Companies House Change Company Name: A Complete UK Guide

Changing the name of a limited company can be an important step when a business is rebranding, expanding into new markets, changing its business direction, or simply wants a name that better reflects what it does. Although the process is relatively straightforward, directors need to follow the correct procedure and make sure the new name complies with Companies House requirements.

The companies house change company name process involves checking that the proposed name is suitable, obtaining the required shareholder approval, submitting the appropriate information to Companies House, and waiting for the change to be officially registered.

For business owners searching for information about change company name Companies House, understanding each stage can help avoid mistakes and unnecessary delays.

This guide explains how to change a UK limited company name, which form may be required, how much it costs, what happens after the application, and what businesses should update once the new name has been registered.

Why Would a Company Change Its Name?

Businesses change their names for many different reasons. A company may want to change its name because:

• The business has rebranded
• The company has expanded its services
• The existing name no longer reflects the business
• The company is entering a new market
• The business has changed ownership
• The company wants a more professional name
• The original name is difficult to market
• The company has changed its business strategy
• The business wants to create a stronger brand identity

A company name can influence how customers, suppliers, investors, and other organisations perceive the business. Choosing a suitable name can therefore be an important part of a company’s long-term strategy.

However, changing a company name does not create a new legal entity. The company continues to exist under the same company registration number unless a separate restructuring or incorporation takes place.

What Is the Companies House Change Company Name Process?

The company’s house change company name process allows a registered company to officially update its name on the Companies House register.

According to current GOV.UK guidance, a company can change its name either by passing a special resolution or by using a procedure permitted by its articles of association. The new name does not officially take effect until Companies House registers it.

This is an important distinction. A company may decide internally that it wants to use a new trading or corporate name, but its legal company name remains unchanged until the official registration process has been completed.

Can Any Company Name Be Used?

No. A proposed company name must meet Companies House rules. Before submitting an application, directors should check whether the proposed name is acceptable and available. The name should not create confusion with an existing registered company, and certain words and expressions may require additional approval or permission.

Companies House advises applicants to check whether a proposed company name is available and to consider the rules that apply to company names before filing the application. This means choosing a name should not be based solely on whether the name sounds professional or works well for marketing. It also needs to satisfy the relevant legal requirements.

Step 1: Choose the New Company Name

The first step is deciding what the company should be called. Before making the final decision, consider:

• Whether the name accurately represents the business
• Whether it is easy to remember
• Whether it is suitable for your target market
• Whether it could be confused with another business
• Whether the corresponding website domain may be available
• Whether social media usernames are available
• Whether the name follows Companies House rules

It is sensible to research the proposed name before spending money on branding, signage, stationery, or website development. A company may also want to consider whether the proposed name works well if the business expands in the future.

Step 2: Check the Company Name With Companies House

Once a potential name has been selected, check its availability through the Companies House service. A name being available on a search does not necessarily mean that it will automatically be accepted in every circumstance. The proposed name still needs to comply with the applicable rules.

The current NM01 guidance specifically reminds applicants to check whether the proposed company name is available and whether any rules affect the choice of name. Taking this step before approving the change can help reduce the risk of problems later.

Step 3: Get Shareholder Approval

Changing a company name generally requires the appropriate company approval. GOV.UK explains that changing a company name is one of the decisions that may require shareholders to pass a resolution. For a change made by special resolution, the required threshold is generally at least 75% of the voting rights of members who vote, subject to the company’s articles and applicable law.

The company does not necessarily need to hold a physical meeting in every situation. A resolution can sometimes be passed in writing, depending on the circumstances and the company’s constitution. The company should make sure the correct procedure is followed and that the resolution is properly documented.

Step 4: File the Change With Companies House

Once the company has approved the new name, the change needs to be registered with Companies House. For a change of name by resolution, the relevant filing is NM01. Companies House states that NM01 is used to give notice of an unconditional change of name by resolution.

The application includes information such as the company’s existing name and the proposed new name. The company should make sure that all information provided matches the details held on the Companies House register.

What Is a Special Resolution?

A special resolution is a formal decision approved by the required majority of company members. For certain company decisions, including a change of company name, a special resolution may be required.

Companies House guidance states that special resolutions must be filed with Companies House within 15 days of being passed. This makes accurate record keeping particularly important.

The company should retain a copy of the resolution with its corporate records and submit the required information to Companies House within the applicable deadline.

Can You Change a Company Name Online?

Yes. The online route is generally the simplest option for a company changing its name by special resolution. Current GOV.UK guidance states that the online service can be used for changes of name by special resolution.

The current online fee is £20, while the same-day service costs £85. The standard paper application fee is £30. Fees can change, so businesses should always check the current Companies House fee information before submitting an application.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Company Name?

As of 2026, the Companies House fees are:

Companies House’s current fee table confirms these charges. The fee is separate from any professional fees if the company uses an accountant, solicitor, or company secretarial service to manage the process.

How Long Does a Company Name Change Take?

The time required can depend on the filing method and whether the application is submitted correctly. An online application is generally the most convenient option. Companies House also provides a same-day service for eligible applications, currently priced at £85.

However, businesses should not assume that every application will be processed immediately. Incorrect information, missing documentation, or issues with the proposed name can cause delays.Preparing the application carefully before submission can therefore make the process smoother.

When Does the New Company Name Become Official?

This is one of the most important parts of the process. A company name does not officially change simply because shareholders have approved the new name. The name becomes official when Companies House registers the change.

Companies House states that it will send the company a certificate confirming the new company name and the date of registration. Until that point, the company should continue using its existing registered company name where its legal identity is required.

What Is the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name?

Once Companies House registers the new name, the company receives a certificate confirming the change. This provides evidence that the company has officially changed its registered name. The certificate should be kept with the company’s important corporate records. It may be useful when updating banks, suppliers, customers, professional advisers, insurers, or other organisations.

Does the Company Number Change?

No.Changing the company name does not normally create a new company.The company’s existing registration number remains the same. This is useful because the company continues to have the same legal history even though its registered name changes. Customers and suppliers may therefore need to be informed that the company has changed its name but remains the same legal entity.

What Should You Update After Changing the Name?

Completing the Companies House filing is only one part of the process.  After the new name has been registered, the company should review its records and business materials.

This may include updating:

• Company website
• Email signatures
• Invoices
• Quotations
• Contracts
• Business stationery
• Business cards
• Signage
• Marketing materials
• Social media profiles
• Bank records
• Insurance documents
• Supplier accounts
• Customer records
• Accounting software
• Payroll systems
• Internal company documents

Making these updates promptly can help prevent confusion.

What About HMRC?

A company changing its registered name should also consider its tax and accounting records. HMRC may need to be informed of relevant changes depending on the circumstances. Businesses should make sure that their tax records, accounting systems, invoices, and other financial documentation use the correct company information .It can also be useful to speak with an accountant to make sure the company’s financial records remain consistent after the change.

Do You Need to Change Your Business Bank Account?

Changing the registered company name does not necessarily mean that a new bank account is required. The company remains the same legal entity, so the business should contact its bank and ask about its process for updating the account name.

Banks may request evidence of the name change, such as the Companies House certificate. The company should avoid assuming that the bank will automatically update its records just because Companies House has registered the new name.

What About Existing Contracts?

Existing contracts should also be reviewed. Because changing the company name does not normally create a new legal entity, existing contractual relationships may continue. However, customers, suppliers, landlords, lenders, and other parties should be informed where appropriate. For important contracts, professional legal advice may be sensible, particularly if the name change is part of a wider restructuring.

Company Name vs Trading Name

It is also important to understand the difference between a registered company name and a trading name. A business may operate under a trading name that is different from its registered company name. Changing a trading or brand name is not necessarily the same as changing the company’s legal name at Companies House. If the intention is to change the legal name of the limited company, the appropriate Companies House procedure needs to be followed. Understanding this distinction can prevent businesses from completing the wrong process.

Common Mistakes When Changing a Company Name

Choosing a Name Without Checking Availability

A business may become excited about a new brand name before checking whether it is suitable for registration. Always check the proposed name before committing to branding.

Forgetting Shareholder Approval

A company should follow the correct approval process before submitting the name change.

Using the Wrong Form

For a change by resolution, NM01 is the relevant notice. Using incorrect documentation can cause delays.

Forgetting the Resolution

The current NM01 guidance states that a copy of the resolution should be attached unless it has already been filed.

Assuming the Change Is Immediate

The new name only becomes official once Companies House registers it.

Not Updating Business Records

A company that changes its Companies House name but continues using its old name across invoices, contracts, and websites can create confusion.

Forgetting to Inform Customers

Customers and suppliers should be told about the change where appropriate.

Can a Company Change Its Name More Than Once?

A company can change its registered name more than once, provided each change follows the relevant legal and Companies House requirements. However, frequent name changes may create confusion for customers, suppliers, banks, and other stakeholders. Businesses should therefore think carefully about their new name before making the change.

Should You Use Professional Help?

Many straightforward company name changes can be completed directly through Companies House. However, professional assistance can be useful when:

• The company has multiple shareholders
• Shareholder approval is complicated
• The company has unusual articles
• The name change is part of a wider restructuring
• The business has international operations
• There are concerns about contracts
• The company has complex corporate records
• Directors are unsure about the correct filing process

An accountant, solicitor, or company secretarial specialist can help ensure that the administrative side of the change is handled correctly.

Why Good Record Keeping Matters

A company name change creates several documents that should be retained.

These can include:

• Shareholder resolution
• NM01 filing
• Companies House certificate
• Updated company records
• Updated contracts
• Correspondence with banks
• Notifications to customers and suppliers

Keeping these records together creates a clear audit trail.

It can also make future transactions easier if the business applies for finance, enters into a major contract, sells the company, or undergoes due diligence.

Final Thoughts

The companies house change company name process is relatively straightforward when the correct steps are followed. The business first needs to choose an appropriate name and check that it complies with sCompanies House requirement. The relevant company approval should then be obtained before submitting the appropriate filing.

For a change by special resolution, the company generally uses NM01 to notify Companies House. Current guidance confirms that online filing costs £20, while a paper application costs £30 and the same-day online service costs £85.

Most importantly, the new name does not become official until Companies House registers it. Once the change has been accepted, the company should keep its certificate safely and update its bank, tax, accounting, contracts, website, invoices, and other business records.

For businesses researching change company name Companies House, the key is preparation. Checking the name, following the correct approval process, submitting accurate information, and updating records afterwards can help make the transition smooth and professional..

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change my company name with Companies House?

You generally need to choose a compliant name, obtain the required shareholder approval, and submit the relevant filing to Companies House. A change by special resolution is normally notified using NM01.

2. How much does it cost to change a company name?

As of 2026, the online fee is £20, the same-day fee is £85, and the paper application fee is £30.

3. How long does a company name change take?

Processing time depends on the method used and whether the application is correct. Companies House also offers a same-day service for eligible applications.

4. Does changing the company name create a new company?

No. A company name change does not normally create a new legal entity. The company’s existing registration number remains the same.

5. What form is used to change a company name?

NM01 is used to give notice of an unconditional change of name by resolution.

6. Do shareholders need to approve a company name change?

A company generally needs the appropriate shareholder approval when changing its name by resolution. The company’s articles and the specific circumstances should be checked before proceeding.

7. When does the new company name become official?

The new name becomes official once Companies House registers the change. Companies House then issues a certificate confirming the new name and registration date.

8. What should I update after changing my company name?

You should review your website, invoices, contracts, bank records, accounting software, insurance, marketing materials, email signatures, supplier records, and customer information.