Key takeaways
- Changing a registered office address is free: Companies House does not charge a fee for filing form AD01 online or by post.
- The new registered office must be in the same UK jurisdiction (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland) as the company's original registration.
- Companies House must be notified within 14 days of the address change; the old address remains the legal registered office until Companies House updates the public record.
- HMRC, your bank, customers, suppliers, and Companies House are all separate notifications; changing the registered office does not automatically update any other organisation.
- Virtual office addresses and accountants' addresses are legally valid registered offices as long as Companies House correspondence can be received and forwarded promptly.
Every limited company in the UK must have its official location listed with Companies House, which is known as the registered office address. Registered business address serves as the primary point for receiving important legal and government correspondence, such as tax notices and official reminders. It must be a physical address within the same jurisdiction as where the company is registered.
Updating the registered company address is not just a formality—it is a legal requirement. Companies House must always have the correct details on record. If a business fails to submit the change through the AD01 form, it could face delays in receiving important documents or even penalties.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to change the registered address of a company, which form to use, and what steps to follow for a smooth update with Companies House.
What is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office address is the official address of a company listed with Companies House. It serves as the formal point of contact for legal and official correspondence, including letters from HMRC, Companies House, and other government agencies. This address appears on public records, allowing clients, suppliers, and stakeholders to access your company's information. Every limited company and LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) must have one from the moment it is incorporated.
Why Keeping the Registered Office Address Updated is Important
Keeping your registered office address up to date is important for several reasons:
- Compliance: Companies House requires accurate records. Failure to update your address can lead to penalties or legal issues.
- Effective Communication: An up-to-date address ensures you receive important legal notices, tax reminders, and other crucial correspondence on time.
- Professional Image: An accurate and professional address shows that your company is well-managed and serious about its operations.
- Avoiding Miscommunication: Outdated information can lead to missed communications, which may impact tax filings, contracts, or legal obligations.
Reasons for Changing a Registered Office Address
There are several situations where businesses may need to update their registered company address. Keeping this information updated helps your company stay organised, compliant, and professional. Below are common reasons why businesses might decide to make this change.
1. Relocation to a New Office
Office relocation is one of the most common reasons for updating the registered business address. As companies grow, they may require larger office spaces, better locations, or more modern facilities. When this happens, updating the official company records with Companies House is essential to receive important communications without interruption.
2. Business Restructuring
Restructuring within a business, such as merging with another company or setting up different divisions, can lead to the need for a new registered office address. Changes to the organisational structure often come with a new operating base, which should be reflected in the company's official records.
3. Privacy Concerns
Some business owners initially use their home address as the limited company address. However, since this information is publicly available through Companies House, privacy can become a concern. Switching to a commercial address helps protect personal information and maintains a professional image.
4. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
In certain situations, regulations may require a business to change its registered office address. For example, if a company initially sets up in one jurisdiction but later operates predominantly in another, updating the address to match the company's actual location becomes necessary.
5. Switching to a Virtual Office
Many businesses prefer using a virtual office for their registered office address instead of a physical location. A virtual office provides a professional address while allowing directors and employees to work remotely. This option is popular among startups, freelancers, and online businesses that do not need a dedicated office space.
6. Moving to an Accountant’s Address for Professional Handling
Some companies choose to register their business at their accountant’s office. This can help with handling official mail, as London accountants can deal with HMRC letters, tax documents, and compliance notices efficiently. Using an accountant’s address can also help keep personal addresses private for sole directors and small businesses.
Legal Requirements to Make Change of Registered Address
Changing a company registered address is a legal process governed by the Companies Act 2006. Businesses must follow specific rules to keep their records accurate and comply with UK company law.
1. The Companies Act 2006 Regulations
Under the Companies Act 2006, every company must have a valid registered company address on record. If the address changes, the company must notify Companies House online or by post using the AD01 form. The new address will only take effect once Companies House updates the public register. Until then, the previous address remains the official location for legal documents.
2. Timeframe for Notifying Companies House
Companies House must be informed of the change of registered office address within 14 days of the change taking place. Businesses can submit the AD01 Companies House form online or by post. Online submissions are usually processed within 24 hours, while postal applications can take up to two weeks.
3. Restrictions on Changing a Registered Office Address
Although companies can update their registered address, they must follow these restrictions:
- The new address must be in the same UK jurisdiction.
- The new address must be a physical location, not just a PO Box.
- The company must be able to receive official mail at the new location.
How to Change the Registered Address of a Company with Companies House?
Changing your registered office address in the UK involves several essential steps to stay compliant and keep stakeholders informed. Follow below steps:
Step 1: Verify the New Address Meets Legal Requirements
Before making the change, check that the new address follows legal rules:
- It must be a physical address in the same UK jurisdiction.
- A PO Box alone is not acceptable unless it includes a full postal address.
- The company must be able to receive legal documents at this location.
Step 2: Notify Directors and Shareholders (If Applicable)
In some cases, directors and shareholders may need to approve the change. While this is not always legally required, informing key stakeholders helps maintain transparency, especially in larger companies.
Step 3: Notify Companies House
To officially update the registered office address, submit the change to Companies House. This can be done in two ways:
Online Submission (Recommended)
- Log in to the Companies House WebFiling service.
- Select the option to update the registered company address.
- Enter the new details and submit the form.
- Processing usually takes 24 hours.
Paper Form AD01 Submission
- Download and complete the AD01 Companies House form.
- Post it to Companies House at the appropriate UK office.
- Processing can take up to two weeks.
The change only becomes official once Companies House updates its records. Until then, the old address remains in use.
Step 4: Update Other Stakeholders
Once the change of registered office address is approved, notify other organisations:
Banks: Provide your new address to keep your financial records up to date.
HMRC: Notify HMRC to avoid missing tax-related correspondence.
Suppliers and Customers: Inform business contacts to prevent communication issues.
Insurance Providers: Update your address to ensure your policy details remain accurate.
Updating these records prevents communication issues and delays in important documents.
Step 5: Change Business Records, Website, and Stationery
After Companies House processes the change, update the address everywhere it appears, including:
- Business website and email signatures.
- Company letterheads, invoices, and contracts.
- Reprint business cards, order forms, receipts, invoices, and other stationary with the updated address to maintain a professional image.
