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CH03 Form UK: Change Secretary 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
When a company secretary's personal details shift, whether that's a new service address, a change of name after marriage, or a correction to a title, Companies House needs to be told. The form that handles this for an individual secretary is CH03. It's one of the more straightforward filings a company can make, but getting the details wrong (or filing late) can create a paper trail that's messy to untangle later. On this page I walk through when CH03 is the right form, what goes on it, and the practical points that trip people up. If you're weighing up whether your situation actually calls for CH03 or a different filing, you can book a call with an experienced legal adviser at the bottom of this page.

What this document is

Form CH03 is the Companies House paper filing used to notify a change in the particulars of an individual who holds the position of company secretary. It covers things like a change of name, a new service address, or a correction to previously filed details.

It does not appoint a new secretary (that's form AP03) and it does not record a resignation (that's form TM02). It also cannot be used for a corporate secretary, a company or firm acting as secretary, because a separate form (CH04) exists for that purpose.

CH03 is typically filed on paper, though most changes of this kind can also be made online through the Companies House WebFiling service, which tends to be faster and reduces the risk of rejection for handwriting or formatting issues. Whichever route you choose, the filing needs to be signed by someone authorised to do so, such as a director or the secretary themselves.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm CH03 is the right form. Before filling anything in, check that you're updating the details of an existing individual secretary rather than appointing a new one, removing one, or dealing with a corporate secretary. If the secretary is leaving, you need TM02. If you're changing a corporate secretary's details, use CH04 instead.
  2. Gather the current and new information. You'll need the company's registered number and name exactly as they appear on the Companies House register, the secretary's full current name as previously filed, and whatever new particulars you're recording. The effective date of the change also matters, and it should be the date the change actually happened, not the date you're filing.
  3. Complete the form in the correct format. Paper forms must be filled in using black ink in bold capitals, or typed. Handwritten entries in ordinary script tend to get rejected at the scanning stage. If you're using WebFiling online, the system handles formatting for you, which is one reason many company secretaries prefer the digital route.
  4. Have the form signed by someone authorised. A director, the company secretary, or another officer with authority to sign on the company's behalf must sign the form. Unsigned forms will be rejected. If you're filing online, the authentication code for the company takes the place of a wet signature.
  5. Submit to Companies House and keep a copy. Paper forms go to the Companies House office for the jurisdiction in which the company is registered (Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast). Keep a dated copy for your company's own records and, once the filing appears on the public register, check that the new details have been recorded accurately.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £149.

Common questions

Q What is the difference between CH03 and AP03?
AP03 is used to appoint a new individual as company secretary. CH03 is used only when someone who is already the secretary has a change in their recorded particulars, such as a new service address or a change of name. Using the wrong form is a common reason filings get rejected, so it's worth double-checking which situation applies before you start.
Q Can I file CH03 online instead of on paper?
Yes. Most changes to a secretary's details can be made through Companies House WebFiling, which is usually quicker than posting a paper form and avoids issues with handwriting or formatting. You'll need the company's authentication code to file online. Paper filing using CH03 remains available if you prefer it or if online filing isn't suitable for your circumstances.
Q Is there a filing fee for CH03?
Filing a change of secretary's details is generally free at Companies House, whether on paper or online. Fees can change, so it's sensible to check gov.uk for the current position before filing. Third party formation agents or accountants may charge their own fee for preparing and submitting the form on your behalf.
Q How long do I have to notify Companies House of the change?
Companies must notify Companies House of changes to officers' particulars within a set period after the change takes effect. Late filings can lead to questions about the company's compliance record, even where no formal penalty applies. As a rule, it's good practice to file promptly once the change has happened rather than letting it drift.
Q Do I need to use CH03 if the secretary is resigning?
No. A resignation or termination is handled on form TM02, not CH03. CH03 only updates the details of a secretary who is continuing in the role. If someone is leaving and being replaced, you'll need TM02 to record the departure and AP03 to record the appointment of the replacement.
Q What happens if I file the form incorrectly?
Companies House will usually reject a form that's incomplete, unsigned, or filled in the wrong format. You'll need to correct the errors and resubmit, which can delay the change being recorded on the public register. Common issues include forgetting to sign, missing the effective date, or writing entries in ordinary handwriting rather than bold capitals.
Q Can a director sign CH03 on behalf of the secretary?
Yes. The form can be signed by any officer authorised to sign on the company's behalf, which typically includes directors. It doesn't have to be signed by the secretary whose details are being updated, although they can sign it themselves if they wish. For online filings, the company authentication code replaces the signature.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £149.

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.