How To Change Registered Office Address With Companies House

By Author: Dhara Tuvar
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Every limited company in the UK must have a registered office address, which serves as its official point of contact. This is where Companies House, HMRC, and other government bodies send important notices. If your business moves to a new location or you decide to use a different address, you must update your registered office address with Companies House.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the change of registered office address, including legal requirements, steps to update the address, and key considerations.

What is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office address is the official address of a UK company where legal documents and government correspondence are sent. It must meet the following conditions:

It must be a physical address in the UK (not a PO Box).
It must be in the same jurisdiction where the company was incorporated (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
It must be accessible to receive official mail.
This address does not need to be the company’s trading location, meaning businesses can use a virtual office or ...
... an accountant’s office as their registered office address.

Reasons for Changing a Registered Office Address
A company may decide to change its registered office address for various reasons, including:

Business relocation – Moving to a new physical office or business premises.
Using a virtual office – Many companies prefer a professional address instead of using a home address.
Switching to an accountant’s office – Some businesses use their accountant’s office as the registered office address to handle compliance documents efficiently.
Better business image – A prestigious London office address can enhance credibility.
Operational convenience – Companies may switch to an address that is easier to manage.
Legal Requirements for Changing a Registered Office Address
Under the Companies Act 2006, businesses must comply with certain rules when changing their registered office address:

The new address must remain in the same jurisdiction (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
Companies House must be notified within 14 days of the change.
The new address is not official until it is updated in the Companies House records.
How to Change a Company’s Registered Office Address
Step 1: Verify the New Address
Before making the change, check that the new address meets legal requirements. It must be a physical UK address and located in the same jurisdiction as the current one.

Step 2: Inform Directors and Shareholders
If required by your company’s Articles of Association, notify directors and shareholders about the address change.

Step 3: Update Companies House
You must update Companies House to make the change official. There are two ways to do this:

1. Online Submission (Recommended)
Log in to your Companies House account.
Select the option to change the registered office address.
Enter the new address and submit the update.
You will receive a confirmation once it is processed.
Processing time: Usually within 24 hours.

2. Paper Submission Using AD01 Form
Download the AD01 form from the Companies House website.
Fill in the company details and the new registered office address.
Send the completed form to Companies House by post.
Processing time: Can take up to 10 days.

Step 4: Notify HMRC, Banks, and Other Authorities
Companies House does not automatically update your address with HMRC and other institutions. Inform:

HMRC (for tax and VAT purposes).
Banks and financial institutions.
Insurance providers.
Business partners and suppliers.
Step 5: Update Business Documents
Update the new registered office address on:

Website and email signatures.
Business stationery (letterheads, invoices, etc.).
Contracts and agreements.
How Long Does the Address Change Take?
The processing time depends on how you submit the update:

Online submission – Usually updated within 24 hours.
Paper submission (AD01 form) – Takes up to 10 days, depending on postal delays.
The new address becomes official once Companies House approves the change and updates the public records.

What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Registered Office Address?
Failing to update your registered office address can lead to serious consequences, including:

Legal penalties – Companies House may impose fines for non-compliance.
Missed legal notices – Important tax letters and compliance notices may not reach you.
Company strike-off – If Companies House cannot contact your company, it may be removed from the register.
Keeping your company details up to date helps maintain good legal standing and prevents unnecessary risks.

Changing your registered office address is a simple but important task for any UK company. By following the right process and updating Companies House on time, you can stay compliant and avoid penalties.

If you want a professional address for your company in the London, consider using a London office address service. This helps keep your home address private while maintaining a credible business presence. Alternatively, hiring limited company accountants can help you manage all legal and tax-related updates with ease.