your director service address. If you also want to update the address listed for you personally as a director, you will need to file a separate change of director’s details with Companies House. This can also be done online through the WebFiling service.
What If I Am Switching to a Professional Address Service?
If you are moving from a home address to a professional registered office address service, the process is the same — you simply file the change of address with Companies House using the new professional address. Make sure you have confirmed the new address with your service provider before filing, and check that they are set up to receive and handle your official correspondence from the date the change takes effect.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered office address with Companies House is a simple, quick process that can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Whether you are moving to a professional address service to protect your privacy, relocating your business or simply updating your records, keeping your registered office address accurate is an important part of running a compliant and well-managed limited company.
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