- You must notify Companies House within 14 days of changing your registered office address.
- The change is filed using form AD01 and is free when submitted online.
- Your new address must be a physical location within your company’s UK jurisdiction.
Change registered address Companies House filings can be completed online in minutes using form AD01, and there is no filing fee. However, you must notify Companies House within 14 days of the change, and the update only becomes official once it is registered on the public record.
Your registered office is your company’s legal address and must always be appropriate, monitored, and within the correct UK jurisdiction. If you are reviewing whether your current address meets Companies House requirements, our registered office service explains what qualifies and how to remain compliant.
Whether you are moving premises, switching to a professional address, or separating your home from your company record, the process is straightforward. Below, we explain exactly how to change your registered office address, which form you must file, and what else you need to update to avoid compliance issues.
How to change registered address at Companies House
Changing your registered office is completed through Companies House using form AD01. Filing online is quicker and is usually processed within 24 hours.
Follow these steps.
- Log in to Companies House WebFiling
Access your company record and sign in using your email address and password. You will need your company authentication code. - Select ‘Change registered office address’
Enter your company number and confirm you are filing form AD01. - Enter the new registered office address
The address must be a physical, appropriate address within your company’s jurisdiction. Double-check spelling and postcode before submitting. - Submit the filing
There is no fee for changing your registered office. Once submitted, you will receive confirmation on screen and by email. - Wait for registration
The change only becomes legally effective once Companies House registers it. Check your public record to confirm it has updated.
You can review how Companies House filings work in more detail in our guide to Companies House Beta.
Which form do you need to change a company address?
To change a registered office, you must file form AD01. This form is used exclusively for updating the registered office address.
It does not change:
- Director service addresses
- Trading addresses
- Correspondence addresses with banks or suppliers
If you need to understand how these differ, see our breakdown of types of company address explained.
Using the wrong form or updating the wrong address type is a common compliance mistake.
Legal requirements when changing a registered office
Companies House imposes several clear requirements.
You must:
- Notify Companies House within 14 days of the change
- Use an appropriate address where post can be received and acknowledged
- Remain within your company’s registered UK jurisdiction
Since March 2024, PO Boxes alone are not permitted. The address must be a real, monitored location where statutory mail can be delivered.
If your address no longer meets requirements, Companies House can take enforcement action. You can see how non-compliance escalates in our guide to do all companies have to register with Companies House.
For full statutory guidance, Companies House sets out the rules on GOV.UK.
How long does it take to update a company address?
Online filings are typically processed within 24 hours. Paper filings take longer and can take several days.
However, the key point is this: the address is not legally changed until Companies House registers the update. Using the new address before confirmation can create confusion if statutory post is sent to the previous location.
Therefore, monitor the public record and wait for confirmation before relying on the new address.
What else must you update after changing your registered office?
Updating Companies House is only the first step. You must also review where your registered office appears elsewhere.
This includes:
- Company website footer
- Email signatures and letterheads
- Invoices and order forms
- Contracts and supplier agreements
- Banking and insurance records
If your confirmation statement is due soon, ensure it reflects the correct address. Our overview of the confirmation statement process explains what must stay accurate.
You should also review your next steps using our guide on what to do after forming a company, which outlines ongoing statutory responsibilities.
Common mistakes when changing a company address
Several avoidable errors regularly cause compliance issues.
Common examples include:
- Filing the change after the 14-day deadline
- Moving to a different UK jurisdiction
- Using an address that is not properly monitored
- Forgetting to update the website footer
- Confusing trading and registered office addresses
These mistakes can lead to statutory mail being missed, including reminders about annual accounts or strike-off notices. If you are unsure about timing or obligations, reviewing the checklist for setting up a limited company UK can help reinforce core compliance duties.
How LTD Companies helps you manage registered office changes
Changing your registered office address is simple in isolation. However, compliance risk increases when addresses are not monitored or statutory mail is missed.
LTD Companies provides structured support for directors who want a compliant, monitored, and appropriate registered office address. From filing updates to ensuring your records remain aligned with Companies House requirements, our team helps you maintain accuracy and reduce risk.
Whether you are relocating, protecting your home address, or formalising your setup, we ensure your registered office meets current UK legal standards and stays properly maintained.
Explore our registered office solutions
Keeping your registered office accurate protects your company from missed deadlines and enforcement action. If you want a secure, monitored address and structured compliance support, explore our registered office solutions.
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FAQs on how to change registered address at Companies House
How do I change my registered address with Companies House?
You change your registered office address by filing Form AD01 with Companies House. The quickest method is to submit it online through your Companies House account.
The change only takes effect once Companies House registers the form and updates the public register. The new address must be in the same UK jurisdiction as your company’s incorporation, for example England and Wales.
You must notify Companies House within 14 days of the change.
What is the difference between trading address and registered address?
A registered address, also known as the registered office, is your company’s official legal address. Companies House and HMRC send statutory correspondence there, and it appears on the public register.
A trading address is where your business operates from day to day. This could be an office, shop, warehouse, or your home.
The two addresses can be the same, but they do not have to be.
Do I need to inform HMRC when changing my registered address?
Yes, you should usually inform HMRC separately. Updating Companies House does not automatically update all HMRC records.
If your company is registered for Corporation Tax, PAYE, or VAT, you must ensure HMRC’s systems reflect the correct address. Otherwise, you risk missing compliance notices or payment reminders.
Registered office address service UK cost
If you do not want to use your home address, you can purchase a registered office address service.
LTD Companies charges £44.95 + VAT per year for a Registered Office Address & Services in London. This allows you to:
Keep your personal address private and off the public register
Use a London Regent Street address as your registered office
Access the service immediately after purchase
This option is suitable for both UK-based and international business owners who want a compliant and professional London address.
File AD01 form online now
You can submit the form directly using the official GOV.UK service to file Form AD01 online.
Online filing is normally processed faster than paper submissions and reduces the risk of errors.
Can my accountant act as my registered office?
Yes, your accountant can act as your registered office, provided they agree and the address meets Companies House requirements.
Many accountants offer this as part of a company secretarial or compliance service. However, you should confirm how statutory mail is handled and whether additional fees apply.
What happens if I don’t update my registered address?
If you fail to update your registered office, you risk missing statutory letters from Companies House or HMRC. This can lead to late filing penalties, fines, or even strike-off action.
Companies are legally required to maintain an accurate registered office address at all times. Keeping it up to date is a basic but essential compliance obligation.
