How to Change Your Company Name at Companies House

Understanding how to change company name at Companies House is a straightforward process — but it must be done correctly to remain legally compliant. Whether you’re rebranding, merging with another business, or simply feel your current name no longer reflects your company’s direction, this step-by-step guide explains exactly how to change your company name in the UK, what it costs, and what you need to do after the change is approved.

At Filing Accounts, we help UK limited company directors manage their legal and accounting obligations with confidence. If you need professional support during a company name change, our team is ready to help.

Can You Change Your Company Name?

Yes — any UK limited company registered with Companies House can change its name, provided the new name meets the legal requirements set out in the Companies Act 2006. The change must be authorised by the company’s shareholders (members) via a special resolution, unless the company’s Articles of Association specifically allow the directors to change the name without a shareholder vote.

You can change your company name as many times as you like, but every name change must be formally registered with Companies House and approved before you can legally start trading under the new name.

Requirements for Your New Company Name

Before filing a company name change with Companies House, your new name must meet the following criteria:

• It must be unique — the name cannot be the same as, or too similar to, an existing company registered at Companies House.
• It must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” (or the Welsh equivalents if applicable) for private limited companies.
• It must not be offensive — Companies House will reject names that are considered offensive or inappropriate.
• It must not include sensitive words without approval — words like “Royal”, “British”, “Bank”, “NHS”, or “Chartered” require prior approval or supporting documentation.
• It must not be misleading — a name cannot falsely imply a connection to a government body or suggest activities the company is not authorised to carry out.

You can check name availability for free using the Companies House name availability checker on the GOV.UK website before submitting your application.

How to Change Your Company Name at Companies House: Step-by-Step

Here is the complete process to change your company name at Companies House in 2026:

Step 1: Pass a Special Resolution

The most common method is to pass a special resolution — a formal vote by the company’s shareholders. A special resolution requires a 75% majority of the votes cast to approve the name change. Once passed, a copy of the special resolution must be filed with Companies House within 15 days.

If your Articles of Association give directors the power to change the company name (without a shareholder vote), you can pass a board resolution instead — but this is less common.

Step 2: File Form NM01 with Companies House

To officially register the name change, you must submit Form NM01 — the “Notice of change of name by resolution” — to Companies House. This can be done in two ways:

• Online via Companies House WebFiling — the fastest and cheapest method. The fee is £20 and the change is usually processed within 24 hours.
• By post — send the completed paper form NM01 along with a cheque or postal order for £20. Postal applications typically take 5–10 working days to process.

Companies House will issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name once the application is approved. This certificate is the official legal confirmation of your company’s new name.

Step 3: Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name

Once Companies House approves your application, they will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. This document confirms your company’s new registered name and the date the change took effect. You cannot legally use the new name until this certificate has been issued.

Keep this certificate safe — you will need it when updating your bank accounts, contracts, and other official records.

Step 4: Update All Business Records and Stationery

After receiving your certificate, you must update all references to your old company name. This includes:

• Business bank accounts
• HMRC — notify them of your new company name for Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT, and Self Assessment records
• Contracts, agreements, and legal documents
• Company letterheads, invoices, and email signatures
• Your website, social media profiles, and email addresses
• Registered office signage and premises displays
• Any licences, permits, or professional memberships held in the old name

Failing to update these records promptly can lead to confusion, delays in payments, or even legal disputes. See our guide on legal responsibilities of a company director for a full overview of your obligations.

Company Name Change at Companies House: Costs at a Glance (2026)

Method	Fee	Processing Time
Online (WebFiling)	£20	Usually within 24 hours
By Post (Paper Form NM01)	£20	5–10 working days
Same-Day Service (Premium)	£30	Same working day (if submitted before 3pm)

Fees correct as of 2026. Check the Companies House website for the latest fee schedule.

What Happens to Your Company Number When You Change Your Name?

Your company registration number (CRN) stays the same when you change your company name. This unique number is permanent and never changes, regardless of how many times you change your company name. Your company’s entire history — filing history, charges, and public records — remains linked to the same company number under the new name.

This is important to understand when notifying suppliers, clients, and HMRC, as they may hold records under your old name but cross-referenced to the same company number.

Do You Need to Notify HMRC of a Company Name Change?

Yes. Companies House does not automatically notify HMRC of your name change. You must inform HMRC separately for each of the following:

• Corporation Tax — write to your HMRC Corporation Tax office with your company number, old name, new name, and the effective date of change.
• PAYE and payroll — update your employer records through your payroll software or by contacting HMRC directly.
• VAT — if your company is VAT-registered, update your VAT registration details online via your HMRC VAT account or by submitting a VAT484 form.

If you need help managing your HMRC correspondence, our guide on HMRC contact details 2026 covers all the relevant phone numbers and postal addresses for different tax departments.

Can You Trade Under a Different Name Without Changing It at Companies House?

Yes — in the UK, a company can trade under a business trading name (also called a “trade name” or “doing business as” name) that is different from its registered company name. This does not require approval from Companies House and involves no formal registration fee.

However, there are strict rules: all business stationery, invoices, and official communications must still display the full registered company name and company number. Failing to include this information is a legal offence under the Companies Act 2006.

If you are planning a full rebrand and want your legal identity to reflect your new trading name, it is usually best to complete a formal company name change at Companies House rather than relying solely on a trading name.

Changing Your Company Name vs Setting Up a New Company

Some directors wonder whether it is better to simply close their existing company and set up a new one under the desired name, rather than changing the name of the current company. In most cases, changing the name of your existing company is the better option because:

• Your company history, credit record, and trading relationships remain intact.
• You keep the same bank accounts, VAT number, PAYE reference, and company number.
• It avoids the cost and administrative burden of dissolving and reforming a company.
• Contracts and supplier/client relationships continue without interruption.

If you are considering closing your current company, read our detailed guide: How to Close a Limited Company in the UK in 2026.

How Long Does a Company Name Change Take?

The time it takes depends on the filing method:

• Online filing: Usually approved within 24 hours, and sometimes the same day.
• Postal filing: Typically 5–10 working days, depending on workload at Companies House.
• Same-day premium service: Approved the same working day if submitted before 3pm.

Once the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name is issued, the change is legally effective from that date. You must not use the new name before the certificate is received.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Company Name

Not Checking Name Availability First

Always use the Companies House name checker before submitting your application. A name that is too similar to an existing registered company will be rejected, causing delays and wasted filing fees.

Using the New Name Before Approval

You must wait for Companies House to issue the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name before trading under the new name. Using an unapproved name on invoices or contracts is a legal risk.

Forgetting to Update HMRC

Companies House does not automatically inform HMRC of your name change. Failing to update your Corporation Tax, PAYE, and VAT records under the new name can cause payment delays, penalties, and confusion with your tax affairs.

Not Updating Contracts and Agreements

Many directors overlook their existing contracts. Review all active contracts and agreements and issue novation letters or amendments where necessary to reflect the new company name.

Overlooking Trademark Considerations

A company name approved by Companies House does not automatically give you trademark protection for that name. If you want exclusive rights to use your new name as a brand, you should consider registering it as a trade mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

What Happens to Your Company’s Filing History After a Name Change?

All of your company’s previous filings at Companies House — including annual accounts, confirmation statements, and any charges — remain on the public record under your company number. The Companies House register will show your company’s full name history, so any member of the public can see both your old and new names linked to the same company registration number.

This transparency is important to bear in mind if you are trying to distance yourself from a previous company name for reputational reasons — the connection will remain publicly visible.

Frequently Asked Questions: Changing a Company Name at Companies House

How much does it cost to change a company name at Companies House?

It costs £20 to change a company name online via Companies House WebFiling, or £20 by post. A same-day processing service is available for £30 (if submitted before 3pm on a working day).

How long does a company name change take at Companies House?

Online applications are usually processed within 24 hours. Postal applications take 5–10 working days. The same-day service is processed the same working day if submitted before 3pm.

Do I need shareholders to agree to a company name change?

In most cases, yes. A special resolution requires approval from at least 75% of shareholders. However, if your Articles of Association specifically give directors the power to change the name, a board resolution alone may be sufficient.

Does my company number change when I change my company name?

No — your company registration number (CRN) is permanent and never changes, regardless of how many name changes you make.

Can I change my company name to anything I want?

No. The new name must be unique, not offensive, not misleading, and must end in “Limited” or “Ltd” (for private limited companies). Certain sensitive or restricted words require additional approval. Always check availability using the Companies House name checker before applying.

Does Companies House notify HMRC of a name change?

No — you must notify HMRC separately for Corporation Tax, PAYE, and VAT. Companies House and HMRC are separate organisations and do not automatically share name change information.

Can I change my limited company name myself?

Yes, you can file the name change yourself online at Companies House WebFiling. However, if you are unsure about the process, the resolution requirements, or the post-change admin, it is advisable to work with a professional accountant or company formation agent.

Need Help Changing Your Company Name? Talk to Filing Accounts

Changing your company name at Companies House is a manageable process, but the admin that follows — notifying HMRC, updating contracts, revising your records — can feel overwhelming if you’re running a business at the same time.

At Filing Accounts, we support UK limited company directors with all aspects of company compliance, from choosing the right business structure to managing your annual accounts and tax filings. If you are planning a company name change and want expert guidance, we are here to help.

You may also find these related guides helpful:

• How to Close a Limited Company in the UK in 2026
• How to Get Your Money If Your Company Has Been Dissolved
• What Is a Tax Reference Number (UTR) in the UK?
• What Records Do You Need to Keep for HMRC?

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