How to Change Your Company’s Registered Office Address

Your company’s registered office address is far more than just a line on Companies House records, it’s your business’s official legal home. Every company registered in the UK must have one, and it’s the address where all statutory and legal correspondence from Companies House, HMRC, and other government bodies is sent.

This address is also publicly available online, meaning anyone – from clients and suppliers to potential investors – can look it up through the Companies House register.

If your business moves premises, you want to protect your privacy, or you simply prefer to use a more professional registered office service, the good news is that changing your company address is quick and straightforward, as long as you follow the correct process.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including:

• The role and importance of a registered office
• The key legal requirements and rules
• How to change your company address with Companies House
• Common pitfalls to avoid (and how to stay compliant)

Tip: Many business owners choose to use a registered office address service rather than their home address. This not only safeguards your privacy but also ensures that official mail from Companies House and HMRC is handled securely and professionally. Formations Wise offers a cost-effective registered office address service that keeps your personal details off the public record.

What is a Registered Office Address?

A registered office address is the official legal address of your UK limited company. It’s the location that appears on the public Companies House register, and it represents your business’s formal point of contact for all official and legal correspondence.

Every limited company and LLP incorporated in the UK must have a registered office. It must meet specific requirements:

• Be a physical postal address – not just a PO Box (unless it includes a full address and valid postcode).
• Be located in the same UK jurisdiction as where your company was incorporated (for example, a company registered in Scotland cannot use an address in England & Wales, and vice versa).

All official documents from Companies House, HMRC, and other government departments will be sent to this address – including annual return reminders, tax notices, and legal correspondence.

Example: If your company was registered in England & Wales, you could use a London or Manchester registered office address – but not one in Edinburgh or Belfast.

Because your registered office address is publicly displayed on the Companies House register, many business owners choose to use a professional registered office service instead of their home address. This helps maintain privacy and projects a more professional image.

Tip: Using a professional address from a trusted provider like Formations Wise keeps your personal address off public records while ensuring all government mail is handled securely and promptly forwarded to you.

Reasons You Might Want to Change It

There are several perfectly valid reasons to update your company’s registered office. Whether it’s a change of location, a desire for greater privacy, or a shift toward a more professional business image, it’s important to ensure your official address always reflects your current setup.

Here are some of the most common reasons for making the switch:

Relocation

If your business moves to new premises, you’ll need to update your registered office to ensure Companies House and HMRC correspondence reaches you. Keeping an outdated address on record can lead to missed legal notices, fines, or even the risk of company strike-off.

Tip: Whenever you move, submit your new address to Companies House before you relocate to prevent any gap in receiving official mail.

Privacy

Many small business owners initially register their company at their home address – only to realise later that this information is publicly accessible on the Companies House register.

If you’d prefer to keep your residential address private, you can switch to a registered office address service. This keeps your home address off public records while still ensuring all government mail reaches you.

Use a Formations Wise registered office service to protect your privacy and maintain a compliant business presence.

Professional Image

First impressions matter. A central London or city-based registered office can enhance your company’s credibility – particularly if you operate remotely or from home. Investors, clients, and partners often associate premium business addresses with reliability and professionalism.

Example: A London registered office address can make even small startups appear established and trustworthy to UK and international clients alike.

Administrative Convenience

If you’re tired of sifting through official post or worrying about missed letters, a professional address service can handle it for you. Many providers (including Formations Wise) offer mail scanning and forwarding, ensuring important documents are delivered securely and promptly – wherever you are.

How to Change Your Registered Office Address

Changing the address is done through Companies House and must meet legal requirements. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Confirm the New Address is Eligible

• It must be a real UK address where official post can be delivered.
• It must be in the same UK jurisdiction (e.g. you cannot change from England to Scotland).

Step 2: Notify Companies House

• File the change online using the AD01 form via Companies House WebFiling or software filing, or
• Submit a paper AD01 form if you prefer post.

Step 3: Update HMRC and Other Agencies

• HMRC will usually update automatically via Companies House, but it’s best to confirm.
• Inform banks, suppliers, insurers, and customers.

Step 4: Display the New Address

• Update your company stationery, invoices, website, and signage.
• The new address must be displayed clearly at business premises where required.

How Long Does It Take?

The time it takes to update your company’s registered office address depends on how you file the change with Companies House.

Online Filing (Fastest Option)

If you submit the change online through Companies House WebFiling or via authorised software, the update is usually processed on the same day or by the next working day at the latest.

This is the preferred method for most businesses because it’s:

• Fast and efficient
• Free of charge
• Confirmed instantly by email once processed

Tip: Online filings submitted before 3pm (UK time) are often approved the same day. Always double-check that your new address meets the jurisdiction rule before submitting.

Paper Filing

If you choose to file by post using the AD01 form, processing typically takes 7–10 working days (sometimes longer during busy periods). You’ll receive a written confirmation once the new address is registered.

When the Change Becomes Official

Your new registered office address only takes legal effect once Companies House has approved and updated it on the public register. Until then, your existing address remains the company’s official contact point – so avoid cancelling mail services or removing signage too early.

Tip: For a seamless transition, many businesses use a professional registered office address service (like Formations Wise) to handle both the update and secure mail forwarding – ensuring you never miss an important notice during the changeover.