How Can You Change Your Company Name in the UK?
A change of company name can help a business reflect a new brand, expand into a different market or move away from an outdated name. A UK limited company can change its registered name without forming a new company, provided it follows the correct legal process.
The process usually involves choosing an acceptable new name, approving the change, filing the correct form with Companies House and updating your business records.
If you want to change company name UK, this guide explains the process, forms, fees, timescales and key steps you need to follow.
Why Might a Company Need to Change Its Name?
Businesses change their names for many reasons. The registered name may no longer match the company's activities, brand or long-term plans.
Common reasons include:
Rebranding the business
Expanding into new services
Entering a new market
Merging with another business
Removing an outdated name
Changing the company's business focus
Creating a stronger brand identity
Correcting a name that no longer represents the company
A name change does not create a new company. The company normally keeps its existing company number, history, assets, liabilities and legal identity.
Can You Change a Limited Company Name Without Forming a New Company?
Yes. You can change an LTD company name while keeping the same legal company.
This means you generally do not need to:
Close the existing company.
Transfer its assets to another company.
Create a new company number.
Start the business again from scratch.
Instead, the existing company changes its registered name through the appropriate Companies House process.
For example, if ABC Consulting Ltd changes its registered name to XYZ Business Solutions Ltd, the company number remains the same.
The company simply operates under its new registered name once Companies House has accepted and registered the change.
How Do You Change a Company Name in the UK?
The process for a change of company name UK is straightforward when the company meets all requirements.
The main steps are:
Choose a new company name.
Check that the name is available and acceptable.
Check your articles of association.
Approve the name change using the correct method.
Complete the relevant Companies House filing.
Pay the applicable change of company name fee.
Wait for Companies House to register the change.
Update your business records and notify relevant parties.
A company can generally change its name through a special resolution or where its articles of association provide another method for changing the name.
What Rules Apply When Choosing a New Company Name?
Your new name must comply with UK company naming rules.
Before submitting the application, check that the proposed name:
Is not the same as an existing registered company name.
Does not contain restricted or sensitive words without the required permission.
Does not suggest an inappropriate connection with the government or another public authority.
Does not contain offensive or prohibited wording.
Uses the correct company ending where required.
Does not infringe another business's trade mark or other rights.
Checking the name before starting the application can prevent delays.
You should also search the UK trade mark database because a company name being available at Companies House does not automatically mean that it is safe to use as a brand.
How Do You Approve a Change of Company Name?
Most companies change their name by passing a special resolution.
A special resolution generally requires at least 75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote to approve the proposal.
The company should properly record the resolution in its corporate records.
A typical process is:
Directors agree to propose the new name.
Members receive the relevant information.
Members vote on the proposed name.
The required resolution is passed.
The company records the resolution.
The change is filed with Companies House.
The exact procedure can depend on the company's articles of association.
What Is the Change of Company Name Form?
The main change of company name form for a company changing its name by resolution is NM01.
The NM01 change company name filing gives Companies House notice of the approved change.
The form normally includes information such as:
Existing company name
Company number
Proposed new name
Date of the resolution
Details confirming the change
Authentication and filing information
If the company changes its name using a method provided for in its articles, a different filing may apply, such as NM04.
This is why you should confirm which procedure your company uses before submitting a form.
How Can You Change a Company Name Online?
If you want to know how to change company name online, the process can be completed through the Companies House online service where the company is eligible for online filing.
The basic online process is:
Sign in to the Companies House filing service.
Select the option to change the company name.
Enter the proposed new name.
Confirm the relevant resolution details.
Review the information.
Pay the online filing fee.
Submit the application.
Online filing is usually the simplest option for an eligible company because the information is submitted electronically.
How Can You Change a Company Name on WebFiling?
If you are asking how to change company name on WebFiling, you need to use the Companies House online filing service that supports the relevant change-of-name filing.
For a standard change by special resolution, the filing is associated with NM01.
Before submitting the filing, make sure:
The proposed name is correct.
The company number is correct.
The resolution has been properly approved.
The name follows Companies House rules.
The required fee is available.
The company information is up to date.
A mistake in the proposed name can create unnecessary delays, so check the spelling carefully before submission.
How Much Is the Change of Company Name Fee?
The change of company name fee depends on how you file.
For a UK company, the current Companies House fees are:
| Filing method | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Online change of name | £20 |
| Online same-day change of name | £85 |
| Paper application | £30 |
The standard paper NM01 change of company name application costs £30.
Fees can change, so companies should check the current Companies House fee before submitting an application.
How Long Does a Change of Company Name Take?
How long does change of company name take? It depends on the filing method and whether the application is accepted without problems.
Online applications are generally processed faster than paper applications. Same-day filing is also available for eligible applications at the applicable fee.
Your company name has not officially changed simply because you have submitted the application.
The new name becomes the company's registered name once Companies House registers the change.
After approval, Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of company name, also commonly referred to as a certificate of name change.
What Is a Certificate of Change of Company Name?
A certificate of change of company name confirms that the company's registered name has been changed.
Companies House issues the certificate after registering the change.
The certificate provides evidence of:
The company's previous registered name
The company's new registered name
The company number
The effective date of the change
You should keep the certificate with your company's company secretarial file and other important corporate documents.
Banks, lenders, suppliers and other organisations may request evidence of the name change.
What Should You Update After Changing Your Company Name?
Changing the registered name at Companies House is only one part of the process.
You should update your business records and tell organisations that use your company information.
A useful post-name-change checklist includes:
Bank accounts
Invoices
Contracts
Website
Email signatures
Business stationery
Customer records
Supplier records
Accounting software
Payroll records
Insurance documents
Professional registrations
Licences and permits
HMRC records where required
VAT records where applicable
Business directories
Social media profiles
Marketing materials
You should also make sure your new registered name appears correctly on official business documents.
Do You Need to Tell HMRC About a Company Name Change?
A company name change can affect your tax and business records, so you should ensure your HMRC information is correct.
HM Revenue & Customs handles areas such as Corporation Tax, PAYE and VAT.
The exact notification requirements depend on your tax registrations and circumstances.
You should therefore check each relevant tax account rather than assuming that updating Companies House automatically updates every government or commercial record.
Does a Company Name Change Affect Your Company Number?
No. A registered company name change does not normally change the company's company number.
For example:
Old name: ABC Marketing Ltd
New name: ABC Digital Solutions Ltd
Company number: 12345678
The company keeps 12345678.
This is important because the company number identifies the legal entity, while the registered company name can change.
The company's previous name may also remain visible in its Companies House history.
Do You Need a Board Resolution for a Change of Company Name?
A board resolution for change of company name may be used as part of the internal decision-making process, but the formal requirement depends on how the company's articles and applicable company law provisions allow the name to be changed.
For a standard change by special resolution, the members approve the name change.
Directors can also hold a board meeting to agree to propose the change and organise the required filing.
The company's corporate records should clearly show:
The proposed name
The decision to change the name
The resolution passed
The date of approval
Relevant meeting details
The Companies House filing
Keeping these documents organised helps maintain a complete corporate record.
What Should a Change of Company Name Letter Include?
A change of company name letter can be sent to customers, suppliers, banks and other business contacts after Companies House registers the new name.
The letter should be clear and concise.
It can include:
Previous company name
New company name
Company number
Effective date
Reason for the change, if appropriate
Confirmation that the company remains the same legal entity
New contact details, if they have changed
Any action required from the recipient
A short sample letter change of company name announcement to clients could explain that the company has adopted a new registered name while continuing to provide the same services.
What Is the Difference Between a Registered Name and a Trading Name?
A registered company name is the legal name recorded at Companies House.
A trading name is a name that a business may use commercially.
For example:
Registered company: ABC Consulting Services Ltd
Trading name: ABC Business Advice
Changing a trading name does not necessarily mean changing the company's registered name.
If you want the legal name of the company to change, you must complete the appropriate Companies House process.
Can Company Secretarial Services Help With a Name Change?
Yes. Corporate secretarial services can help businesses manage the administrative work connected with a company name change.
Professional company secretarial services UK providers may help with:
Checking company records
Preparing resolutions
Completing NM01
Filing with Companies House
Maintaining the company secretarial file
Updating statutory records
Preparing company documentation
Keeping corporate compliance records organised
This can be useful for businesses that do not have an internal company secretary or compliance team.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Changing a Company Name?
A name change is usually simple, but mistakes can create delays or compliance problems.
Avoid these common errors:
Choosing a name without checking availability
Another company may already have the same or a very similar registered name.Ignoring trade marks
Companies House registration does not automatically give you trade mark protection.Using the wrong form
NM01 is not suitable for every possible method of changing a company name.Submitting incorrect information
Check the company number, proposed name and resolution date carefully.Forgetting the company records
Keep the resolution and certificate with your corporate documents.Failing to update customers and suppliers
Your contacts need to know which legal name should appear on future documents.Assuming every record updates automatically
Banks, insurers, software providers and other organisations may require separate updates.
Do You Need to Change Your Company Name With Other Organisations?
Yes, depending on your business activities.
Companies House records the company's legal name, but many other organisations maintain separate records.
You may need to update your name with:
HMRC
Banks
VAT records
Payroll providers
Insurance companies
Pension providers
Payment processors
Suppliers
Customers
Business directories
Industry regulators
Software providers
Create a list of organisations that use your company information and update them after the name change is registered.
Do the Same Rules Apply to ASIC, ACRA, SSM and CAC?
No. The UK process should not be confused with procedures in other countries.
Searches such as change of company name ASIC, ASIC change of company name fee, ACRA change of company name, change of company name SSM, change of company name CAC and change of company name in Kenya refer to company-name procedures in other jurisdictions.
For example:
ASIC relates to Australia.
ACRA relates to Singapore.
SSM relates to Malaysia.
CAC relates to Nigeria.
Kenya has its own company registration and regulatory requirements.
Each jurisdiction has different forms, fees, approval requirements and filing procedures.
If your company is registered in the UK, the relevant process is the Companies House procedure.
What About an IRS Change of Company Name?
An IRS change of company name relates to companies dealing with US federal tax records.
It is separate from changing a UK company's registered name with Companies House.
A UK company should follow the relevant UK corporate and tax procedures. If the business also operates or has tax obligations in another country, it may need to update its records with the relevant overseas authority separately.
What Is the Best Way to Manage a Company Name Change?
The easiest approach is to treat the name change as both a legal filing and a business administration project.
A simple checklist is:
Before the change
Choose the new name.
Check Companies House availability.
Check trade marks.
Review the articles of association.
Decide the approval method.
Prepare the relevant resolution.
During the change
Approve the resolution.
Complete the appropriate form.
Submit the filing to Companies House.
Pay the required fee.
Check the filing status.
After the change
Download and save the certificate.
Update company records.
Notify HMRC where required.
Update bank records.
Update contracts and invoices.
Tell customers and suppliers.
Update your website and branding.
Update accounting and payroll systems.
Can You Change Your Company Name Without Changing Your Business?
Yes. A company can change its registered name while continuing the same business.
The company can generally retain its:
Company number
Existing assets
Business history
Contracts
Employees
Directors
Shareholders
Tax registrations
Existing liabilities
The name change itself does not automatically create a new legal entity.
However, you should review contracts, licences, financing arrangements and regulated activities to determine whether any additional notifications or approvals are required.
What Is the Key Takeaway About Changing a Company Name?
A change of company name is a formal Companies House process, but it does not normally require you to close your existing company.
For most standard changes, the process involves selecting an acceptable name, approving the change, filing the correct notice and paying the applicable fee.
The key points to remember are:
Check the proposed name before filing.
Follow your company's articles of association.
Use the correct Companies House form.
Use NM01 for a standard change by special resolution.
The current online filing fee is £20.
The current paper filing fee is £30.
Same-day filing is available at a higher fee.
Wait for Companies House to register the change.
Keep the certificate of name change.
Update banks, HMRC, customers, suppliers and other relevant organisations.
Maintain the updated company secretarial file.
With the correct preparation, changing a UK company's registered name can be a simple way to give your business a new identity while keeping the same legal company.
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