What Is a Registered Office Address?

When forming a limited company in the UK, one of the key details you must provide is your registered office address. But what exactly does this mean, and why is it so important?

In this post, we explain what a registered office address is, the legal requirements, what it can be used for, and how to choose the right one for your business.

What Is a Registered Office Address?

A registered office address is the official legal address of a UK limited company or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). It is the location where all statutory and legal correspondence is delivered and where key stakeholders such as Companies House, HMRC, and other government authorities will send important documents.

This address forms part of your company’s public identity and must be supplied when you incorporate your business.

Why It Matters

The registered office address is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006 and is published on the public Companies House register, meaning anyone can look it up. It plays a central role in demonstrating that your company is contactable, accountable, and properly established in the UK.

What Gets Sent There?

Common examples of correspondence sent to your registered office include:

• Annual return and confirmation statement reminders
• Corporation tax and PAYE notices from HMRC
• Letters from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Official legal notices or court documents
• Communications about late filing penalties or strike-off action

Failing to check this address regularly can result in missed deadlines, penalties, or loss of corporate status.

Key Requirements

• Must be a real physical address in the UK
  It must be able to receive correspondence. PO Boxes are only accepted if they include a full street address.
• Must match your company’s country of incorporation
  For example, a company registered in Scotland must have its registered office in Scotland.
  You cannot use an English address for a Scottish company or vice versa.
• Does not have to be your place of business
  Your registered office can differ from your trading address. Many directors use a third-party service provider to maintain privacy.
• Mail access must be maintained
  You are legally responsible for making sure that all official mail sent to this address is received and dealt with appropriately.

Companies House Official Guidance – Read official guidance on registered office addresses

Practical Tip:

If you use a third-party service provider (such as your accountant or a formations agent), confirm that:

• They offer mail forwarding or scanning services
• The office is staffed during business hours
• They notify you promptly of any received documents

Using a service that only forwards mail weekly or by request can risk missing urgent documents such as strike-off warnings or HMRC penalties.

Why Is It Important?

Your registered office address is more than just a formality it acts as the legal anchor for your business operations. Every limited company or LLP in the UK is legally required to have one, and failing to meet this requirement can have serious consequences.

Here are the key reasons it matters:

1. Official Communication Channel

Your registered office is the official point of contact between your company and UK government bodies, including:

• Companies House
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• The courts (e.g. if legal action is taken against the company)

Documents that may be delivered here include:

• Confirmation statement reminders
• Tax returns and PAYE notices
• Penalty warnings for late accounts
• Strike-off notices
• Legal claims or statutory demands

Tip: If you fail to receive or act on such documents, the company can accrue penalties, be removed from the register (struck off), or even face legal action without your knowledge.

Companies House late filing penalties

2. Public Record Transparency

Your registered office is visible to anyone searching the public Companies House register. This ensures transparency, which is essential for:

• Clients or suppliers conducting due diligence
• Banks and lenders verifying your business legitimacy
• Potential investors or partners checking your company credentials

Because it is public, many directors prefer not to use their home address. Using a third-party registered office service can protect your privacy while maintaining compliance.

Search for a company on Companies House

3. Compliance and Company Reputation

It is your legal duty to keep your registered office details accurate and up to date. Failing to do so can cause:

• Missed statutory deadlines
• Fines and late fees
• A damaged business reputation
• Your company being struck off the Companies House register

Changing your registered office address is simple but must be done promptly using form AD01. It only takes a few minutes online but must be processed before it takes effect.

Change your registered office address – GOV.UK

Real Example:

A startup director forgot to update their registered office after moving home. They missed a strike-off notice from Companies House. By the time they found out, the company had been dissolved. They had to go through an expensive administrative restoration process to get it back all because of one outdated address.

Tip: Treat your registered office as your company’s official mailbox. If you wouldn’t want HMRC or Companies House letters going unread for a week or two, don’t leave this to chance. Use a monitored, secure and reliable address with guaranteed access.