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NM03 Form UK: Confirm Company Name Change (2026)

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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
Changing a company's name is not simply a case of picking something new and updating the letterhead. Where the change depends on conditions being met, such as approval by a particular person, a regulator, or the fulfilment of a contractual requirement, Companies House needs confirmation that those conditions have actually been satisfied. That is where Form NM03 comes in. It tells the registrar that the resolution authorising the new name has taken full effect and the change can now be recorded on the public register. Getting this right matters because until the filing is accepted, the company continues to trade under its old name in law, even if everyone internally has already moved on. This page walks through what the form does, when you need it, and what to have ready before you file.

What this document is

Form NM03 is a Companies House filing used to confirm that a conditional resolution to change a company's name has been satisfied. Under the Companies Act 2006, a company can change its name by special resolution, by means specified in its articles, or through certain other routes.

Sometimes that resolution is conditional, for example it only takes effect once a third party consents, a regulator approves, or a specific event occurs. In those cases, the new name cannot be registered until the registrar receives written confirmation that the condition has been met.

That confirmation is delivered on Form NM03. The form sets out the company's registered number, the existing registered name, the proposed new name, the date the condition was satisfied, and a signature from a director, secretary, or other authorised person.

Companies House will then issue a new certificate of incorporation on change of name, and the new name becomes legally effective from the date on that certificate.

How to use this document

  1. Check whether NM03 is the right form. Not every name change needs Form NM03. If the resolution was unconditional, you will normally use Form NM01 for a change by special resolution or NM04 for a change by means provided in the articles. NM03 is specifically for confirming that a condition attached to an earlier resolution has now been met.
  2. Gather the underlying paperwork. Before filing, make sure you have the original resolution authorising the conditional name change, evidence that the condition has actually been satisfied, and any supporting documents such as board minutes or third party consent letters. Companies House may not ask to see all of this, but you should be able to produce it if queried.
  3. Complete the form accurately. Fill in the company's registered number exactly as shown on the register, the current registered name, and the new name in the precise form you want it recorded. Include the date the condition was satisfied and check that the signatory has authority to sign on behalf of the company. Small inconsistencies are a common reason for rejection.
  4. Pay the filing fee. A fee is payable when filing a change of name, and the amount depends on whether you file online or by post and whether you need same-day service. Check gov.uk for the current amount before you submit, as fees are reviewed from time to time.
  5. File with Companies House and wait for the certificate. Submit the completed form with payment. Once accepted, the registrar issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. The new name only takes legal effect from the date on that certificate, so do not update contracts, signage, or bank details until it arrives.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q When do I need Form NM03 rather than NM01 or NM04?
Form NM03 is used only where a resolution to change the name was conditional on something happening, such as regulatory approval or a third party's consent. NM01 covers an unconditional change by special resolution, and NM04 covers a change made using a process set out in the company's articles. If your resolution took effect immediately with no strings attached, NM03 is not the right form.
Q When does the new company name actually take effect?
The new name becomes legally effective from the date on the certificate of incorporation on change of name issued by Companies House, not from the date the resolution was passed or the condition was satisfied. Until that certificate is issued, the company remains registered under its existing name and should continue to contract and trade using that name to avoid confusion or disputes.
Q Who can sign Form NM03?
The form must be signed by a person authorised to act on behalf of the company. In practice this is usually a director or the company secretary, but it can also be another authorised officer where the articles or a board resolution permit it. The signatory should be able to confirm they have the authority to make the filing if asked.
Q Is there a fee for filing NM03?
Yes, Companies House charges a fee to register a change of name, and the amount varies depending on whether you file online or by post and whether you want the change processed on a same-day basis. Check gov.uk for the current amount before submitting, because fees are updated periodically and filing with the wrong payment can delay registration.
Q Can Companies House refuse a name change?
Yes. The registrar can refuse a new name if it is the same as or too similar to an existing registered name, contains sensitive or restricted words without the necessary approval, or is considered offensive. It is worth running a name availability check before passing the resolution, so you do not end up satisfying a condition only to have the name rejected at the filing stage.
Q What happens if the condition is never satisfied?
If the condition attached to the resolution is never met, the name change simply does not take effect, and no NM03 should be filed. The company continues under its existing name. If circumstances have changed and the company wants a different outcome, the directors may need to pass a fresh resolution, either unconditional or with revised conditions, and file the appropriate form.
Q Do I need to update anything else after the name change?
Yes, quite a lot. Once the new certificate is issued, you should update business stationery, websites, signage, contracts, bank accounts, insurance policies, HMRC records, and any licences or registrations held in the company name. The company's registered number stays the same, which makes continuity easier, but overlooking updates can cause practical problems with suppliers, customers, and regulators.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

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.