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PSC04 Form UK: Change PSC Details at Companies House

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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
If your company has a person with significant control (PSC) and their recorded details have changed, you need to tell Companies House using form PSC04. This covers things like a new service address, a change of name, or updated nationality. The requirement sits in the Companies Act 2006 and the rules that underpin the PSC regime, and the clock starts ticking from the moment the company becomes aware of the change. Getting this right keeps your public record accurate and your company on the right side of its filing duties. On this page I walk through what PSC04 is for, when you need to use it, how the filing process works in practice, and the common pitfalls I see trip people up. If you would rather talk it through with someone before filing, you can book a call at the bottom of this page.

What this document is

Form PSC04 is the notice a UK company files at Companies House to update the registered particulars of an individual who is a person with significant control. A PSC is generally someone who holds more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board, or otherwise exercises significant influence or control over the company.

Once a PSC is on your register, their details must be kept current both internally (on the company's own PSC register, where still maintained) and at Companies House. PSC04 is the route for reflecting changes to that individual's information, for example a change of name, a move of service address, or a change in nationality.

It is not the form for removing someone as a PSC, for adding a new PSC, or for reporting a change in the nature of control they exercise, those sit on different PSC forms. The underlying duty to notify comes from Part 21A of the Companies Act 2006, introduced by the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm the change qualifies for PSC04. Check that what has changed is an individual PSC's personal particulars, such as their name, service address, or nationality. If the change is about the level or nature of control, or the person has ceased to be a PSC, a different form is needed. PSC04 is specifically for updating existing individual PSC details.
  2. Update your internal records first. Before filing anything externally, make sure your company records reflect the new information accurately. Cross-check the spelling of names, the full service address, and any supporting documentation the PSC has given you. Filing an inaccurate PSC04 can create more work later and may raise questions at Companies House about the integrity of your filings.
  3. Note the effective date of the change. PSC04 asks for the date the change actually took effect, not the date you are filing. This matters because the statutory notification window runs from when the company becomes aware of the change, so keep a clear internal note of when you were informed and by whom, in case you need to evidence it later.
  4. File with Companies House within the statutory window. Submit the form online through the Companies House WebFiling service, or by post using the paper PSC04. Online filing is generally faster and reduces the risk of rejection for minor formatting issues. There is currently no fee for filing PSC04, but check gov.uk for the current position before you submit.
  5. Keep evidence of filing. Save the submission confirmation, reference number, and a copy of the completed form. If a question ever arises about when the change was reported, this paper trail is your protection. It also makes your next confirmation statement simpler, because the PSC information on the public register will already match what you hold internally.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q When must PSC04 be filed after a change occurs?
The company must update its own records promptly once it becomes aware of the change, and then notify Companies House within the statutory timeframe set out in the PSC rules. In practice this means filing without delay, not leaving it until the next confirmation statement. Late or missing filings can put the company and its officers in breach of the Companies Act 2006.
Q What kinds of changes does PSC04 cover?
PSC04 is used for changes to the recorded particulars of an individual PSC, for example a change of name, a new service address, or an updated nationality. It is not the correct form for adding a new PSC, removing someone who is no longer a PSC, or reporting a change in the nature of their control. Those changes are handled on separate PSC forms.
Q Is there a fee for filing PSC04?
At the time of writing, Companies House does not charge a fee for filing PSC04, whether online or by post. Fees and filing rules can change, so check gov.uk for the current position before you submit. The absence of a fee does not reduce the importance of filing on time, the statutory duty still applies.
Q What happens if the company fails to file PSC04?
Failing to keep PSC information up to date can amount to an offence under the Companies Act 2006. Both the company and its officers can face financial penalties, and in serious cases criminal liability. Beyond the legal exposure, an out-of-date public record can cause problems with banks, investors, and anyone carrying out due diligence on the company.
Q Can PSC04 be filed online?
Yes. Most companies file PSC04 through the Companies House WebFiling service using their authentication code. Online submission is usually quicker, gives an immediate confirmation, and reduces the chance of rejection for simple errors. A paper version is available if online filing is not practical, but you should allow extra time for postal processing.
Q Does the PSC need to be told that PSC04 has been filed?
There is no specific statutory requirement to send a copy of PSC04 to the PSC, but in practice it is good governance to keep them informed. The PSC has their own duty to notify the company of changes to their particulars, so a short confirmation that the update has been filed closes the loop and avoids confusion later.
Q What is the difference between PSC04 and the confirmation statement?
The confirmation statement is an annual snapshot confirming that the information Companies House holds is correct. PSC04 is an event-driven filing used between confirmation statements when a PSC's details change. You should not wait until your next confirmation statement to report a PSC change, the notification duty is separate and time-bound.
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.