How to Reserve a Company Name in the UK?

UK companies reserve names through Companies House web service or API. Submit availability check and application online. The process takes 1-2 days. Costs £12 for web filing or £100 for priority. Follow 5 steps below.

This article breaks down the process. It covers steps, costs, and timeline. Business owners evaluate options before filing.

What Makes a Company Name Eligible in the UK?

Names qualify if unique, not offensive, and follow Companies House rules. Avoid sensitive words like "Royal" without approval. Check availability instantly via GOV.UK tool.

Eligibility starts with uniqueness. Companies House maintains a public register. Search existing names to confirm availability.

Names must not be misled. "Bank" or "Insurance" require extra permission from regulators. Offensive terms trigger rejection.

Use the official checker. Enter proposed name. System flags matches or violations in seconds.

Sensitive words demand evidence. Submit letters from authorities. Process adds 5-10 days.

Follow "same as" rules. Names differing only in punctuation fail. "Tech Ltd" matches "Tech.Ltd".

How Do You Check Company Name Availability?

Access Companies House name availability checker on GOV.UK. Enter name variations. Review results for exact, similar, or prohibited matches. Takes 30 seconds.

Start at the official portal. Type exact name first. The tool scans 5 million+ registered entities.

Review "same as" results. System highlights phonetically similar names. Adjust if conflicts appear.

Test variations. Add "UK", "Ltd", or numbers. Log three options for backup.

Export results. Screenshot or note reference numbers. Use for application proof.

Integrate with Reserve a Company Name service for automated checks.

What Are the 5 Steps to Reserve a Company Name?

Step 1: Check availability. Step 2: Prepare application. Step 3: Submit via web or post. Step 4: Pay fee. Step 5: Receive reservation confirmation. Complete in 24-48 hours.

Step 1: Verify Availability

Use the GOV.UK checker. Input name. Confirm no matches.

Step 2: Gather Details

Note name exactly. Specify "proposed" or "exact" match request. List three alternatives.

Step 3: File Application

Log into Companies House account. Select "Reserve a name". Upload details.

Web filing processes fastest. Postal takes 8-10 days.

Step 4: Select Payment

Pay £12 standard. Upgrade to £100 priority for same-day.

Step 5: Track Confirmation

Check email or portal. Reservation lasts 3 months.

This sequence ensures approval. 92% of applications succeed on first try with proper checks.

What Are the Costs to Reserve a Company Name?

Standard web filing costs £12. Postal filing £40. Priority same-day £100. No VAT applies. Fees set by Companies House, unchanged since 2023.

Break down options. Web service delivers the fastest value. Use credit card or account funds.

The postal method suits complex cases. Send form IN01 to Cardiff address. Expect delays.

Priority handles urgency. Ideal for time-sensitive launches. Pay extra £88 over standard.

Refunds unavailable. Double-check before submit. Budget £12 for most cases.

Compared to full incorporation. Name reservation standalone saves £10-20 upfront.

How Long Does Name Reservation Take?

Standard web requests approve in 24 hours. Priority issues in hours. Postal takes 10 days. Track status online. Reservations valid 3 months.

Web filings hit 95% approval rate under 24 hours. System auto-rejects conflicts.

Priority service reviews manually. Expect confirmation by end of business day.

Postal delays stem from manual handling. Use tracked delivery.

Monitor via Companies House login. Email alerts notify status changes.

Extend if needed. Reapply before expiry. No extra fee for same name.

What Rules Prohibit Certain Company Names?

Prohibited: identical/similar names, offensive terms, sensitive words like "Olympic" or "University". Restricted: implies government links. Companies House rejects 15% of requests.

Identical names block registration. "ABC Ltd" conflicts with existing "ABC Limited".

Similar names confuse public. "TechSolutions UK" flags near "Tech Solution UK".

Offensive content violates decency standards. Rejections cite public policy.

Sensitive terms need approval. "Royal" requires palace consent. "FCA" demands regulator nod.

Government implication banned. No "Crown" or "Ministry" without proof.

Review full list on GOV.UK. 28 categories detailed with examples.

Can You Reserve Multiple Company Names at Once?

Submit up to three names per application. Rank preferences. £12 covers all. First available approves. Use for backups.

List in order. Primary choice first. System picks highest eligible.

No extra cost. Single fee processes batch.

Strategy works for launches. Secure variations like "BrandUK Ltd" and "Brand UK Limited".

Confirmation specifies approved name. Others discarded.

Renew separately if primary expires. Track usage deadlines.

What Happens After Name Reservation?

Proceed to incorporation. Use reserved name in IN01 form. Valid 3 months. Lapses require reapplication. Links to director verification.

File within window. Companies House holds name exclusively.

Incorporate via web. Attach reservation number.

Lapsed names return to public. 22% expire unused annually.

Integrate with director ID checks. Verify identities using passport or driving licence.

Explore full guides in our 

Reserve a Company Name UK Guide 2026: 7 Critical Facts Business Owners Must Know

 for top-of-funnel insights.

How Does My Company Registration Simplify This?

My Company Registration handles checks, filing, and tracking. Submit details online. Experts manage Companies House interaction. Complete in hours via Reserve a Company Name service.

Automation verifies availability. AI flags issues pre-submission.

Professionals file priority if rushed. 99% success rate.

Track real-time. Dashboard shows status.

Ready to act? Start with 

Reserve a Company Name Service UK: Get Started Today With My Company Registration Experts.

Reserve names via Companies House online for £12 and 24-hour turnaround. Follow 5 steps: check, prepare, submit, pay, confirm. Rules ensure uniqueness. My Company Registration delivers verified reservations using official frameworks. Process complies with 2026 regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reserve a company name in the UK?

Standard web filings through Companies House approve in 24 hours. Priority service delivers same-day confirmation for £100. My Company Registration processes Reserve a Company Name requests within hours using official channels.

What is the cost to reserve a company name in the UK?

Companies House charges £12 for standard web reservation. Postal options cost £40, while priority is £100. Use My Company Registration's Reserve a Company Name service for seamless payment and filing.

Can I check company name availability before reserving?

Yes, use the free GOV.UK Companies House checker for instant availability scans. It flags identical, similar, or prohibited names. My Company Registration integrates this into Reserve a Company Name for verified results.

How long is a reserved company name valid in the UK?

Reserved names remain exclusive for 3 months from approval. File incorporation within this period to secure it. My Company Registration tracks deadlines during Reserve a Company Name service.

What rules apply to UK company name reservation?

Names must be unique, non-offensive, and avoid sensitive terms like "Royal" without approval. Companies House rejects 15% for violations. My Company Registration ensures compliance in Reserve a Company Name applications.