Changing Your Company Name on Companies House

At Towerstone Accountants we provide specialist limited company accountancy services for directors and owner managed businesses across the UK. We created this webpage for people responsible for company filings and statutory records who want clear guidance on Companies House requirements without jargon. Our aim is to help you understand your obligations, avoid filing errors, and stay compliant with Companies House and HMRC.

Changing a company name is something many directors consider at some point. It might be due to rebranding, a change in business direction, a merger, or simply because the original name no longer fits. In my experience directors often assume it is a complex legal process when in reality the mechanics are relatively straightforward. The complexity usually sits around timing communication and understanding what does and does not change as a result.

In this guide I will explain clearly how to change a company name on Companies House, the methods available, the steps involved, how long it takes, what you need to check before making the change, and the common mistakes I see. I will also cover the wider implications so you understand the practical impact beyond the form itself.

What it means to change a company name

Changing a company name means changing the company’s registered legal name as shown on the public register. The company itself does not change. Its legal identity remains exactly the same.

This means

• The company number stays the same
• Contracts remain valid
• Assets and liabilities stay with the company
• Tax references remain unchanged

Only the name changes.

This distinction is important because it reassures customers suppliers and lenders that the business itself has not been replaced.

Common reasons companies change their name

From experience the most common reasons include

• Rebranding to reflect growth or a new direction
• Aligning the company name with a trading name
• Removing a geographic reference that no longer fits
• Resolving a name conflict or similarity issue
• Simplifying or modernising the name

Whatever the reason the legal process is the same.

Who can change the company name

The power to change the company name ultimately sits with the shareholders because it involves altering the company’s constitution.

In practice

• Directors usually propose the change
• Shareholders approve the change
• The change is filed with Companies House

In a one person company this all happens internally but the formal steps still matter.

Choosing a new company name

Before you do anything you must choose a new name that is acceptable.

The new name must

• Not be the same as or too similar to an existing name
• Not include restricted or sensitive words unless permission is obtained
• Not be offensive
• Not imply regulated activity unless authorised

Checking availability early avoids wasted effort.

Restricted words and expressions

Some words require prior approval because they suggest regulation or official status.

Examples include

• Bank
• Insurance
• Royal
• Chartered
• Authority

Using these words usually requires evidence and permission from a relevant body which can delay the process significantly.

Trading name versus registered name

It is worth clarifying the difference between a trading name and a registered name.

A registered name is the legal name shown on Companies House.

A trading name is the name you use publicly.

You can trade under a different name without changing the registered name but the registered name must still appear on official documents.

Changing the registered name is optional if you are only rebranding for marketing purposes but many companies prefer alignment.

How many ways can you change a company name

There are two main methods to change a company name.

These are

• By special resolution
• By passing a resolution using the Companies House online process

The method used affects paperwork but not the outcome.

Changing a company name by special resolution

This is the most traditional method.

A special resolution requires approval from shareholders holding at least 75 percent of the voting rights.

The steps are

• Shareholders pass a special resolution approving the new name
• The resolution is recorded in writing
• The change is filed with Companies House

This method is common where there are multiple shareholders.

Changing a company name using the online service

Companies House allows eligible companies to change their name online without a separate resolution document.

This is often quicker and simpler.

It is typically used where

• There is a straightforward ownership structure
• All required consents are in place
• The company is eligible for online filing

The system guides you through the process.

Filing the name change with Companies House

Once the decision is made the change must be filed with Companies House.

The filing includes

• The new company name
• Confirmation of approval
• The relevant resolution details if applicable

There is no fee for changing a company name online.

How long the name change takes

In most cases the change is processed very quickly.

Typical timelines are

• Same day for online filings
• One to two working days in most cases
• Slightly longer if manual checks are required

Once approved the new name appears on the public register immediately.

What you receive after the name change

After the name change is processed Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name.

This certificate

• Confirms the new name
• Shows the effective date
• Replaces the previous certificate

This is an important document and should be kept safely.

When the new name becomes effective

The new name becomes legally effective from the date shown on the certificate of incorporation on change of name.

From that date

• The new name must be used on official documents
• The old name should no longer be used
• Third parties should be informed

There is no transition period in legal terms.

What does not change when you change the company name

It is important to understand what stays the same.

These do not change

• Company number
• Corporation Tax reference
• VAT registration
• PAYE schemes
• Contracts and agreements

The company remains the same legal entity.

Informing HMRC and other bodies

You do not usually need to separately inform HMRC of a name change because Companies House updates are shared.

However in practice it is sensible to check records with

• HM Revenue and Customs
• Banks
• Payment providers
• Pension providers

This avoids mismatches that can cause delays or confusion.

Updating bank accounts and mandates

Banks must be informed of the name change.

This often involves

• Providing the new certificate of incorporation
• Updating mandates and stationery
• Updating online banking profiles

Banks may take time to process these changes so plan accordingly.

Updating contracts and legal documents

Existing contracts remain valid but you should notify counterparties of the new name.

Good practice includes

• Writing to key customers and suppliers
• Updating contract headers going forward
• Issuing formal notices where required

This maintains clarity and avoids disputes.

Updating branding and stationery

After the legal change you should update all outward facing materials.

This includes

• Website
• Email signatures
• Invoices and letterheads
• Terms and conditions
• Social media profiles

Failing to update documents can create compliance issues especially with invoices.

Invoices and statutory information

Company law requires certain details to appear on business documents.

After the name change ensure that

• The new registered name is shown
• The company number is included
• The registered office address is correct

Using the old name on invoices can cause confusion or payment delays.

What happens to old stationery and stock

Old stationery should not be used once the name change is effective.

If it must be used temporarily it should clearly state

• The new company name
• The former name for clarity

However this should only be a short term measure.

Changing a company name during the year

A company can change its name at any time.

There is no requirement to wait until

• The year end
• Accounts are filed
• A confirmation statement is due

However timing matters from a practical perspective particularly if accounts or contracts are being finalised.

Name changes and confirmation statements

When you next file your confirmation statement the new name will already appear if the change has been processed.

There is no need to wait for the confirmation statement to change the name.

Common mistakes I see directors make

Over the years the same issues appear repeatedly.

These include

• Not checking name availability properly
• Using restricted words without permission
• Forgetting to update banks and suppliers
• Continuing to use the old name on invoices
• Assuming HMRC updates everything instantly

Most of these cause delay rather than serious problems but they are avoidable.

What if the new name is challenged

In rare cases another company may object to a name if it is too similar.

If challenged

• Companies House may require a change
• Evidence may need to be provided
• A direction to change the name may be issued

This is why name checks matter before filing.

Changing back or changing again

There is no limit on how many times a company can change its name.

However frequent changes can

• Confuse customers
• Raise questions from banks
• Create administrative burden

It is best to be confident in the new name before making the change.

The role of professional advisers

Changing a company name is straightforward but advisers can help with

• Checking name availability
• Drafting resolutions
• Managing the filing process
• Coordinating wider updates

This is particularly helpful in companies with multiple shareholders or complex structures.

Rebranding versus legal name change

It is worth stepping back to decide whether a legal name change is actually required.

Sometimes

• A trading name is sufficient
• A brand refresh does not need legal change

Understanding this distinction can save time and effort.

Final thoughts from experience

Changing a company name on Companies House is one of the simpler corporate actions a company can take. The process itself is quick and usually free. The real work sits around preparation and follow through.

From experience the companies that handle name changes well are those that think beyond the form. They plan communications update systems promptly and ensure everyone understands that the company itself has not changed.

If you are considering a name change take a moment to check availability understand the implications and line up the practical steps. Done properly it is a smooth process that allows your company’s identity to evolve without legal or operational disruption.

You may also find our guidance on how to change sic code on companies house and how to change address on companies house helpful when dealing with related Companies House tasks. For a broader overview of filings, registers, and statutory duties, you can visit our companies house hub.