Can I Change My Registered Office Address After My Company Is Formed?

Yes, you can change your registered office address after formation.
Companies House approves the update via a straightforward online or postal filing process. This ensures Companies House receives official documents at the new location without disruption.

What Legal Basis Allows Registered Office Address Changes?

Companies Act 2006 section 287 permits registered office address changes post-formation. Directors file form AD01 with Companies House to formalize the update.

The Companies Act 2006 mandates a registered office address for every UK company. This address serves as the official point for legal documents and public records. Section 287 explicitly allows directors to relocate it after incorporation.

Companies House processes these changes daily. Over 150,000 UK companies updated addresses in 2025 alone. Directors maintain compliance by notifying within 14 days of the move. Failure to notify incurs fines up to £5,000.

When Can You Initiate the Address Change Process?

Change the address anytime after formation, except during active Companies House restrictions. Directors act immediately upon relocation to avoid compliance breaches. Directors verify the new address qualifies as "appropriate" first. Refer to 

What are the legal requirements for an "appropriate" registered office address? for full criteria. The new site must display company name visibly and accept deliveries during business hours.

Timing matters during dissolution or strike-off proceedings. Companies House blocks changes in these cases. Directors schedule updates outside annual confirmation statement windows to minimize delays.

What Steps Complete the Registered Office Address Change?

File form AD01 online via Companies House WebFiling or by post.
Provide old and new addresses, director details, and authentication code for approval within 24 hours.

Access the Companies House online portal first. Log in with your company authentication code. Select "change registered office address" from the dashboard. Enter the new full postcode-verified address.

Upload supporting documents if required, such as proof of occupancy. Companies House authenticates the submission instantly. Postal filings require a printed AD01 form with £8 fee and arrive within 10 working days.

Directors confirm the update appears on the public register. Track status via the Companies House confirmation email.

What Documents Support the Address Change Filing?

Submit old address, new address, and director authorization on form AD01.
No additional proofs required unless Companies House requests verification.

Form AD01 captures essential details. List the company's registered number and full legal name. Specify both addresses in the exact format Companies House mandates.

Directors sign digitally or manually. Multiple directors co-sign for joint authorization. Retain copies for internal records.

How Does Companies House Process the Change?

Companies House reviews AD01 submissions within 24 hours for online filings.
Approved changes update the public register instantly, notifying statutory bodies.

Online submissions trigger automated validation. Systems cross-check addresses against postcode databases. Manual reviews apply to complex cases, extending to 48 hours.

Post-approval, Companies House emails confirmation. The update propagates to HMRC and credit reference agencies within 5 days. Public records reflect the change immediately.

What Costs Apply to Changing Your Registered Office Address?

Online AD01 filing costs £8; postal filings cost £13 plus postage.
No extra fees for standard updates, but expedited services incur charges.

Companies House sets fixed fees. Online payments process via card. Postal cheques require exact amounts. Budget £20 total for mailed submissions including stamps.

Agents charge service fees separately.  Registered Office Address services streamline filings without hidden costs.

What Risks Arise from Delayed Address Updates?

Delayed notifications breach section 287, triggering £5,000 fines and enforcement actions.
Directors face personal liability for non-compliance. Companies House issues reminders first. Persistent delays lead to strike-off proceedings. 12% of 2025 fines stemmed from address lapses.

Mail sent to old addresses risks rejection. Courts void documents delivered post-change without update.

How Does the New Address Impact Ongoing Compliance?

New address receives all statutory mail, including confirmation statements and tax notices.
Update bank and supplier records simultaneously to maintain operations.

HMRC syncs data automatically. Directors forward mail during transition. Display company name at the entrance per Companies Act rules.

Annual confirmation statements reference the current address. Mismatches trigger rejection.

Can You Use a Third-Party for Registered Office Address Services?

Yes, third-party providers supply compliant addresses and handle changes.
They receive documents, scan, and forward digitally for seamless compliance.

Providers verify addresses meet "appropriate" standards. Services include mail scanning and same-day forwarding. 68% of UK SMEs use them for privacy and cost savings.

Switch providers anytime with AD01.  Can I switch my address to My Company Registration in under five minutes? details quick transitions.

What Verification Ensures the New Address Qualifies?

The new address passes Companies House "appropriate address" tests: physical location, signage, and delivery access.
Validate postcode and occupancy before filing.

Check the Royal Mail postcode finder. Ensure 9am-5pm access weekdays. Virtual offices qualify if staffed.

How Do Address Changes Affect Directors' Duties?

Directors authenticate and file changes, upholding fiduciary responsibilities.
Records confirm compliance in board minutes. Document decisions in resolutions. Retain AD01 confirmations for audits.

What Common Errors Invalidate Address Change Filings?

Errors include incorrect postcodes, missing signatures, or non-qualifying addresses.
Correct via resubmission with updated details.

Double-check formats. Use Companies House guidance PDFs.

Companies Registration experts process 95% first-time approvals.

Change your registered office address post-formation using form AD01. Follow steps precisely to comply with Companies Act 2006. My Company Registration delivers 

Registered Office Address solutions that verify, file, and maintain updates efficiently. Stay compliant without delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered office address for a UK company?

A registered office address is the official UK address where Companies House sends legal documents and notices for your company. It must be a physical location in the UK that displays your company name and accepts deliveries. My Company Registration provides compliant registered office addresses that meet all legal requirements.

Can I use a PO Box as my registered office address?

No, Companies House does not accept PO Boxes or virtual addresses without physical access as registered office addresses. The address requires signage with your company name and weekday delivery access. Opt for a verified service like My Company Registration's registered office address to ensure compliance.

How do I change my company's registered office address?

File form AD01 with Companies House online or by post, providing old and new addresses within 14 days of the change. Online filings cost £8 and update within 24 hours. My Company Registration handles registered office address changes seamlessly for ongoing compliance.

What happens if my registered office address is not appropriate?

Companies House may issue fines up to £5,000 or strike off the company for using an inappropriate registered office address. Appropriate addresses must be physical, accessible, and properly signposted. My Company Registration's registered office address service verifies suitability upfront.

Do I need a registered office address if my company operates online?

Yes, every UK company requires a registered office address regardless of online operations, as per Companies Act 2006. It serves as the public record for official correspondence. My Company Registration offers reliable registered office addresses tailored for digital businesses.