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Change a Company Name UK: Process & Rules (2025)

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Part ofCompanies House Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
Renaming a limited company is one of those decisions that feels bigger than it actually is on paper. The legal mechanics are well defined, the filing at Companies House is straightforward, and most name changes can be completed within a few working days. What takes longer is everything wrapped around the legal step: updating stationery, websites, bank records, contracts, domain names and how customers recognise you. Whether you are rebranding after a merger, moving away from a founder's personal name, pivoting into a new market, or simply outgrowing an old identity, the process is the same. This guide walks through how a name change works under the Companies Act 2006, what directors and shareholders need to agree, what gets filed, when the new name takes legal effect, and the practical housekeeping that follows. I have also set out the common pitfalls I see business owners run into.

Overview

A company name change is the formal process of replacing the registered name held at Companies House with a new one, while keeping the same company number, history, contracts and legal identity intact. The underlying legal entity does not change.

It is the same company, the same directors, the same shareholders, the same bank account and the same tax registrations. Only the name on the public register moves. The process is governed by sections 77 to 81 of the Companies Act 2006. In most cases the change happens by special resolution of the shareholders, though a company's articles of association can set out an alternative route, such as a board resolution.

Once Companies House processes the filing and issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name, the new name takes legal effect. Crucially, section 81 confirms that rights and obligations already held by the company carry over unaffected. Contracts signed under the old name remain valid and enforceable.

Key steps

  1. Check the proposed name is available and lawful. Before anything else, search the Companies House register and the trade mark register to confirm your chosen name is not already taken or too similar to an existing business. You also need to check the restricted and sensitive words list on gov.uk, as certain terms (like 'Royal', 'Bank' or 'Chartered') need permission before they can be used.
  2. Decide the route: special resolution or articles-based. The default route under section 77 is a special resolution passed by shareholders, which needs at least 75% approval of those voting. Check your articles first, as they may allow the directors to change the name by board resolution, which is quicker and avoids a shareholder vote. The route you use changes which form you file.
  3. Hold the meeting or circulate a written resolution. If you need shareholder approval, either convene a general meeting with proper notice or circulate a written resolution for signature. Keep clear records of the resolution passed, including the date and the exact wording of the new name. This document forms part of the company's statutory records and must be retained.
  4. File form NM01 (or NM04) with Companies House. Submit the appropriate change of name form along with a copy of the resolution and the filing fee. NM01 is used for a change by special resolution, while other forms cover changes made under articles or by court or adjudicator direction. Filings can usually be made online for faster processing.
  5. Update everything else once the certificate issues. The name change is only legally effective from the date shown on the new certificate of incorporation on change of name. After that, update your website, invoices, email signatures, signage, bank, HMRC records, insurance, contracts register, domain names, social media handles and anywhere else the old name appears. Under the Companies Act you must display the new name at your registered office and on business correspondence.

Common questions

Q How long does it take to change a company name?
Online filings are typically processed by Companies House within a few working days, and sometimes the same day if submitted early. Paper filings take longer. The legal change only takes effect once the new certificate of incorporation on change of name is issued, not on the date the resolution is passed. Plan your rebrand launch around the certificate date rather than the filing date to avoid using a name that is not yet registered.
Q Does changing the company name affect existing contracts?
No. Section 81 of the Companies Act 2006 confirms that a name change does not affect the rights or obligations of the company, and legal proceedings can continue under either the old or new name. That said, it is sensible to notify key counterparties, suppliers and customers in writing, and to reference the old name in future contracts for a transitional period to avoid confusion.
Q Do I need shareholder approval to change the name?
Usually yes. The default position under section 77 is a special resolution, requiring at least 75% of the votes cast. However, your articles of association may provide an alternative method, such as allowing directors to change the name by board resolution alone. Check your articles before assuming a shareholder vote is required. Many newer companies have flexible provisions on this point.
Q Can Companies House reject my chosen name?
Yes. Names that are identical or very similar to an existing registered name will be refused, as will names containing sensitive or restricted words without the required approval. Names that suggest a connection with government or public authorities, or that are considered offensive, are also blocked. Running a name availability check on the Companies House register before filing saves time and filing fees.
Q What happens to the company number when the name changes?
Nothing. The company number is permanent and stays with the legal entity for its entire life. Only the registered name changes. This is why section 81 protects existing rights and liabilities: it is the same company throughout. When updating records with banks, HMRC and suppliers, the company number is the reliable identifier to quote so there is no confusion between old and new names.
Q Is there a filing fee for changing a company name?
Yes, Companies House charges a filing fee for a name change, with online filings typically cheaper than paper submissions. Same-day services cost more. Fees change from time to time, so check the current amounts on gov.uk before you file. The fee is separate from any professional costs you incur preparing the resolution or handling rebranding work around the legal change itself.
Q Can I trade under a different name without formally changing it?
Yes. A company can use a business or trading name that differs from its registered name, as long as the registered name and company number still appear on invoices, letters, the website and at the registered office. Many companies operate multiple trading names this way. If you want the registered name itself changed on the public register, however, you need to follow the formal process.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.