How to Change Company Name on Companies House

There may come a time when you want to rebrand your business or update your company name to better reflect your products or services. In the UK, changing your company name is a formal process that must be approved and recorded by Companies House. It involves a shareholder resolution, the correct form submission, and a small fee.

Changing your company name involves more than just submitting a form to Companies House. You also need to update your statutory registers, inform HMRC, adjust your branding and notify banks, insurers and stakeholders. Our limited company accountants provide complete support throughout the process, from drafting the required resolution and filing form NM01 to ensuring all post-change updates are handled correctly. Whether you are rebranding, pivoting your business model or merging with another entity, we make sure your records stay accurate, your filings are compliant and the transition is smooth.

In this article, we explain how to change your company name on Companies House, step by step, and what to expect after the change is processed.

Can You Change a Company Name?

Yes. Any registered limited company in the UK can change its name, provided it follows the correct procedure. The new name must be available to register and meet Companies House naming rules. You cannot use a name that is too similar to an existing company, contains restricted words, or is considered misleading.

Once the change is approved and processed, Companies House will update the public register and issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name.

Step 1: Pass a Resolution to Approve the New Name

To change the company name, you must first get approval from the shareholders. This is usually done by:

• Passing a special resolution at a general meeting, or

• Using a written resolution signed by the majority of shareholders

Record the resolution clearly and keep a copy for your records.

If your articles of association give the directors authority to change the name without a shareholder vote, you can follow that internal procedure instead.

Step 2: Check Availability of the New Name

Before filing the change, check that your desired name is:

• Not already registered by another company

• Not too similar to another name on the register

• Not using any sensitive or restricted words without permission

Use the Companies House name availability checker online to confirm that your chosen name is acceptable.

Step 3: File Form NM01 with Companies House

Once the resolution has been passed and the name is available, you need to submit form NM01 to Companies House.

You can do this:

• Online via WebFiling

• By post using the paper form

The filing must include:

• The company number

• The new name

• A copy of the special or written resolution

• The £8 filing fee (online) or £10 fee (by post)

If you need same-day processing, you can pay £30 for express service and submit the form before 3pm.

Step 4: Wait for the Certificate of Name Change

Once Companies House approves your application, they will issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. This replaces your original certificate and confirms the legal change.

Your company number will remain the same, and all contracts, bank accounts, and tax details will still be valid, but you must start using the new name in all official documents.

Step 5: Update Your Company Records and Branding

After receiving the certificate, update your:

• Stationery, invoices and email footers

• Website, domain name and social media accounts

• Bank account records and direct debits

• HMRC and VAT registration (if applicable)

• Contracts, supplier accounts and any business licenses

Let your accountant, legal adviser and key partners know about the name change to avoid confusion.

Final Thoughts

Changing your company name is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and file the necessary forms. Whether you are rebranding, merging or simply refining your business identity, updating your name through Companies House makes it official and protects your new brand on the public register.

If you want to make sure the process runs smoothly or need help choosing an available name, working with a professional can save time and reduce the chance of errors. If you are running a smaller company or working as a sole director, it is easy to underestimate the admin involved in a name change. But missing a key step can lead to confusion with customers, payment issues or delayed tax correspondence. Our small company accountant service is designed to take the pressure off by managing every aspect of the name change process for you. We will make sure your Companies House records are updated, help with HMRC notifications, and guide you through any adjustments needed to stay fully compliant with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.

Read more about how to change address on Companies House.

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