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Written by Brad Askew
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Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
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Updated April 2026 · England & Wales
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Companies House
BA
Written by Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
Updated May 2026
·
England & Wales
Renaming a limited company sounds like a small administrative job, but there's a bit more to it than picking something you like and telling Companies House. Form NM01 is the route most directors take when the name change is being approved by a members' resolution rather than through a provision baked into the articles.
It sits alongside a handful of other methods, and choosing the right one matters. In this guide I'll walk through what NM01 actually does, when you'd use it, what needs to happen before you file, and the points that trip people up most often.
If you're weighing up a rebrand, responding to a trademark objection, or simply tidying up after an acquisition, the process below should give you a clear sense of what's involved before you commit.
What this document is
Form NM01 is the Companies House filing used to notify the registrar that a private or public limited company has changed its name by passing a special resolution of the members. The authority for this sits in the Companies Act 2006, which sets out the various ways a company can change its name and what has to be lodged afterwards.
NM01 is specifically the special resolution route, which is the most common method in practice. The form captures the existing registered name, the company number, and the new name the members have agreed to adopt. A copy of the special resolution itself has to accompany the filing, because the resolution is what legally effects the change.
The name change does not take effect on the date the resolution is passed. It takes effect when Companies House issues the certificate of incorporation on change of name. Until that certificate is issued, the company must continue to trade under its existing name on contracts, invoices and correspondence.
How to use this document
01
Check the proposed name is available and lawful. Search the Companies House register to make sure no one else is using the name or something too similar. Check for trademark conflicts on the IPO register. Certain words and expressions are sensitive or restricted, so confirm whether approval from a specified body is needed before you go further.
02
Pass a special resolution of the members. A name change under NM01 requires a special resolution, meaning at least 75 percent of the votes cast must be in favour. This can be done at a general meeting or by written resolution for private companies. Keep a signed copy of the resolution safely, you'll need to file it.
03
Complete Form NM01 accurately. Enter the company number, the current registered name, and the new name exactly as it will appear on the register, including any permitted punctuation or suffix such as Limited or Ltd. Mistakes here cause rejection, so double check against the resolution wording before signing.
04
Submit the form and resolution to Companies House. You can file online through the WebFiling service, which is usually quicker, or send a paper form by post. A filing fee applies and the amount differs between online and paper submissions, so check the current figure on gov.uk before paying. The special resolution must be filed within 15 days of being passed.
05
Update everything once the certificate arrives. Companies House will issue a certificate of incorporation on change of name once the filing is accepted. From that date onward, update the company website, stationery, signage, bank, contracts, HMRC records, insurance policies, domain names and any regulatory registrations. The old name has no legal standing after the certificate is issued.
Common questions
QHow long does a name change through NM01 usually take?
Online filings are often processed within a working day or two, assuming the name is available and the paperwork is in order. Paper filings take longer because of postal handling. The change only becomes legally effective when Companies House issues the certificate of incorporation on change of name, not on the date the resolution was passed.
QDo I need to change the Articles of Association when renaming the company?
Usually not. The company name is recorded on the register, not embedded in the articles, so a standard name change through NM01 does not require amended articles. The exception is if your articles contain an unusual clause tying the name to something specific, in which case you may need to update them alongside the filing.
QCan Companies House refuse a company name change?
Yes. A name can be rejected if it's the same as or very similar to an existing registered name, contains sensitive or restricted words without the necessary approval, is offensive, or suggests a connection with government or public authorities without authorisation. Running checks before filing saves time and the filing fee.
QWhat happens to existing contracts signed under the old name?
Contracts remain valid. A company's legal identity is tied to its registered number, not its name, so agreements entered into under the old name continue in force. It's still sensible to notify counterparties, customers and suppliers of the change and consider formal side letters or variations where the name appears on important documents.
QIs NM01 the only way to change a company name?
No. The Companies Act 2006 allows name changes by means other than special resolution, for example under a provision in the articles, by direction of the Secretary of State, or on change of status. Each route has its own form. NM01 is specifically for the special resolution method, which is by far the most common.
QCan I reserve a new name before passing the resolution?
Companies House does not offer a name reservation service for company name changes in the way some jurisdictions do. The practical approach is to search the register close to the date of the resolution and file promptly afterwards. Another company could theoretically register a similar name in the intervening period, so speed helps.
QWhat if my new company name infringes a trademark?
Registering a company name at Companies House does not give you trademark rights, and it doesn't protect you from an infringement claim. A trademark holder can take legal action even if Companies House accepted the registration. Always check the Intellectual Property Office register and consider professional trademark searches before committing to a new name.
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Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Brad has a background in civil and commercial law and founded LegalDocuments.co.uk to make clear, reliable legal information accessible to everyone. This site is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not solicitors. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor.
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