Your Companies House record must always reflect reality. When you move office, appoint or remove a director, change your company name, or update what your business actually does, you have a legal duty to tell Companies House — usually within a set deadline. The good news: nearly all of these changes are free and can be filed online in minutes. This guide walks through each one.
Common Changes and Their Forms
- Registered office: form AD01 — free, effective when registered
- Appoint a director: form AP01 — within 14 days, free
- Resign a director: form TM01 — within 14 days, free
- Change company name: form NM01 — £20 online (£30 same day), needs a resolution
- Update SIC code: done on the next confirmation statement — free
- Change details of a PSC: form PSC04 — within 14 + 14 days
Changing your registered office address
File form AD01 online through Companies House WebFiling or your formation agent. The change takes effect only once Companies House registers it, so keep the old address able to receive post until you see confirmation. The new address must be in the same UK jurisdiction (England & Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) as your incorporation.
Since 2024 the registered office must be an “appropriate address” where documents come to the attention of a person and delivery can be acknowledged — a PO Box alone is not allowed. See our registered office guide.
Changing your company name
Changing the company name needs a special resolution of the shareholders (75% majority), then form NM01 with the £20 fee (£30 for same-day). Companies House issues a new certificate of incorporation on change of name; your company number stays the same.
Check the new name against the company name rules first — sensitive words, “same as” existing names, and trademarks can all cause rejection.
Appointing and removing directors
To appoint a director file AP01 (or AP02 for a corporate director) within 14 days. To record a resignation file TM01 within 14 days. Both are free. Remember that under the ECCTA reforms, new directors must complete identity verification, and the company must keep its own register up to date.
Changing a director's own details (name, address, occupation) uses form CH01.
SIC codes, PSCs and share capital
To change what your company does, update your SIC code — this is done as part of your next confirmation statement rather than a standalone form. Changes to people with significant control use the PSC01–PSC09 forms within 14 days of the change (plus 14 days to notify Companies House).
Allotting new shares uses form SH01 within one month; other share capital changes have their own forms. Keep your statutory registers aligned with every filing.
Deadlines and why accuracy matters
Most people-related changes must be filed within 14 days; share allotments within one month. Filing late or maintaining false information is an offence and can lead to penalties or a company being flagged. An accurate record also protects you — banks, clients and investors all check Companies House. Build a habit of filing the moment something changes.
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View company packagesFAQ
How do I change my registered office address at Companies House?
File form AD01 online through WebFiling or your formation agent. It is free and takes effect once Companies House registers it. The new address must be an appropriate address in the same UK jurisdiction as your incorporation.
How much does it cost to change a company name?
£20 to file form NM01 online (£30 for the same-day service). You first need a special resolution of the shareholders. Companies House issues a new certificate of incorporation, but your company number stays the same.
How long do I have to tell Companies House about a new director?
You must file form AP01 within 14 days of the appointment. Removing a director uses form TM01, also within 14 days. Both filings are free. New directors must also complete identity verification under the ECCTA reforms.
How do I change my company's SIC code?
You update your SIC code as part of your next confirmation statement rather than filing a separate form. It is free. Choose the code that best matches what your company actually does.
Is there a fee to update details at Companies House?
Most changes — registered office, directors, PSCs, SIC codes — are free. The main exception is changing the company name, which costs £20 online (£30 same day). Filing on time avoids penalties for late or inaccurate records.