How to Change Your Registered Office Address at Companies House
Changing your registered office address is a straightforward process, but it must be done correctly to ensure your company remains compliant. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
When Might You Need to Change Your Registered Office Address?
There are several common reasons why a company might need to change its registered office address:
- You are moving to a new physical location
- You want to switch from your home address to a professional address service
- Your current address provider is no longer suitable
- You are changing the country of registration (e.g. from England to Scotland)
The Rules Around Changing Your Registered Office Address
Before making a change, there are a few important rules to be aware of:
- The new address must be in the same country as your current registered office (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). You cannot move a company registered in England and Wales to a Scottish address without re-registering
- The address must be a physical address — PO boxes alone are not acceptable
- The change must be notified to Companies House within 14 days
How to Change Your Registered Office Address: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your New Address
Decide on your new registered office address. If you are switching to a professional address service, confirm the address with your provider before proceeding.
Step 2: File Form AD01
To notify Companies House of the change, you need to file a AD01 form. This can be done online via the Companies House WebFiling service or by post. Online filing is faster and usually takes effect within 24 hours.
Step 3: Update Your Business Stationery and Website
Once the change is confirmed, update your registered office address on all business stationery, your website, and any other official documents. You are legally required to display your registered office address on your website and business correspondence.
Step 4: Notify HMRC
Companies House will automatically notify HMRC of the address change, but it is good practice to also update your address directly with HMRC through your Government Gateway account to ensure all correspondence reaches you promptly.
Step 5: Update Your Bank and Other Institutions
Notify your bank, accountant, and any other relevant institutions of your new registered office address.
How Long Does It Take?
If you file online via Companies House WebFiling, the change is usually processed within 24 hours. Postal applications can take several weeks.
Can Spectre Offices Help?
Yes. If you are switching to a Spectre Offices registered office address, we can guide you through the process and confirm the exact address details you need to use on your AD01 form. Our team is on hand to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Explore our registered office address services across the UK.
Summary
Changing your registered office address at Companies House is a simple process that can be completed online in minutes. File form AD01, update your records, and notify HMRC to ensure a smooth transition. If you are switching to a professional address service, Spectre Offices offers affordable registered office addresses across major UK cities.
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