How to Change Address with Companies House?

When operating a business in the UK, one of the fundamental legal obligations is to maintain an up-to-date registered office address.

This address is used for receiving statutory mail, legal documents, and official communication from Companies House, HMRC, and other government agencies.

If your company relocates, you must notify Companies House as soon as possible. Failing to do so may result in missed legal correspondence, potential fines, and even the risk of your company being struck off the register.

This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step process on how to change your registered address, explains key legal considerations, and highlights common mistakes to avoid.

Why Is It Important to Update Your Company Address?

Updating your registered office address is a legal obligation under the Companies Act 2006. The registered office is where Companies House, HMRC, and other regulatory bodies will send official documents, including:

• Tax notices and reminders from HMRC
• Filing notifications from Companies House
• Court documents or legal notices
• Business-related correspondence from other authorities

Failure to update your address in a timely manner can lead to penalties and legal complications, particularly if you miss critical notifications.

Government Advice on Choosing a Registered Office Address

The UK Government provides clear guidelines on the selection and maintenance of a registered office address. The key considerations include:

• The registered office must be a physical location within the same UK jurisdiction in which the company is incorporated (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
• It can be a residential or non-residential address, but it must be capable of receiving statutory mail.
• PO Box addresses are not permitted unless they are linked to a full physical street address.
• If using a home address, it is essential to check tenancy agreements or mortgage terms. Some agreements restrict business activities, including bookkeeping, marketing, and storage.
• The registered office address will be displayed on the public register. Companies House does not have the legal power to remove a home address once it has been used as a company’s registered office.

For privacy and legal protection, many businesses opt to use an accountant’s office, a solicitor’s address, or a virtual office service. If using a third-party service, ensure that all company mail is forwarded correctly.

What Are the Rules and Requirements for Changing a Company Address?

Before making changes, it is important to understand the legal and procedural rules for updating your registered office address:

Who Can Update the Address?

• Only an authorised person, such as a company director or company secretary, can submit the address change.

Where Can the New Address Be Located?

• The new registered office must remain within the same part of the UK in which the company was originally registered.
• If a company wants to relocate to a different UK jurisdiction (e.g., from England to Scotland), it must re-incorporate as a new entity.

Which Business Types Must Update Their Address?

• Limited Companies (LTD)
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
• Sole Traders (if registered with Companies House)

Once the change is submitted, Companies House will notify HMRC automatically, but you may still need to update your address separately with other organisations.

How Can You Change Your Address with Companies House?

How to Update Your Address Online Using WebFiling?

The quickest and easiest way to update your address is through Companies House WebFiling. The online process is free and typically takes 24 hours to complete.

Steps to Update Your Address Online:

1. Log in to Companies House WebFiling.
2. Search for your company and select “File for this company”.
3. Click on “Change of registered office address”.
4. Enter your new address and verify that it complies with UK regulations.
5. Submit the request. You will receive a confirmation email once the update is processed.

Processing time for online submissions is usually within one working day.

How to Change Your Address Using Form AD01?

For those who prefer a paper-based submission, Companies House allows changes to be made using Form AD01.

Steps to Update Your Address by Post:

1. Download Form AD01 from the UK Government website.
2. Complete the form, including your company name, company number, and new registered address.
3. Sign and send the form to:

Companies House

• Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ
• Processing for postal submissions can take up to 10 days.

What Should You Consider Before Changing Your Company Address?

Changing your registered office address is more than just updating your details with Companies House. There are several important factors to consider before making the change to ensure your business remains compliant and uninterrupted.

Compliance with UK Legal Requirements

• Your new registered office must be located in the same part of the UK where your company was incorporated.
• If you want to move your company to a different UK jurisdiction (e.g., from Scotland to England), you must re-incorporate as a new company, which involves additional legal and administrative procedures.
• The address must be a physical location and not a PO Box unless it is linked to a complete physical street address.

Impact on Public Records

• Companies House publishes all registered office addresses on the public register, meaning that anyone can access this information.
• If you are using a home address, consider privacy implications before proceeding.
• Once an address is registered with Companies House, it cannot be removed from public records, even if you change it later.
• Many business owners opt for a third-party registered office service, an accountant’s office, or a solicitor’s address to maintain privacy.

Notifying Key Organisations and Agencies

Although Companies House automatically informs HMRC about your address change, you will still need to notify various organisations to avoid disruption in business operations.

These may include:

Government Agencies and Authorities

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – While Companies House updates HMRC, it is recommended that you double-check to ensure your tax records are correct.
• VAT Office – If your business is VAT-registered, you may need to update your VAT registration address separately.
• Local Council – If your business pays business rates, inform your local council about the address change.

Financial Institutions

• Business Bank Accounts – Update your bank to avoid transaction issues, especially for payments linked to your old address.
• Business Loans and Credit Accounts – Any financial agreements that require a registered business address must be updated.

Suppliers, Clients, and Service Providers

• Suppliers and Vendors – Ensure suppliers send invoices and deliveries to your correct address.
• Customers and Clients – Update contact details in contracts, agreements, and invoices to maintain credibility.
• Utility Providers and Lease Agreements – If your company has electricity, internet, phone, or rental agreements, these need to be amended.

Business and Marketing Materials

• Company Website and Social Media – Ensure your new business address is updated across all online platforms.
• Business Cards, Letterheads, and Brochures – Modify any printed materials to avoid outdated information.
• Legal Contracts and Agreements – If your registered office is mentioned in any contracts or agreements, ensure they are updated.

Registered Address vs. Trading Address

• A registered office address is where official government correspondence is sent.
• A trading address is where daily business activities take place.
• If your business operates from a different trading address, ensure both are updated accordingly.

Potential Business Disruptions

• If your address is used for mailing, storage, or legal purposes, ensure there is no gap in receiving important documents.
• Continue monitoring mail at your old address until you receive confirmation that Companies House has processed the change.

By considering these factors, you can avoid compliance issues and ensure a smooth transition when changing your registered office address.

How Long Does It Take to Process the Address Change?

The processing time for changing a registered office address depends on how you submit the request. Companies House offers two methods:

Method	Processing Time	Details
WebFiling (Online)	Usually within 24 hours	The fastest way to update your address. Requires authentication code.
Form AD01 (By Post)	Up to 10 days	Requires manually filling in the form and posting it to Companies House.

Online Processing Time

• If you use the WebFiling service, the change is typically processed within 24 hours, provided it is submitted on a working day.
• You will receive a confirmation email once the update is approved.

Postal Processing Time

• Submitting Form AD01 by post can take up to 10 working days, depending on postal delays and the workload at Companies House.
• The new address is not officially changed until Companies House registers it, so postal submissions take longer.

Factors That May Delay Processing

Even though WebFiling is usually processed within a day, some factors may cause delays in updating your registered office address:

1. Incorrect Address Details – If the new address does not comply with UK regulations, Companies House may reject the update.
2. Mismatched Company Jurisdiction – The new address must be in the same UK country as where the company was originally incorporated.
3. Authentication Code Issues – If you have lost or forgotten your Companies House authentication code, you must request a new one before updating the address.
4. Bank Holidays or Weekends – Processing may be delayed if the request is submitted outside of working hours.
5. Incomplete Form AD01 Submissions – If submitting via post, errors or missing information on Form AD01 can lead to rejection and require resubmission.

How to Check the Status of Your Address Change?

Once you have submitted your address change request, you can track the status through the Companies House service:

1. Log in to your WebFiling account.
2. Navigate to “Company Information”.
3. Check whether your new address has been registered.

For postal submissions, Companies House does not provide tracking, so it is recommended to allow up to 10 working days before contacting them for updates.

By understanding these timelines and potential delays, you can plan ahead and ensure that your company’s address change is processed without complications.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Address?

• Using an Invalid Address: Ensure the new address complies with Companies House regulations.
• Forgetting to Notify Other Organisations: While Companies House informs HMRC, you must manually update banks, suppliers, and service providers.
• Delaying the Update:  Until the change is confirmed, continue monitoring mail at the previous registered address.
• Ignoring Public Record Implications:  Previous registered office addresses remain publicly visible on the Companies House register.

Conclusion

Changing your registered office address with Companies House is a straightforward but essential legal requirement for all UK businesses.

Keeping your company’s address updated ensures that you receive important government correspondence, remain compliant with Companies Act 2006, and maintain trust with clients, suppliers, and financial institutions.

To ensure a smooth transition, follow these key steps:

• Use WebFiling for a quick, 24-hour update, or submit Form AD01 by post (which takes up to 10 days).
• Ensure your new address complies with UK law, remaining within the same jurisdiction (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
• Monitor your Companies House account for confirmation before assuming the update is complete.
• Update HMRC, banks, suppliers, and clients separately, as Companies House does not inform all entities on your behalf.
• Consider privacy implications if using a home address, as it will remain on the public register indefinitely.
• Check all business documents and online platforms to ensure your updated address is reflected across invoices, contracts, and marketing materials.

Failing to update your registered office address on time could result in missed legal notices, penalties, or even your company being struck off the register.

By proactively managing your business details, you safeguard your company’s compliance, reputation, and operational efficiency.

If your business has moved or is planning a relocation, take action today to update your registered address with Companies House and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a virtual office as my registered office address?

Yes, as long as the provider offers a physical street address that can receive mail on your behalf.

Do I need shareholder approval to change my company address?

No, only a director or authorised representative is required to approve the change.

Is there a fee to update my address with Companies House?

No, updating your registered office address is free of charge.

Can I change my registered address and trading address at the same time?

Yes, but they are separate updates. Trading address changes must be notified to HMRC separately.

What happens if I do not update my company address on time?

You may miss important legal correspondence, which could result in fines, compliance issues, or even company strike-off.

How will I know if my address change has been approved?

You will receive a confirmation email (WebFiling) or an official letter (postal submission) once the update is processed.