How to Change a Company Registered Address in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by BusinAssist Editorial Team

In a company’s lifetime, there comes a time when it will have to change its registered address. Changing the registered address can happen for various reasons, depending on what the company is going through.

Every registered company in the UK must have a registered address, which is the primary point of communication in terms of receiving official correspondence and legal documents. To be compliant with the Companies Act 2006, the registered address needs to be in the physical location in the jurisdiction where the company is incorporated.

Changing a company’s registered address is not as simple as updating your Google Maps, it’s a strategic move that has to comply with Companies House legal requirements. This article will give guidance on how to change a company’s registered address in the UK.

What is a registered address?

A registered address is the primary point where the company receives official correspondence such as tax invoices, government reminders, and legal documents. This is also proof that a registered company is located and operates in the said jurisdiction.

Under the Companies Act 2006, the registered address has to be ‘appropriate’. This means that the address must be physically located where your company is registered, and a representative may be able to receive correspondence and acknowledge it on behalf of your company. P.O. Box is not ideal to be used as a registered address since 4th March 2024. If you reside in the UK, you can use your residential address as your company’s registered address.

Once your company is registered with Companies House, the registered address is made available on the public record. This means anyone can access your company’s address when they search for it. This can be dangerous for your residential address; to keep it private, you can use a virtual business address instead. The virtual business addresses are ideal as registered addresses as long as they comply with the Companies Act 2006.

Why would a company want to change its registered address?

Privacy concerns:

If privacy becomes a concern to limited companies that use residential addresses to incorporate the business, the registered address can be changed. The UK registered address is made available to the public record, and using a residential address means that people may invade your home, bringing about insecurities to your family and also your mail.

Relocation:

The main reason why people may change their UK registered address is when they relocate their business from one jurisdiction to another. Since the registered address has to be in the same physical location as our business, relocating will mean that you must change the registered address.

To use a virtual address for professional mail handling:

Using your address means that you will have to sort your mail and acknowledge it, which adds to the administrative tasks. To streamline your business operations and reduce tasks, your company can switch to a UK virtual business address that comes with additional services such as professional mail handling.

It is important to note that the virtual address should be in the same jurisdiction as where your company is registered. If your company is registered in Northern Ireland, ensure the virtual address you choose is located in Northern Ireland. For companies registered in England and Wales, their registered address must remain within that jurisdiction. This means that the registered address can either be in England or Wales, but not in Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Mergers or company acquisitions:

Merging with another company or acquiring a business can lead to a change in the registration address. Merging and acquiring new businesses means organisational restructuring, which often comes with operating in new locations. The registered office address should reflect the new location.

Why should companies update their registered address?

Comply with legal requirements: Every company registered in the UK must comply with the legal requirements for the registered office address. The address should always be accurate at all times, and if you want to change it, you should notify Companies House within 14 days of any change. Failure to update our company’s registered office address may lead to penalties and fines.

Receive communication: Registered office addresses are where companies receive their official correspondence from the government, banks, and legal documents. Once your UK registered office address is up-to-date, your company will be able to receive all communication.

Improve professional image: A registered office address enhances the professional image of the company. Being located in prestigious locations, customers will find your business to be professional and legit, enhancing their confidence to operate with your business. A registered address also shows that the company is serious in its operations, and it is well managed.

How to change a company’s registered address

To change your company’s registered office address, you will have to:

Check your company’s memorandum and articles of association:

These documents act as your company’s constitution, where the company’s rules and procedures are outlined. Check if there are specific requirements laid out on how and in what circumstances the company should change its registered office address.

Board Resolution:

If the company’s constitution mandates you to change the registered office address through a board resolution, then it must be passed and signed by the shareholders and directors to pass the change of address.

Choose the new address:

It is important to note that the address should be within any UK jurisdiction since the company is registered in the UK. The address should be in the same jurisdiction/ physical location as where your business is registered or moving to. The new address should be able to receive official correspondence and should not be a P.O. Box.

Complete Form AD01:

Form AD01 is used to notify Companies House about the change of the registered office. You will need to include details of your company, such as:

• Company name
• Company number
• Current registered office address
• The new registered office address
• Director’s signatures

Update your records:

Once you have filed Form AD01 and Companies House has updated the registered office address, you can update the new address to your company’s records, such as bank, HMRC, social media platform, and invoices.

Who must you notify once your registered address is changed?

HMRC: You need to notify the tax authorities to ensure all the official correspondence is sent to the right address and the tax records are up-to-date.

Banks and financial institutions: Your financial receipts should be up-to-date with your new address, and ensure you never miss any financial communication.

Clients and suppliers: Updating your suppliers and clients will help avoid disruptions in deliveries and communications.

Employees: All employees should be notified of the change in address since it will affect them, and they are always in contact with customers. It will be easier for them to notify customers at a personal level.

Insurance providers: Inform your insurance providers about the new address to avoid miscommunication of claims or renewals.

Professional bodies: Notify associations or professional bodies of the new address if your company is part of one.

Conclusion:

To sum up, how to change a company’s registered address can be complex, but with the guidance above, it can simplify the whole process. The process must comply with legal requirements, such as the address should be in the same physical location as the company, and Companies House should be notified within 14 days after the change.

If you have registered a UK company with BusinAssist or want to use one of their UK virtual address as your company’s registered address, BusinAssist can help you change the address to Companies House. You can choose from any of the UK virtual office locations they provide to register your company or use the address for trading purposes.

For more information on how to change a company’s registered address, contact us at [email protected].

FAQs

Q: How do I find the registered address of a company?
Ans: You can search the Companies House register using the company’s name or registration number on the GOV.UK website.

Q: Can you register a company at a rented address?
Ans: You can register a company at a rented address, such as a virtual office address. UK virtual office addresses are rented and are used by the company as long as their status is active.

Q: Can you register a company at your home address?
Ans: While you can register a company at your home address, it may bring privacy concerns to your home and family. The registered address is made available at the public records, meaning everybody will be able to access the address, leading to unsolicited visitors and junk mail. To secure your home address, you can consider using a London virtual address.

Q: Can I register a company without an address​?
Ans: No, a registered address is a legal requirement for a company to be registered.

Q: Why would a company change its registered address?
Ans: A company may change its registered address due to various reasons, such as:

1. Change of location
2. Merging or acquiring a new business
3. Privacy concerns
4. To use professional mail handling services

Q: How many companies can be registered at one address?
Ans: There is no limit as to how many companies can be registered at one address. However, if you are using a professional service such as a virtual office, the service provider may put a limit on how many companies can be registered at their virtual address.

Read Also:

• Registered Office Address in London, UK: A Guide for Your Business Needs
• Updates: Changes in Companies House Requirements for a Registered Office Address
• Can a Virtual Office Address Be Used as a Registered Office Address?
• Northern Ireland: The Strategic Virtual Office Hub for UK and EU Businesses
• Someone Has Registered a Company at My Address in the UK – Understanding Your Rights
• Understanding Your Rights: What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Issue a P45