How to Change Your Company Name in the UK: Companies House, NM01 and Costs
To change your company name in the UK, choose an acceptable new name, obtain the required company approval, and register the change with Companies House. Form NM01 applies when a company changes its name by resolution. Changing the registered name does not create a new company. The company keeps the same registration number and remains the same legal entity. Its existing contracts, assets, debts, rights and obligations continue.
Companies may change their names because of a rebrand, expansion, new ownership or a change in business activities. A company may also want its registered name to match the brand its customers already recognise. The process is usually straightforward. However, the proposed name must comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Companies House naming rules.
The company must also follow the correct approval procedure. In many cases, shareholders approve the change through a special resolution before the company files the change with Companies House. This guide explains how to change your company name, when to use Form NM01, current Companies House fees, and what to update after the new name is registered.
How Do You Change a Company Name in the UK?
You can change a UK company name by checking the proposed name, approving the change, filing it with Companies House, and updating your business records.
The main process involves 4 steps:
- Check that the new company name is acceptable.
- Obtain the required shareholder or company approval.
- Register the change with Companies House.
- Update business, financial and legal records.
The exact Companies House filing depends on how the company approves the new name. A special resolution normally leads to a name change filing under Form NM01. A company using a method contained in its articles of association may instead need Form NM04. The new legal name does not take effect when shareholders approve it. It takes effect when Companies House registers the change.
What Company Name Rules Must You Check Before Applying?
Your proposed company name must comply with Companies House naming rules before it can be registered. Start by searching the Companies House register. The proposed name must not normally be the same as another name already appearing on the index of company names.
Certain minor differences between names are ignored when Companies House applies the same-as rules. A company may also face an objection if its new name is considered too like an existing registered name. Companies House applies several other restrictions.
A company name must not:
- be offensive
- contain characters or symbols that Companies House does not permit
- contain computer code
- include words that would constitute an offence
- be intended to facilitate fraud
- falsely suggest a connection with a foreign government
- falsely suggest a connection with certain international organisations
Some sensitive words and expressions require approval before they can form part of a company name. Restrictions can also apply where a name suggests a connection with:
- the UK government
- a devolved administration
- a local authority
- a specified public authority
- a regulated profession or activity
A private company limited by shares normally uses Limited or Ltd at the end of its registered name. Welsh companies may use permitted Welsh equivalents. Checking the Companies House register is only the first stage. You should also search the UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark register before investing in the proposed brand. Registration at Companies House does not automatically give a company trade mark rights. A name can therefore be available at Companies House while still creating a potential trade mark dispute. Check relevant domain names and social media usernames at the same time. This can help you build a consistent brand after the legal name changes.
How Do You Approve a Company Name Change by Special Resolution?
A company commonly changes its registered name by passing a special resolution of its members. A special resolution requires at least a 75% majority. The calculation depends on how the resolution is passed. For a written resolution of a private company, members representing at least 75% of the total voting rights of eligible members must approve it. At a meeting, the Companies Act 2006 contains specific rules for calculating the 75% majority depending on whether the vote takes place by a show of hands or a poll. The company should therefore consider voting rights rather than simply counting the number of shareholders.
For example, 3 shareholders may hold different numbers of voting shares. One shareholder could therefore control a greater percentage of the vote than the other 2 shareholders combined. A private company can usually pass a written special resolution without holding a physical shareholder meeting. The resolution must clearly state that it is proposed as a special resolution. Companies should also review their articles of association before proceeding.
The articles may contain a separate method for changing the company’s name. A copy of a special resolution must normally be delivered to Companies House within 15 days after it is passed. Keep the signed or approved resolution with the company’s statutory records.
What Is Form NM01?
Form NM01 is the Companies House form used to give notice of an unconditional company name change made by resolution. It is commonly used when shareholders approve the new company name through a special resolution.
The paper NM01 filing includes details such as:
- the company number
- existing company name
- proposed new company name
- date of the resolution
- appropriate authentication
A copy of the relevant resolution must accompany a paper NM01 application. Eligible companies can also submit a company name change made by special resolution through the Companies House online service. The online process is generally faster and cheaper than submitting the paper NM01 form.NM01 should not be used simply because a company wants a new name.The company must first have properly authorised the change.
When Should You Use Form NM04 Instead of NM01?
Use Form NM04 where the company changes its name through a method provided in its articles of association rather than by resolution.NM01 and NM04 therefore apply to different methods of authorising a company name change.
The distinction is:
- NM01 — change of name by resolution
- NM04 — change of name by a method provided for in the articles
Check the company’s articles before deciding which route applies. Using the wrong filing method can delay registration of the new name. For many ordinary private limited companies, a special resolution followed by the NM01 process remains the most familiar route.
How Do You File a Company Name Change With Companies House?
File the company name change with Companies House after the company has properly approved the new name. Companies House provides an online filing service for eligible name changes made by special resolution. The company can also submit a paper NM01 where the change has been approved by resolution.
For a paper application, include the required resolution and filing fee. Where the company relies on a name-change procedure contained within its articles, the relevant NM04 procedure applies instead.
Companies House checks the application and proposed name before registering the change. Shareholder approval alone does not change the company’s legal name. The change becomes legally effective only after Companies House registers the new name.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Company Name?
Companies House currently charges £20 for a standard online company name change by special resolution.
As of September 2026, the Companies House fees are:
- Online change of name — £20
- Paper change of name — £30
- Same-day change of name — £85
These are Companies House filing fees. They do not include other potential costs associated with the change.
Additional costs could include:
- professional assistance
- trade mark registration
- new domain names
- website changes
- new signage
- printed stationery
- logo redesign
- wider rebranding work
A company making only a legal name change may have few additional costs. A business completing a full rebrand could spend considerably more. Companies House fees can change, so check the current fee before submitting an application.
How Long Does a Company Name Change Take?
Most online Companies House filings are processed within 24 hours, although actual processing times can vary. Companies House states that it aims to process most online filings within 24 hours. Paper documents sent by post can take a week or more to process. A same-day company name change service is also available for eligible applications. The complete rebranding process can take longer than the Companies House registration.
For example, banks, insurers and payment providers may have their own processing times. Companies should therefore prepare important post-change updates before their intended rebranding date.
This can include:
- website changes
- customer notices
- invoice templates
- email signatures
- banking documentation
- payment provider accounts
- insurance records
Preparing these items in advance can make the transition smoother.
Do You Get a New Certificate of Incorporation After Changing the Name?
A new company name becomes legally effective when Companies House registers the change. Passing the shareholder resolution does not immediately change the registered name. Companies House must first accept and register the application.It then issues an altered certificate of incorporation showing the new company name. The effective date appears on the certificate. The company should normally begin using its new name as its registered legal name from that date. Branding and other materials can be prepared before registration, but the company should avoid presenting the proposed name as its registered legal name before the change becomes effective.
Do You Get a New Certificate of Incorporation After Changing the Name?
Yes. Companies House issues an altered certificate of incorporation when it registers the new company name.
The certificate confirms:
- the new registered company name
- the existing company registration number
- the effective date of the name change
The certificate does not mean that another company has been incorporated. The existing company continues under its new name. Keep the altered certificate with the company’s important statutory documents. Banks, finance providers, insurers and other organisations may request a copy before updating their records.
Does Changing a Company Name Create a New Company?
No. Changing a registered company name does not create a new legal entity. The company keeps its existing company registration number.
Its existing:
- contracts
- assets
- liabilities
- debts
- rights
- obligations
continue after the name change.
Changing the company name does not allow the company to escape existing liabilities. It also does not terminate existing contracts simply because the name appearing on them is different. Existing legal proceedings involving the company can also continue after the change. The altered certificate of incorporation therefore records a change of name rather than the incorporation of another company.
What Should You Update After Changing Your Company Name?
Update all important business records that still show the company’s previous registered name. Start with records that affect everyday financial and legal transactions.
Review:
- business bank accounts
- payment processors
- finance providers
- insurance policies
- contracts
- invoices
- quotations
- purchase orders
- company stationery
- email signatures
- website information
- social media profiles
- online business listings
A wider rebrand may also involve changes to:
- logos
- marketing materials
- packaging
- signage
- domain names
- advertising campaigns
Tell important customers and suppliers about the new name. Where appropriate, explain that only the registered company name has changed. The company number and underlying legal entity remain the same. This can reduce confusion over invoices, payments and existing contracts.
Do You Need to Tell HMRC About a Company Name Change?
Companies House normally tells HMRC about the name change where the company has a Company Registration Number.HMRC states that the new company name should appear in the company’s business tax account within 15 days. Check the business tax account after the change to confirm that the new name appears correctly. Different procedures can apply in other circumstances.
For example:
- Businesses registered for Self Assessment may need to contact the Self Assessment team
- Overseas businesses may need to contact HMRC directly
Changing a registered company name should not be confused with changing other tax details. Separate HMRC reporting requirements may apply when other information changes.
What Should You Update After Changing Your Company Name?
You do not need to change your website domain simply because the company’s registered name changes. A company can continue using an existing domain where it remains suitable for the business. Changing an established domain should be planned carefully.
An established website may already have:
- search engine rankings
- backlinks
- indexed pages
- branded searches
- customer bookmarks
- referral traffic
An unplanned domain migration can reduce organic search performance. If the wider rebrand requires a new domain, create a proper SEO migration plan. This can include page-to-page redirects, internal link updates, sitemap changes and updates to important external profiles. The website should also display the company’s correct registered information where UK trading disclosure rules require it.
What Is the Difference Between a Company Name and a Trading Name?
Yes. A limited company can generally trade under a permitted business or trading name without changing its registered company name.
For example:
Registered company: ABC Business Services Limited
Trading name: ABC Digital
Using ABC Digital does not automatically change the company’s registered legal name. The registered company remains ABC Business Services Limited. This can provide a useful alternative where a company wants to introduce a new customer-facing brand without changing its legal identity.
However, trading names remain subject to legal restrictions. Companies should also check relevant trade marks before adopting a new business name. The company’s registered legal name must continue to appear on documents, websites and communications where company disclosure rules require it.
What Is the Difference Between a Company Name and a Trading Name?
A company name identifies the registered legal entity, while a trading name is a name the business uses commercially. Companies House registers the company’s legal name. A trading name does not normally become the registered company name unless the company formally completes a name change.
A company name is the legal name registered with Companies House, while a trading name is the name a business uses commercially.
| Feature | Company Name | Trading Name |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The company’s official legal name | A name used to trade or market the business |
| Registered with Companies House | Yes | No |
| Identifies the legal entity | Yes | No |
| Company number attached | Yes | No separate company number |
| Can differ from the brand name | Yes | Yes |
| Requires NM01 to change | Usually changed by resolution | No |
| Used on formal company records | Yes | The legal company name may still need to appear |
| Trade mark protection automatic | No | No |
| Example | Greenfield Consulting Limited | Greenfield Digital |
A company can therefore keep its registered company name while operating under a different trading name. However, the trading name must comply with UK business-name rules, and the correct registered company details must still appear where legally required.
For example, a company may be registered as:
Greenfield Consulting Limited
but trade as:
Greenfield Digital
Contracts and formal company information must still identify the correct legal entity where required. A trading name also does not automatically receive trade mark protection. Companies should therefore consider both company-name rules and intellectual property rights before adopting a new brand.
Can a Sole Trader Change Their Business Name?
Yes. A sole trader can change their trading name without filing NM01 with Companies House. A sole trader is not a limited company. There is therefore no registered company name to change through NM01. The new trading name must still comply with applicable business naming rules.
A sole trader should also consider:
- existing trade marks
- domain availability
- banking details
- HMRC records
- invoices
- contracts
- website details
- customer communications
The sole trader remains personally responsible for the business after changing its trading name.
When Should You Consider Changing Your Company Name?
Companies usually change their names to better reflect their brand, ownership, market or business activities.
Common reasons include:
- rebranding the business
- expanding into new services
- entering new markets
- removing a restrictive geographical name
- aligning the legal name with an existing trading brand
- changing ownership
- completing a merger or group reorganisation
- improving brand recognition
- replacing an outdated name
For example, a company formed to provide one service may later expand into several sectors. Its original name may then become too narrow. A broader company name can better reflect its current commercial activities.
When Should You Consider Changing Your Company Name?
Consider a company name change when the existing registered name creates a genuine branding, commercial or organisational problem.
A name change may make sense where:
- the business has significantly changed direction
- customers already know the company by another brand
- the current name limits expansion
- ownership has changed
- the company is completing a wider rebrand
Consider the value attached to the existing name before changing it.
An established name may have:
- customer recognition
- search visibility
- reviews
- backlinks
- brand authority
- long-term supplier relationships
Changing the name without a clear business reason can weaken these advantages. A legal company name change is not always necessary. Using a permitted trading name may provide a simpler solution where only the customer-facing brand needs to change.
Is It Better to Change the Company Name or Register a New Company?
Changing the name is usually more suitable when you want a new identity but intend to continue operating through the same legal company.
The existing company retains its:
- company number
- contracts
- assets
- liabilities
- tax history
- corporate records
Registering another company creates a separate legal entity. The new company receives its own company registration number and has separate legal rights and obligations. Starting a new company may be appropriate where owners genuinely want a separate legal structure.It should not normally be treated as a substitute for a straightforward rebrand. Consider legal, tax, banking, employment, and contractual consequences before transferring activities to another company.
What Are the Most Common Company Name Change Mistakes?
The most common mistakes are choosing a name without enough research, using the wrong filing process, and failing to update records afterwards.
Choosing a Name Without Checking Trade Marks
Companies House registration does not guarantee that the company can safely use the name as a brand. Search the UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark register before committing to the new identity.
Ignoring Companies House Name Restrictions
A proposed name may require additional approval or may not be registrable. Check sensitive words, government connections, restricted expressions and other naming rules before passing the resolution.
Using the Wrong Companies House Form
Use the filing route that matches the way the company authorised the change.NM01 applies to a change by resolution.NM04 applies where the name is changed through a method provided in the company’s articles.
Forgetting the Special Resolution Filing Requirement
A special resolution must normally be delivered to Companies House within 15 days after it is passed. Maintain a copy with the company’s records as well.
Treating the Resolution Date as the Name Change Date
Passing a resolution does not itself complete the legal name change. The new name becomes effective when Companies House registers it.
Forgetting to Update Business Records
Review banks, insurers, contracts, invoices, payment providers, websites and customer communications after registration. Inconsistent company names can create unnecessary problems with payments and verification checks.
Conclusion
Changing a UK company name requires the correct company approval followed by registration with Companies House. Start by checking the proposed name against Companies House naming rules and existing trade marks. Next, determine how the company will authorise the change. Many companies use a special resolution. Form NM01 applies when an unconditional company name change is made by resolution. A different process applies where the company’s articles provide the authority for the change. The company must also comply with the rules for filing its special resolution.
The new legal name takes effect only when Companies House registers it and issues an altered certificate of incorporation. The company itself does not change. Its company registration number, assets, liabilities, contracts, rights and obligations continue under the new name.
After registration, update financial records, contracts, invoices, websites, insurance, banking information and customer communications where necessary. A well-planned company name change allows a business to introduce a new identity while maintaining the legal continuity of the existing company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change My Company Name Online With Companies House?
Yes. Eligible UK companies can change their registered name online through Companies House after the change has been properly approved. A company using a special resolution can normally submit the name change electronically. Companies House checks the proposed name before registration. The new name becomes legally effective only when Companies House registers the change and issues an altered certificate of incorporation.
Does a Company Name Change Affect the Company UTR or VAT Number?
Changing a limited company’s registered name does not normally create a new UTR, VAT number or company registration number. The legal entity remains the same after the name change. However, businesses should check that HMRC, VAT records, PAYE records, banks and other official accounts display the updated company name after Companies House registers the change.
Do Contracts Need to Be Signed Again After a Company Name Change?
Existing contracts do not normally need to be signed again solely because a company changes its registered name. The company remains the same legal entity, with the same company number, rights and contractual obligations. However, the business should inform important customers, suppliers, lenders and other parties about the change and use the new registered name on future documents.
Can Companies House Reject a New Company Name?
Yes. Companies House can reject a proposed company name if it does not meet UK company naming requirements. Problems can include a name being the same as an existing registered name, containing prohibited characters or using sensitive words without permission. Companies should check Companies House naming rules and the UK trade mark register before approving and filing a new name.