At some point in their operational timeline most businesses, for various reasons that we’ll discuss, will need to change their registered office address. Unfortunately it’s not quite as simple as just changing the letterhead on your outgoing mail. 

It can affect a few important aspects of your business comms, so you need to clearly understand the ramifications and the checklist of essential actions to avoid any potential complications or disruption.

What is a registered office address?

A registered office address is the official address of your limited company. It's the address where important legal and official documents, such as tax returns and notices from Companies House, are sent. This address must be a physical address within the UK and cannot be a PO Box. We’d recommend reviewing our article on the requirements of a registered office for more information.

Why change your registered office address?

There are several reasons why you might need to change your company's registered office address:

• Relocation: If your business moves to a new location, you'll need to update your registered office address to reflect this change.
• Change of business premises: Even if your business remains at the same location, you might need to change your registered office address if you move to different premises within the same building.
• Privacy concerns: Some business owners may choose to use a different address as their registered office address to maintain privacy and avoid unwanted correspondence at their primary business location.

How to change your company's registered office address - step-by-step  

Let’s get right into it by listing the exact actions you need to take and the order in which you need to take them. Follow this guide to  make the process as easy as possible.

Step 1: Check your company's constitution

Before you start the process of changing your registered office address, it's important to check your company's constitution (memorandums of understanding and articles of association). 

This document outlines the rules and procedures for your company, including any specific requirements for changing the registered office address. If you're unsure about any of the requirements or the process, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional.

Step 2: Choose a new address

When selecting a new registered office address, keep the following in mind:

• Physical address: The address must be a physical address within the UK.
• No PO boxes: PO Boxes are not acceptable as registered office addresses.
• Residential address: A residential address can be used as a registered office address.

Ensure that the new address is suitable for receiving important legal and official documents.

Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents

To change your registered office address, you'll need to complete and file Form AD01 with Companies House. This form is specifically designed to notify Companies House of a change of registered office address.

In addition to Form AD01, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a lease agreement or consent from the property owner, to verify the new address.

Step 4: How to complete Form AD01

Follow these steps to complete Form AD01:

1. Company details: Fill in your company's name, company number, and current registered office address.
2. New registered office address: Enter the full address of your new registered office.
3. Director's signature: A director of the company must sign the form.
4. Filing fee payment: You'll need to pay a fee to file Form AD. You can pay online or by cheque.

Step 5: File Form AD01

You can file Form AD01 with Companies House in two ways:

1. Online Filing: This is the quickest and easiest way to file. You can file online through the Companies House website.
2. Paper Filing: You can also file Form AD by post. However, this method may take longer to process.

Online filing is generally recommended as it offers faster processing times and reduces the risk of errors.
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Additional points to note:

Updating Your Records: 

Once you've successfully changed your registered office address with Companies House, it's important to update your records with other organisations.

This includes:

• Bank: Notify your bank of the address change to ensure smooth transactions.
• HMRC: Inform HMRC of the address change, especially if it affects your VAT registration or corporation tax returns.
• Insurance Providers: Update your insurance providers with your new address to avoid any potential issues with claims or policy renewals.
• Utility Companies: Notify your utility providers (e.g., electricity, gas, water) of the address change to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Other Relevant Organisations: Update any other organisations that need to know your company's address, such as suppliers, customers, or business partners.

Privacy Concerns:

If you're concerned about privacy, you may want to consider using a different address as your registered office address. However, it's important to ensure that the address you choose is suitable for receiving legal and official documents.

Seeking Professional Help

If you're unsure about any aspect of the process of changing your registered office address, it's advisable to seek professional help. A company formation agent or accountant can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process.

Use our guide for a smart business move 

They say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, but that needn’t be the case with changing your company's registered office address. As long as you follow the correct steps to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Implementing the actions outlined in each step of this guide and addressing the additional considerations, is the most efficient way to update your company's registered office address without creating any unwanted legal and administrative issues.

If you encounter any difficulties or have any doubts, reach out to us at Crunch for professional advice from a company formation agent or accountant.

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